It’s a common misconception that rabbits are the perfect “starter pets” or ideal pets for children. But both of these assumptions are wrong. Rabbits are fragile and should not be handled by young children. In addition, they have a complex set of needs you must understand before making this commitment.

Let’s explore the question, “Are rabbits good pets?” so you can decide whether now is a good time to adopt or if it’s best to stick with chocolate bunnies this Easter!

Housing for a pet rabbit

Research shows that over a fifth of all rabbits live in cages that are too small, and over half of pet rabbits aren’t allowed daily exercise. The problem is that while most owners are well-meaning, they don’t fully comprehend a rabbit’s accommodation and exercise needs. Many marketed rabbit hutches are simply too small to adequately house a bunny. So, how do you know which products are suitable for your pet rabbit?

As a general rule of thumb, rabbits require a hutch that is four times their body length and allows them to stand up without their ears touching the ceiling. Your bunny should be able to lie down in any direction, complete three hops along the length of their cage, and have a ceiling no lower than 45cm.

A hutch is not a home but a temporary enclosure to keep your pet rabbit safe. In addition, your bunny needs daily exercise, which allows them to engage in natural behaviours such as hopping, jumping, digging, and nesting. For this reason, it’s important to have a larger area—such as a bunny-proofed room in your house—where they can roam free for at least four hours a day.

Setting up their hutch or housing area

As rabbits are natural prey, they have a tendency to be fearful of many things, which is why they need a safe space to hide. Hutches with a covered area are ideal for satisfying this need, though there are some important considerations:

• The hutch must be kept out of direct sunlight if it is outdoors. Conversely, in the winter, it should be placed in a garage or brought indoors. The recommended temperature range for rabbits is 10-25 degrees celsius.
• Wooden hutches are the best option; metal isn’t suitable as it heats up too quickly, potentially exposing your rabbit to heat stress.
• Rabbit hutches must be cleaned daily to remove soiled bedding and food scraps. You can toilet train rabbits and even use a litter tray so that their waste remains in one area and is easier for you to clean. Use newspaper or towels to line the litter tray. Avoid cat litter, as this is not suitable for your pet rabbit.

Tip: Rabbits like to eat while they poop, so adding a little hay to their litter box will help to encourage them.

Feeding your pet rabbit

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning their diet consists entirely of plant-based foods. Around 80% of their diet should consist of hay, and they need constant access to this food source. Avoid cut grass, as it ferments quickly and can cause digestive issues for your rabbit.

Around 15% of a rabbit’s diet should consist of fresh vegetables like leafy green lettuce (NOT iceberg), bok choy, cilantro, dandelion leaves, kale, spinach, watercress, and broccoli (leaves and stems). Some vegetables can cause stomach upset, so when introducing a new food to your rabbit’s diet, do it gradually and monitor their reaction.

Now for the eye opener – contrary to popular belief, high-carb veggies like parsnips and carrots (yes, carrots!) should only be given as an occasional treat.

And, NEVER give your rabbit avocado, garlic, onion, or potatoes.

Only 5% of your rabbit’s diet should come from pellets or high-sugar foods like fruit. A diet that consists only of pellets will quickly lead to malnutrition. Additionally, avoid muesli because it can cause dental disease.

Did you know that rabbits’ teeth grow throughout their lives?

That’s why a high-fibre diet is essential, as it helps to wear down the continually growing teeth. Without this, rabbits’ teeth can become overgrown, making it painful for them to eat. If your rabbit has problems with its teeth, you’ll likely notice symptoms such as a reluctance to eat or drooling, which is a sign that your rabbit needs a visit to the vet.

Additionally, remember that rabbits need constant access to fresh, clean water. If you’re using a bottle, make sure the nib is placed 3-4 cm above the floor. This allows your bunny to access it easily but prevents the water from being contaminated with urine or faeces.

Exercising your pet rabbit

Daily exercise is crucial for your rabbit’s health and wellbeing. If they live in a hutch, they need at least four hours of exercise per day in an area that allows them to run around and play. You’ll also need to provide enrichment tools so that they can engage in their natural behaviours. Here are some ideas:

Hiding

Rabbits are ground-dwelling prey creatures, so having places to hide allows them to feel safe. These could include:

• Cardboard boxes
• Tunnels
• Paper bags (with handles removed)
• PVC pipes

Digging

Rabbits love to dig, but you probably won’t want them digging holes all over your garden! A better alternative is to provide them with both digging and bunching materials to keep them happy:

• A sand pit or container filled with dirt, shredded paper, or child-friendly sand is a good option.
• You can also provide “bunching” materials such as towels or blankets that your bunny can pick up and rearrange around themselves.
• Provide toys and other objects your bunny can manipulate and explore, such as those in the pet store. 

