Rabbits are cute and fluffy, and quite a lot of people have many misconceptions when it comes to keeping them as pets. It’s not uncommon that Malaysian parents tend to purchase a rabbit from the pet shop for their kids because it’s “small and easy to take care of”.
A Singaporean Facebook page “Bunny Wonderland” shared a post to bust a long list of bunny myths, hoping that it could educate people and stop potentially harming the buns because of ignorance.
Here a few myths that are FALSE, according to Bunny Wonderland:
1. Rabbits are easy to look after
While rabbits are much smaller in size when compared to dogs and cats, they too require litter-training, grooming, and veterinary care. These fluffy creatures like their territories clean and hoomans definitely need to clean up their spaces every single day. FYI, did you know that rabbits can be litter-trained? Well, now you do.
2. Rabbits don’t need vet visits
People are quick to assume that rabbits aren’t susceptible to diseases and illnesses, but these adorable creatures tend to hide their discomfort and inexperienced hoomans may miss the signs. Rabbits generally aren’t vocal, so it highly depends on the owner to catch on unusual patterns before it’s too late. Also, it’s always recommended to search for a rabbit-savvy vet nearby before adopting one!
3. Rabbits should live outdoors
It’s important to understand that rabbits are fragile prey animals, and by leaving them outdoors, they could be shocked to death due to various factors like weather, parasites and predators. Before you ask “Don’t rabbits live in the wild?”, the type of “rabbit” you’re wondering is actually a hare. Rabbits are domesticated, while hares can survive in the wild! So, be sure not to leave your rabbits outdoors.
4. Rabbits are suitable for children to keep as pets
No, simply because rabbits are high-maintenance, sensitive, and disease-prone — it most definitely requires adults to handle. Also, it’s not cheap to take care of rabbits because of their diet, health maintenance, grooming, as well as vet care. The media has also misled us about how rabbits love carrots, but the truth is that rabbits need a lot of hay and a serving of veggies every day (not JUST carrots).
5. Rabbits stink
It’s not true because rabbits themselves are odourless, but poor housekeeping/litter training will lead to bad smells for sure. It’s also a terrible misconception to think that rabbits need baths when they absolutely don’t because they can clean themselves just fine! (Admin loves sniffing her pet bun all the time.)
Most of us can’t resist how adorable rabbits are, and we tend to overlook all the important information because they seem easy to care for. That’s why it’s crucial to do enough research if you want a pet rabbit. Also, adopt don’t shop, guys.
Also read: M’sian Teachers Find Pet Rabbits Dead In Tadika’s Mini-Farm & One Even Had Its Ears Cut Off