Should rabbits be kept as pets?

by Muhammad Ansar

There are different types of rabbits like Dwarf, Rex, Himalayan, Argente, Dutch, Flemish Giant and Beveren. Most common types of pet rabbits are Dwarf, Rex, Flemish Giant and Dutch. Rabbits were first domesticated by Romans.

Many people believe that rabbits are good companions as pets but some think that they are too destructive and delicate to be kept as pets. According to my experience, they are good pets but few things make them bad pets. I have commented on both good and bad things about pet rabbits.

Rabbits should not be kept as pets ... 
They are very delicate creatures and require a lot of attention through out their life. Average life of rabbits is about 12 years or more so one must be prepared to keep them as pet for such a long period. They need a lot of time to become good companions. They will never show you affection like dogs and cats. Rabbits by nature are very curious and need a number of toys and if not provided, they will start chewing everything they find. The most painful thing for a rabbit lover is that they don't like to be picked, you have to just see them hoping. Their bones are very delicate, and need to be handled with care.

To keep them healthy fresh alfalfa, vegetables and hay is required. They need to be brushed quite regularly to prevent intestinal blockages, one of their major diseases.

Rabbits require a considerably large space, a single rabbit requires a cage of about 4 times bigger its size. Their cage must be cleaned regularly and checked for broken wires or chewed boards. The cage must protect them from direct sunlight, rain, temperature and must be properly ventilated. Rabbits must not be kept in their cage for long time, they must be allowed to run loose for at least two hours daily and as a responsible pet owner you have to look after them during this time. If you are a rabbit lover, the first step you must take is to make your house rabbit proof.

By nature they are very destructive. If they are kept in door they will chew books, carpets, shoes and cloths. Keeping them in garden or yard is better, but they will destroy plants and will dig holes.

Normally pet rabbits hardly live for two or three years, it is very painful to see your pet dying before completing their average life.

Rabbits should be kept as pets

However there are certain factors which will attract one to keep them as pets. One major factor which make them a got pet is that are not noisy like dogs, they will not bark at every one passing nearby. If a dog is left alone for 6 to 8 hours it will become frustrated. Unlike pet dogs or cat they don't become frustrated when left alone.

Rabbits are not smelly like dogs and will not brush themselves with every guest, like a pet cat. I have observed that few pet owners use kitchen waste to feed their pet rabbits which is a good alternative and an example of natural recycling process. In most parts of the world rabbit farming is growing as an alternative source of protein.

If rabbits are kept as pets one can easily get the experience required to run a rabbit farm. Rabbits increase in number very rapidly; it is very pleasant to see young rabbits, every two months, running after their mother. Rabbits normally avoid getting too frank with humans making them good pets if there are toddlers in your home. Rabbits are ideal pets for school going children who understand how to keep their pets.

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