Foraging

In the wild, rabbits spend a lot of time foraging and nibbling on food. However, when you deliver food to them every day, they can become complacent or lazy. Adding foraging enrichment to their environment helps them to stay proactive in their search for food. Try the following:

• Hide food around their playpen for them to find
• Put treats inside empty egg containers 
• Using pegs, hang vegetables around your bunny’s enclosure
• Hide healthy treats inside a foraging box (filled with shredded paper, hay, etc)
• Hide treats inside empty toilet rolls

Running and climbing

Rabbits love to run around, and some also like to climb. There are numerous ways you can allow them to engage in this behaviour safely:

• Provide them space to run around
• Securely set up a series of cardboard boxes for them to climb on
• Use cat towers or platforms for them to climb on and jump between

Tip: Ensure your rabbit has a place to hide at all times, even when you’re playing together.

Additionally, you need to ensure your rabbit is safe during playtime. Safety measures include the following:

• Make sure the room or area is “bunny-proofed”—secure (your rabbit can’t escape), free from other animals (such as cats or dogs), and hazard-free (e.g. remove or secure any loose cables).
• Don’t overcrowd the environment. Not only can it be overwhelming to your rabbit, but it will also restrict their space to run around and play.
• Introduce enrichment toys individually and see how your rabbit reacts to them. Like us, rabbits have their own personalities, so they’ll like some things but not others.
• Make sure you use appropriate toys and equipment. For example, if you’re using a cat tower as a climbing frame for your bunny, it must be small and low to the ground. Some cat towers can be 6 feet tall, and you wouldn’t want your bunny rabbit falling from that height!
• Check the environment. This is particularly important if you’re playing outside, as several plants are toxic to rabbits. You’ll need to ensure that your bunny doesn’t nibble them.

Rotate your bunny’s toys and equipment so they have fresh things to play with and don’t become bored.

Socialising your bunny

Rabbits are social animals, so it’s ideal to house them with at least one or more additional rabbit companions. These companions will keep your rabbit company while you’re away and help reduce stress. A desexed male and a desexed female often make a good pair. It’s important to keep note though, that it may take time and patience for them to get used to one another.

Contrary to belief, guinea pigs do not make good companions for rabbits. Rabbits often intimidate the smaller creatures and can pass diseases onto them. Both rabbits and guinea pigs prefer the company of their own species.

Remember that domestic rabbits are bred explicitly as pets and differ significantly from their wild counterparts. If you released your pet rabbit into the wild it couldn’t survive alone, which is why your rabbit will bond with you as you begin to look after them.

Your pet rabbit might not be able to talk to you in a language you understand, but they will love it when you talk to them and respond with squeaks and other noises to let you know how happy they are to be in your company.

Pet rabbits and children

Don’t leave young children unsupervised with rabbits or allow young children to pick rabbits up. As previously mentioned, these are prey animals, so they really don’t like to be handled. Avoid picking them up where possible, but if necessary, place one hand under the rump to support their weight and gently place the other hand on their chest to secure them.

Never pick a rabbit up by one limb, and don’t pick them up by the scruff. Many mother animals pick up their babies by the scruff – but that’s during infancy. It’s incredibly uncomfortable for a fully grown rabbit (or cat or dog) to be picked up by the scruff and have all their weight hanging from a fragile piece of skin.

Rabbits are a long term care pet

So, let’s answer the question, ‘how long do pet rabbits live?’.

You may not realise how long pet rabbits can live—most will live for 10-12 years, so you need to ensure you can commit to this amount of time and care before adopting. They will require daily care, regular check-ups, vaccinations, and a long-term commitment from you to be their carer.

Of course, you won’t always be home, but if you are away, you’ll need to establish a carer for your bunny before you go. This carer needs to be an adult who knows what they are doing and will treat your rabbit with the love and attention that it deserves.

If you’re sick of asking family and friends to pet-sit or you’ve run out of options, Mad Paws offers a sitter service. We connect you to experienced sitters in your area, each vetted to ensure they’ll provide your pet with the best care. 

