I got my first bunny when I was about nine years old. She lived to be about ten, and shortly after she passed away I decided I needed another one of these furry little friends in my life. When I was a freshman in high school, I rescued my second rabbit, Gonzo - he is about 7 years old now. At this point I'd like to call myself an experienced bunny owner, but every time I get asked what its like to own a bunny, I have a hard time describing it. Usually I tell them how awesome and fun it is, and they respond by telling me they want one too!
I want these people to know that I 10/10 recommend getting a rabbit to anyone who is willing to accept the challenge. There is A LOT more to know about a bunny than just how cute and fun they are. They are sassy little things, and they are kind-of high maintenance. So I decided to make a list of things you might not know about owning a rabbit. It might help you decide whether or not a bunny is right for you. And I hope that other bunny owners can relate!
1) They are like sour patch kids: They know when they are doing something wrong, and they try to make it up to you by being sweet again. Gonzo has a shoe obsession, and no matter how hard I try to keep them away from him, he finds them and he chews them. As soon as he notices me noticing, he stops and stares at me, then hops away real quick. After that, he comes up to me and nudges me with his nose, like he wants me to forgive him. How could I not? That's why all of the leather laces from my Sperry's and moccasins are falling off.
2) They do require some grooming: Depending on your rabbit's fur type, you might have to brush them several times a week. Gonzo is a shedder - and its bad. No matter how often I brush him, I know I'll have to change my shirt after any time I hold him. My first bunny groomed herself, and hardly ever shed fur on me. Gonzo on the other hand isn't to hygienic, and reluctantly lets me brush him.
3) They can have baths, but they hate baths: It takes a lot of work to bathe your bunny. I tried it once with my first rabbit, and that was the last time. I wouldn't recommend it unless they really need it. If you do decide to bathe your bunny, it is important not to let their body temperature drop afterward while their fur is still wet - it can make them really sick.
4) You have to trim their nails!: Don't let their nails get too long, you literally just clip them the same as you would a dog's! The hardest part is holding them still. You can try to keep them from kicking by making a bunny burrito with a towel. Wrap them up, and trim one foot at a time.
5) Bunnies can break their backs very easily: I never knew this until someone told me recently. Make sure you get experience with holding your bunny before you go walking around with him, or passing him around to other people. They can hop out of your arms really quickly!
6) They might like your dog more than they like you: Gonzo is absolutely in love with my Golden Retriever, and she loves him back. They're best friends, and I'm convinced that he likes to hang out with her more than he does with me. Keep in mind that it took a few years for them to get this comfortable, so still be cautious any time you introduce a bunny to a new animal.
7) They can be picky about their food: They normally eat a combination of bunny pellets, timothy hay, and fresh romaine lettuce, along with other optional fruits and veggies. I tried buying Gonzo the fancy bunny pellets from the pet store with all of the different colored veggie shapes, but he likes the plain brand from Walmart. Won't eat any other brand. Also consider investing in a romaine lettuce garden, because we go to the store to buy him lettuce once or twice a week.
8) They can be litter trained!: Gonzo has cage in my room, and inside his cage is a corner litter box. He uses it like a cat, and he has not once peed or pooped on my bedroom floor. He's super smart about hopping back into his cage to go potty, and then coming back out into my room to play. Just make sure you change their litter box about every other day, or things get stinky!
9) Hide the wires: Rabbits love electrical wires, which can obviously be pretty dangerous. Even if you hide them, your bunny will find a way to get to them. Don't let your guard down! I have had to replace so many chargers and game remote cords from both of my bunnies over the years. Eventually I decided to protect the electrical cords by putting them through PVC pipe. This may not be convenient for phone chargers, but it works well for TV cords behind your dresser.
10) They can squeeze behind your dresser: Even if you think you closed your closet door, they can fit in. They can get under your bed, and they can get behind your furniture. And even if they can't, they will knock over your shelves and your trash can when they try, because apparently they have a never-ending desire to sneak out of your sight.
11) They need chew toys: Wood blocks and toilet paper tubes are what Gonzo prefers. Rabbit teeth are always growing, and they need something to chew on to keep it under control. They normally don't ingest the things they chew on, but it can make a mess. If you do not provide them with enough chew toys, they will find other things - like shoes apparently - to use instead. Recently Gonzo has decided to chew and dismantle his litter box. He's been through like three toilets in the last six months.
12) They do the foot-thump thing: From what I understand, anytime there is a loud noise, or possible threat, a bunny with thump their foot and make a super loud thud. I think I read that it serves as a warning to all of the other bunnies in the area. But I guess since there are no other rabbits around, he does it for fun sometimes in the middle of the night to keep me on my toes. Believe me, it echos through the house.
13) Rabbits are some of the sweetest creatures you could ever own: They know when you are sad, and they comfort you by snuggling up to you. They are pretty quiet, but they have huge personalities. They are really smart, and they can learn their names. You can train them if you work hard, and they are so much fun to play with. My first bunny played soccer with her nose and it was the coolest thing ever. If you can handle all the sass and hard work that comes with owning a bunny, I definitely recommend bringing one into your life! You can even go to the humane society to meet them before you decide to adopt / rescue!
