Sometimes it seems that Easter is one big advertisement for bunnies and chocolate. If your children are begging for a bunny for Easter, they’re not alone. Before you agree to their wish, remember that adopting a rabbit is a long-term commitment to a living, breathing, and feeling companion.
Rabbits Are Not Toys. One common misconception about rabbits is that they’re low-maintenance and “easy” pets. Their soft fur and quiet demeanor can make them seem like a perfect addition to any home. Rabbits are more complex than that, and their care goes far beyond cuddles and carrots. (Read The Supporting Role of Hay in a Rabbit’s Health.)
Without proper care, rabbits can become depressed, anxious, or suffer from severe health problems. They are prey animals in the wild, and they don’t lose their awareness of that even if they are domesticated, so they need gentle handling and a calm environment to feel secure.
Rabbits Live a Long Time. Rabbits can live 8–12 years with proper care. Before you bring one home, consider whether your family can commit to meeting their needs for the long haul. Will your schedule allow time for daily care? Are you prepared for the financial responsibility of food, housing, and veterinary care? What will happen after the first excitement of ownership goes away, and your child grows into different interests?
Other Rabbit Ideas. If your child wants a bunny, here are some ways to compromise:
- Create a fun Easter basket filled with rabbit-themed toys or books.
- Watch a movie with a bunny rabbit star – anything from Bugs Bunny, Bambi, Peter Rabbit, Watership Down are classics that your child may love!
- Visit a local farm or animal sanctuary to learn about rabbits – without the commitment. There are several within a days’ drive from Alamance County. Maybe even consider volunteering at a rescue center to help care for rabbits and learn about their needs.
Rabbits are wonderful, intelligent, and affectionate animals. Several of our staff members have rabbits, and know this firsthand. When adopted by informed and committed owners, bunnies can make fantastic companions. Just remember that rabbits are not a temporary or decorative holiday accessory.
Let’s make this Easter a time to celebrate faith, love, kindness, and compassion—not just for one another, but for the animals who enrich our lives. If you’re ready for the journey, adopting a rabbit can be deeply rewarding. But if not, there’s no shame in exploring other ways to celebrate the miracle of Easter.