Simply enter your postcode (or search by area) to view sitter profiles in your area. Once you narrow down the search, you can arrange a meet-and-greet to ensure they’re the perfect match for your pet. 

Like any pet, rabbits require an investment of your love, time, and finances. Still, the love and companionship they will give you in return is the best reward! 

The post Tips for owning (or caring for) a pet rabbit appeared first on Mad Paws.

March is pet adoption month so what better time than now to shed some light on the world of pet adoption, and also highlight the wonderful work of the RSPCA Adopt a Pet program.

And, because at Mad Paws we’re obsessed with pets, we’ll also share some heartwarming stories of pet adoption from members in our team. Cue the tissues!

How does pet adoption work?

Pet adoption is about providing a second chance to an animal in need of their forever home. For various reasons, pets are surrendered to shelters such as RSPCA because their owner could no longer care for them. 

Whether you choose to adopt a pet who’s young, like a puppy or kitten, a senior pet, or a pet with special care requirements, these animals will undoubtedly leave a paw print on your heart.

Pet adoption requires some research and planning to ensure you’re matched with the pet that will fit into your family and lifestyle. Remember, they’re a lifelong responsibility so it’s vital that you consider all factors before diving in to pet adoption. This is where you can seek the guidance of pet adoption shelter staff who can talk to you about each particular animal, their needs, and their background.

RSPCA NSW, for example, will also ask you questions about how they will live with you – do you have other pets? What exercise and routine can you provide? These questions and more will help to determine the breed and/or specific pet will be right for you. Above all else, their main concern is the animal’s welfare. After all, it’s about finding their forever home.

Pet adoption success stories from the Mad Paws pack

Meet Abbie and Billy

Abbie works in our Customer Service and Support team, and adopted Billy in 2023 after his original owners could no longer care for him due to allergies. This union was just meant to be!

Meet Hannah and Pearl

Hannah, who works for our Pet Chemist business in Queensland, discovered Pearl and was instantly in love. Pearl deserves all the love in the world and Hannah is the perfect pet parent to provide that!

Meet Soti, Boomer and Jiji

Soti, our Creative Director at Mad Paws, adopted Boomer and Jiji 10 years ago. Although Boomer has some health issues, he wouldn’t change a thing. Soti feels privileged to care for them and provide the best life imaginable.

Meet Shannon, Lockie and Zoe

Shannon is Mad Paws’ Office Manager and has adopted two beautiful kitties from RSCPA NSW Shelter. On a work trip to visit the shelter, she couldn’t resist the purrs of Zoe and knew that this would be Lockie’s new sibling!

Meet Ellie and Yhandi

Ellie’s our Warehouse Manager based in Melbourne and moved heaven and earth to adopt this mixed breed, Yhandi. It’s been love at first site since 2021 after driving 4 hours to meet him!

Keen for more beautiful pet adoption stories to read? Check out these happy tales (and tails).

Where to look for pets up for adoption

Every year, the RSPCA provides shelter to thousands of animals in need of a good home. If you’re looking to adopt a pet, consider the RSPCA Adopt a Pet program.

Before jumping into the search for your forever fur friend, take a look at some helpful information about what responsible pet ownership looks like. And, recap on all the reasons why adopting a pet will change both your life and that of the animal.

Not sure if you’re ready to adopt a pet?

Perhaps a pet foster care program may be your first step. RSPCA NSW’s Foster Care program provides temporary homes to animals who need a helping hand. Temporary care may be needed where an animal is too young to be adopted, or if they’re in recovery from an injury, illness or surgery, or because a shelter may be overwhelming for that particular animal. Pet foster care is also common in regional areas where there isn’t an RSPCA facility nearby to provide shelter.

Foster care is all about providing the level of care and support they need until they’re ready to be adopted into loving forever homes.

The post Pet adoption stories that’ll melt your heart appeared first on Mad Paws.

The decision to adopt a pet is life-changing in more ways than one. Not only can you provide a loving home for a furry friend in need, but it can also benefit you and your family. In Australia, millions of homeless animals desperately need a forever home. 

According to the RSPCA, 94,828 animals entered their shelters alone from 2021 to 2022. Thankfully, due to the RSPCA’s committed work, most animals were either returned to their owners or rehomed. 

But they can only continue their good work with our help. So, In this article, we will highlight the major reasons why adopting a pet is a great idea and how it can help reduce the number of homeless animals in Australia.

