For the past 11 years, I have rescued small animals from all sorts of situations. Rabbits being the one we see the most often here at Little Furries Rescue. Every year after Easter, we start getting the phone calls from individuals who made the mistake of purchasing a baby rabbit(or two) as an Easter gift for their children. Here are some of the most popular reasons we get for people no longer wanting these "Easter Bunnies":

1. They were told the rabbit was a "dwarf" and would remain small. A few months later they end up with a large rabbit. Since smaller rabbits are the most popular, many pet stores will tell the unknowing customer that they are purchasing a rabbit who will stay small.

2. Unknowingly, they are purchasing a male and a female rabbit. Baby rabbits can be hard to properly "gender indentify" when they are very young. So a person might be told they are getting two female rabbits, but than an unexpected litter of babies arrives. An important thing to know about rabbits. They start reproducing between 5 and 6 months old, sometimes earlier. Females have babies in less than 30 days after they are impregregnated. As little as 24 hours after having a litter, rabbits are able to reproduce again. So if a rabbit has two litters in two months, you can end up with up to twenty rabbits!

3. Abandonment- People often think that domestic rabbits can survive in the wild. So when they impulse buy that cute little baby bunny, and find out how much work they are, or one of the above things happens.. they think that "setting them free" is an acceptable way to relieve themselves of their burdens. In reality, domestic rabbits are so far from being related to wild ones, they do not have ability to survive in the wild without becoming very unhealthy or in great danger. Unlike domestic rabbits, wild rabbits know the difference between greens they can eat, and noxious ones they can not. Wild rabbits are also a lot more aware of the dangers that surround them, be it a busy road or a predator. And while they can burrow, they do not know how to make a proper shelter from the elements.

The statistics today are a lot different than what was said to be true about rabbits years ago. Rabbits can live up to 10-14 years if cared for properly, they require a complex diet of not just pellets, but timothy hay and a variety of vegetables. It has also been proven that rabbits, especially female rabbits live longer healthier lives when they are spayed or neutered and allowed to live indoors with their human companions.

All in all, rabbits make wonderful and fun filled companions. Unfortunately, rabbits are the third most popular pet, so they are the third most likely to end up being abandoned.

Doing your research before plunging into rabbit(or any pet) ownership is very important! Rescues can be a very valuable resource and a great way to get that new family member. Rescues specialize in that particular pet, and spend individual time with each pet in their care. They can match you up with the best pet for your family situation. A good place for doing any rabbit research is The House Rabbit Society's website www.rabbit.org.

Thank you for opening your mind and your heart to the thousands and thousands of homeless rabbits that are out there waiting for their forever homes! For more information about our rescue go to www.littlefurries.petfinder.org

Sincerely, Stephannie Seyforth-Director
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