Bunnies 101

As a neophyte in the rabbit world, I didn’t have many preconceived notions when it came time to be a bunny “Mom.” So here are a few lessons I’ve learned from taking on the care of Boy George and Little Leon – now “Leona”.

Poop Production

At first it may seem that the level of enjoyment of having bunnies as pets is outweighed by the sheer amount of time spent dealing with amazing amounts of poop ‘pellets”. My bunnies’ “condo” has been remodeled three times by my husband, who believes in low maintenance and easy clean up. Let’s just say that the wire floors in the cage are there for a reason – even if the “Love Your Bunny” book says wire hurts their paws. So have a platform of wood/plastic in the cage as well – but mainly the poop needs to fall through the wire to create an incredible mound of bunny manure in a very short time.

Bunny “Sexing”

Trying to gender identify very young rabbits is near impossible, from what I understand from two experienced rabbit raisers. So when I insisted that every bunny needs a friend, and I chose two “brothers” – well – now I have to schedule a neuter ASAP. It’s been 3 weeks since I took my 4 week old “boy” bunnies home and so far I’m lucky they haven’t figured out how to breed yet. Ack.

Bunny Food & Treats

Turns out young bunnies should stick to rabbit pellets, hay and alfalfa cubes only. While they may love a radish or a carrot – their digestive systems aren’t quite ready to handle them. I give them a tiny taste of those veggies on rare occasions. Supposedly after six months, they can eat a lot of more of that “rabbit food” – salad and greens!

I’ve grown quite attached to the really friendly Boy George who loves to be cuddled, and to shy Little Leona, who loves kicking up her bunny heels when out on our enclosed patio – but is so hard to catch when it’s time to return them to their clean cage. Young bunnies are super cute and playful with lots of energy. I enjoy their antics and quiet personalities. There’s no such thing as a boring bunny.

Consider adopting a rabbit as a pet today. You may find out you’re a bunny lover at heart.

Published in the "Pawprints" column in the Mountain Mail, August 2011