1. Adopt a pet to save a life

One of the most compelling reasons to adopt a pet is to save a life. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter gives a loving home to an animal that may otherwise face euthanasia. 

With a shocking 264 dogs and cats euthanised every day, the need to adopt our pets is greater than ever. Adopting a pet not only saves their life but also helps to reduce the number of homeless animals. Alternatively, consider fostering a dog or cat if you can.

2. Improve your mental and physical health

Studies have shown that pets can positively impact their owner’s mental and physical health, as well as our quality of life as a whole. 

Adopting a pet can:

1. Help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 
2. Provide companionship, which can be especially vital for older individuals, those grieving a loved one, those facing health issues and those who live alone. 

Additionally, owning a dog can encourage physical activity and help improve cardiovascular health.

3. Teach children responsibility and compassion

Adopting a cat or a dog is also good for a child’s physical and mental health and helps them develop vital social skills, including being more empathetic with other children. Children who grow up with pets learn how to care for another living being, which can help instil a sense of responsibility and empathy. Kids with dogs also have less anxiety. 

Moreover, caring for a pet can help children develop a sense of compassion towards animals and other living beings.

4. Adopting is cost-effective

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is usually less expensive than buying one from a breeder or a pet store. Many animal shelters charge a nominal adoption fee to cover the cost of vaccinations and sterilisation. 

The RSPCA adoption fees are much lower than buying from a breeder, which can often charge thousands, and the fees go towards helping more animals. Additionally, many shelter animals are already housetrained and socialised, saving you time and money on training.

5. Find the perfect match

When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, you can find the perfect match for your family and lifestyle. Animal shelters have various animals of different breeds, sizes, and personalities. By working with the staff, you can find a pet that fits your needs and personality, ensuring that you are well-suited for one another.

6. Help fight the backyard breeders and puppy mills

By adopting a pet, you are helping to reduce the demand for dogs and cats, which leads to problems like puppy mills and backyard breeders. Many pet stores and breeders also prioritise profits over the welfare of animals, which can result in unethical breeding practices and poor living conditions for the animals. 

By adopting a pet from a shelter, you are taking a stand against these practices and promoting the ethical treatment of animals.

7. Give an older pet a second chance

Older pets are often overlooked in shelters, as many prefer to adopt younger puppies and kittens. However, adopting a senior pet can be incredibly rewarding. Older animals are typically already trained and socialised, and they often have a calmer demeanour than younger animals and are happier taking a nap in the sun. 

Older pets mean you don’t have sleepless nights housetraining or dealing with issues like teething. Additionally, adopting pets in their golden years can be a great choice for those who don’t have the time or energy to train a young animal.

8. Free up space in shelters

When pets are adopted, shelters can accommodate more animals in need without euthanising them due to overcrowding. Adopting a pet can help reduce the burden on rescues and allow them to focus their resources on providing care for animals still waiting for their forever homes.

9. Prevent overpopulation

Getting an animal from a shelter can help overpopulation because most shelters will spay or neuter their animals before adoption. This helps to reduce the number of homeless animals and prevent unwanted litter. By adopting a pet, you’re helping to support responsible pet ownership and reduce the strain on animal shelters.

10. Bragging rights (in a good way!)

Adopting a pet can give you bragging rights. Not only can you proudly say that you’ve saved a life, but you can also share your adoption story with others and encourage them to consider adoption as well. This way, we can help more than just our own animals but also positively impact our community.

11. Make a lifelong friend

The most important reason to adopt a pet is to make a lifelong friend. Pets offer unconditional love and companionship and can become an integral part of your life. Adopting a pet means committing to care for them for the rest of their life, and in return, they will provide you with years of love and joy.

Final thoughts

Adopting a pet is a beautiful decision with numerous benefits for both the animal and the adopter. By adopting a pet from a reputable animal shelter like the RSPCA, you are providing a loving home for an animal in need, improving your mental and physical health, teaching children responsibility and compassion, and helping to reduce the demand for pet stores and breeders. 

With millions of homeless animals in Australia, adopting a pet is a small but significant way to make a difference in their lives. So, if you’re thinking about getting a pet, consider adopting one from an animal shelter and give a furry friend a second chance at life.

Learn more about pet adoption at RSPCA >

The post 11 reasons why you should adopt a pet appeared first on Mad Paws.