When Typhoon Falcon-Egay was battering Metro Manila and nearby provinces in July, many animals found themselves scrambling for shelter. Many were left defenseless against the heavy rains and strong winds because they were either chained up or stuck in cramped cages outdoors.
Among these animals were two Rabbits who were living in a small collapsible cage outside their humans’ home. They were without proper food and their living conditions were not fit for Bunnies. They were getting wet and were too exposed to the elements as their enclosure was being covered only by an old tarpaulin.
Luckily, some good samaritans came to their aid and talked to their humans about surrendering them. They were taken indoors and given the names Rain and Storm. The search for foster homes followed next – Storm stayed with her rescuer and I volunteered to foster Rain.
BECOMING A BUN MOM
A few weeks before I decided to foster Rain, I adopted two Bunnies who came from accidental breeding. It was an impulsive decision on my end brought about by a signaling depression.
Adopting them saved me from spiraling down a dark path… on the other hand, it led me down another road.
After being rescued, Rain and Storm were in need of donations for food and vet bills.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE I GO
I researched everything I needed to know about being a new Bunny parent: housing set-up, food, treats, toys, feeding guides, grooming, beddings, spaying costs, poop, pee, etc. I then set up their pen and bought their basic needs before they set foot in my home.
Just a warning if you plan on caring for Bunnies thinking it will be easy: They are far from being low maintenance. Anyone who says otherwise either has a caretaker who does everything for them or is not providing their proper needs.
SMALL ANIMALS, HUGE RESPONSIBILITY
Though Rabbits are small animals, they are a huge responsibility. Contrary to what is being advertised, children are not the ideal age group to care for Bunnies. They are cute and fluffy, but they are not toys.
And just like Cats and Dogs (or any other animal companion), Rabbits have different personalities and temperaments. They are generally docile animals but will nip (it will hurt) or thump when scared or threatened.
Children should be guided about how to act and react when around Bunnies. As long as children are supervised by an adult, they can be around Bunnies. My seven-year-old nephew knows what to feed a young Bunny and an adult Bunny, as well as how to clean their pen.
He also knows how to carry them properly (that is, whenever they want to be carried at all): one hand on the chest, the other hand under the bum. He learned all these just by watching me care for the Bunnies every day. Rabbits should have unlimited access to hay and fresh drinking water round the clock. They need a litter box which should be cleaned daily. They also need regular brushing and exercise.
They should not be fed with only pellets or veggies. Pet stores will not tell you about these requirements. It is always best to adopt from individuals who foster Bunnies as they will be able to tell you what to do and what not to do, including how best to take care of them.
