The Reality of Easter Bunnies
Spring is here, and Easter is near! Thinking about bringing home a cute bunny for the holiday? Let’s explore whether a rabbit is truly the right fit for you and your family.
Every year after Easter, rabbit rescues and shelters see a surge in surrendered rabbits and other small mammals. According the National Geographic, research shows that 80% of bunnies bought as Easter presents die or are abandoned within a year. Many are even inhumanely released into the wild, where domesticated rabbits struggle to survive.
Rabbits are the third most commonly abandoned pet in U.S. shelters. Why? Mostly because people don’t realize the commitment involved in caring for them properly.
I get it—when my husband, Philip, and I rescued our first rabbit, we didn’t fully know what we were getting into. But we did our research on life expectancy, space requirements, and dietary needs, and we were fully committed to giving our bunny the best life possible.
We rescued Bombur, our first rabbit, from a farmer who raised rabbits for meat. She gave me the lowdown on proper care, and I’m here to pass that knowledge on to you!
Bombur
Abby’s bunny, Brego, with chew toys
What You Need to Know Before Getting a Rabbit
Life Expectancy
🐇 5–15 years – A huge range, depending on breed, diet, and overall care. Are you ready for a long-term commitment?
Dietary Needs
🥕 Daily essentials:
High-quality pellets
Fresh greens
Unlimited quality hay
Fresh water
Chewable items (hay cubes, applewood sticks) to maintain healthy teeth
Fun fact: A rabbit’s teeth never stop growing—like a horse’s! They need to chew constantly to keep them from overgrowing.
Space Requirements
🏡 Rabbits need room to run and explore! They don’t belong in cages or hutches. Instead, they should have a spacious, bunny-proofed area where they can zoom, jump, and do their adorable binkies (joyful leaps).
🐾 Litter box? Yes! Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, and most pick it up within a couple of weeks.
Bombur
Socialization & Handling
🤍 Rabbits are social animals – They often do best in bonded pairs rather than living alone. They love to cuddle and play, but since they are prey animals, they prefer all four feet on the ground and don’t always enjoy being picked up.
Bunny-Proofing Your Home
🚫 Rabbits chew everything!
Keep electrical cords and dangerous items out of reach.
Be mindful of wooden furniture, leather shoes, and even items with zippers—our rabbits have a particular taste for my husband’s belongings.
Health & Veterinary Care
🐾 Delicate digestive systems – Like horses, rabbits are hind-gut fermenters, meaning they require constant access to hay to keep their GI tracts functioning. A condition called GI stasis, common in rabbits, is a serious emergency that requires immediate vet care.
🐾 Exotic pet care – Rabbits are considered exotic pets, so you’ll need a vet who specializes in them (which often means higher vet fees).
Brego
Going on Vacation?
✈️ Consider hiring a professional pet sitter rather than relying on a friend or family member unfamiliar with rabbit care. A trained sitter can recognize signs of illness and ensure your rabbit stays healthy while you’re away.
The Best Time to Adopt
If you’re still committed, consider adopting a rabbit after Easter. Shelters are often overwhelmed with surrendered rabbits and may already have bonded pairs available, saving you the challenge of bonding two yourself.
Rabbits are a big responsibility and not a beginner’s pet—but when given proper care and attention, they make incredible, rewarding companions.
Thinking of adopting? Do your research, prepare your space, and be ready to give your bunny a loving forever home!
Written by Abby S, Administrative Assistant at Auntie M Pet Care. Read more about Abby S Here.