Bunny Talk | Common Myths About Bunnies

Bunnies are still commonly labelled as an exotic pet in most countries and while many people think they know "What's What" when it comes to Rabbits, I thought I'd sit down and bust a few Common Myths for you. 


They Make Good Starter Pets For Children
There are so many things wrong with this statement I don't even know where to begin. Rabbits do not make good starter pets. I don't really think any animal is suitable for a child anyway. Most young children are unable to grasp to concepts of responsibility and older children simply do not feel inclined. The job usually falls on parents and in most cases the Bunny is given away or neglected. Bunnies are just as much work as a Dog or Cat. They are a prey animal and will not enjoy being man handled or chased by small children.

They're A Low Maintenance Pet 

Actually it's the complete opposite. Being the proud owner of two Fluff Buns I can state they're probably one of the most high maintenance pets you could own. Their diet needs constant monitoring. Annual vet visits and booster shots. Grooming and nail clipping. You will need to Bunny Proof your cables and cords. Clean their litterbox frequently and give them lots of love.

Rabbits Are Quiet Animals

This isn't true at all. What they lack in vocal cords they make up for with bunstruction. I've been woken up numerous times to boxes being flung around and even the dining chairs being shoved. They will grunt when unimpressed with something, Tooth purr when content, Thump when angry or startled and even make a shrill squealing scream when in an extremely distressing situation.

Rabbits Can Live Off Pellets & Carrots

Bunnies don't need to be fed pellets at all. In fact they can live solely off Hay. However I spoil mine and simply couldn't do that. The pellets myth is fuelled simply by the fact that rabbit meat farmers feed stock rabbits pellets to fatten them up and this has since influenced the pet food market. You can buy pellets infused with grass and hays but be mindful to check the ingredients before you buy and always read the recommended serving.per rabbit. Rabbits first and foremost need hay. Grassy Hay. And lots of it. Around 80% of their daily food intake should consist of hay. Carrots and Fruits are simply a treat and if you are unsure of how much you should give you can always check online for recommended daily allowances of treats.

Rabbits Poop Everywhere

There is truth to this. Rabbits who live with uneducated pet owners, will poop everywhere. However if you do your research before you decide to add a Bunny to your family you will learn like any animal they can be litter trained. So many of my friends are so surprised to hear my Bunnies do their business in a litterbox. I think Rabbits really get a bad reputation when it comes to their cleanliness. Not only do my Bunnies do their business in their litterbox they take turns grooming each other while relaxing in the sun at the back door. You can either fill their litterbox sand, recyclable cardboard litter or hay. I use hay. They're very similar to cats in regards to hygiene. And no, you do not need to bath them. Like cats there is no necessary reason too unless you spilt spaghetti on them. In which case small animal pet shampoo should be used and two people should assist in bathing your bunny. One to wash and the other to keep the Bunny calm.

They're Cage Animals

This is probably the cruellest thing you can do to a Bunny. Not only are cages an awful place to keep a Bunny, some cages have wire flooring which is very harmful to Bunny feet. Keeping your Bunny outside is even worse. They're very vulnerable to the weather and can easily die if it's too hot or cold. Next outside problem is disease. Myxomatosis and Calicivirus viruses can be passed onto a rabbit by insects. Some countries have vaccines and some don't. Here in Australia we have the Vaccine for Calici but not Myxo. Both however can result in the death of your Bunny. I do say a Free Roam Bunny is a happy Bunny. My Bunnies have run of most of the house. You can let them run around outside too. Just make sure they can't escape and keep an eye on them. If you must cage them while your not at home do make sure it's a large cage with all the things they will need or could want.

Useful Links

House Rabbit Society
Bunspace
My House Rabbit
MediRabbit
The Rabbit Patch
Wildwood Bunnies
A-Z of Rabbit Safe Foods



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