RABBITS ON THE RISE
Compared to Dogs and Cats who have been domesticated 30,000 and 12,000 years ago respectively, Rabbits started being domesticated 1,400 years ago.
According to a survey conducted by Rakuten in February 2021 about pet ownership in Asia, Rabbits are the fifth most popular animal companion after Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Fishes in the Philippines. On Facebook, there are multiple local groups dedicated to caring for Rabbits with members ranging from 2,000 to 10,000.
Similarly, around the world, there is a growing interest in having Rabbits as animal companions. Based on data on pet ownership statistics collected by the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are about 3 million Rabbits kept as companions in the United States. In Australia, 54% of those caring for small animals have Rabbits ascompanions, according to a 2022 survey by Animal Medicines Australia.
Rabbits are gentle animals. They are sweet and affectionate. They are quiet creatures yet are so full of character. Not to mention the obvious, but they are very cute. These account For why people fall in love with them.
THE ULTIMATE APARTMENT COMPANIONS
In the wild, Rabbits are considered prey animals. They need to stay as silent as possible to avoid detection from predators, such as Wolves, Dogs, Cats, Snakes, and Birds of prey. This is why apartment dwellers can relax, knowing that their neighbors won’t be bothered by noise, which would have been more likely if they were taking care of Dogs or Cats.
Rabbits can also be left alone for the most part, as long as they have plenty of food and water. Here’s the best part: Their poop doesn’t smell and is easy to pick up. Just leave a litter box that is big enough for their whole body to fit into and you’ll have minimal mess.
TUMMY TROUBLES
Rabbits are very fragile animals. Aside from being easily scared, they have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts which, when triggered, can lead to illnesses.
When I brought Rain home, she wouldn’t touch a single piece of hay. She only knew how to eat kangkong, as this is what she has been eating her whole life. Slowly, I introduced alfalfa and timothy hay to her, and soon enough, she was eating these with gusto.
Although I transitioned her to her new food slowly, it still must have been too fast for her as she (most probably) suffered a GI tract dysfunction. Sadly, this proved fatal for Rain.
I still feel very guilty for not recognizing that she needed help, but all I can do now is make sure not to make the same mistake twice.
Rain, just like many other Bunnies, had a very sensitive gut. She eventually succumbed to what might have been gastrointestinal dysfunction.
“MEAT” THE CULPRIT
Sadly, fragile as they are, Rabbits are currently being killed en masse: They are becoming more in demand in the livestock sector as a “healthy” alternative to Pig flesh.
In fact, Rabbits were originally domesticated for their flesh and fur. But given that they have already been introduced as animal companions, I believe that we should not go back to our old ways and instead push for plant-based diets if we are serious about taking care of our health.
Bunnies are friends, not food!
SPAY AND NEUTER
Male and female Rabbits, when paired together, will breed prolifically. Rabbits of the same sex will fight and display dominant behavior if left unspayed or unneutered.
These are some of the reasons spaying and neutering Rabbits will help them have healthier and longer lives! Having them spayed or neutered can curb unwanted pregnancies that might lead to abandonment or neglect and make it easier for Rabbits to form bonds with each other — and, of course, with you!
FLUFFY FACTS
Let’s hop on to some intriguing facts about Bunnies!
BUNNY BFFS
Rabbits can be your new BFFs. Treat them well and you will be rewarded with a lovable companion for many years.
