Five shocking facts about owning rabbits
Do you remember the 13 abandoned rabbits that were stained with urine in Clementi
Rabbit abandonment With the coming of the new administration, there may be problems in Singapore Year of the Rabbit.
Emma Lee (29), co-founder of The Weekend Groomers, and owner two rabbits herself, recalls how she adopted her second bunny, a Black American Furry Lop after a customer left the rabbit at her shop.
“I thought they were easy pets, but they are not as easy to care for as expected. They require a lot affection. You really have to spend time taking care and bonding with them.”
The most recent TikTok video Also captured a white rabbit that was abandoned at Tampine Eco Green Park.
Lynne Tan, cofounder of Bunny Wonderland animal rescue service, says that this phenomenon could be due to a lack awareness about the obligations associated with pet ownership.
People are usually very excited to write in to adopt. They start to think twice about it when I start talking about extra costs.
Are you thinking of adopting or owning cute rabbits to welcome the Year of the Rabbit in 2019? Some myths are discredited.
Myth 1: They should not be kept in tanks
“I remember when I was six years old, the way to take care of rabbits is to put it in a fish tank with newspaper,” says Lynne.
It is not a good idea to keep rabbits in tanks with little ventilation, unlike some pet shops. This is done to reduce the odour.
Rabbits poop three to four times per day, whereas humans only do it once or twice a day.
They can make around 200-300 of these round stools per day.
Rabbits must be potty-trained to ensure that they are odourless.
Myth 2: They eat carrots
Contrary to Bugs Bunny’s cartoon, rabbits should eat carrots in moderation.
They should replace carrots with hay, which is high in sugar. Then, they should eat leafy green as a staple.
The hay is good for their digestive system and should be taken at least two to three times their body weight. Timothy Hay is also recommended.
The ideal diet for rabbits is also not represented in the pet shop pellets.
Myth 3 – They need wet baths
Rabbits shouldn’t be allowed to take a bath in a pool of water.
Rabbits don’t have oil glands like cats and dogs.
Cool water from a shower can lower the body temperature and cause heart attacks. Thermal shock could occur if the skin is not completely dried. If this happens, they may die. They are also vulnerable to thermal shock due to the thinness of their skin.
It is enough to keep your rabbit clean and sanitary.
These gentle creatures don’t require much grooming.
A typical rabbit with short hair would only need to have their nails clipped, trimmed and brushed as part of their grooming routine.
Myth 4: Need for affection
These furries are looking for affection and will give you a head bump if you look closely.
Rabbits do not speak like cats and dogs. Owners don’t usually know when their rabbits become sick or unwell.
Regular checks should be conducted by rabbit owners to make sure their pet rabbits are healthy and happy.
Myth 5 – They are inexpensive to buy
DollarsAndSense estimates that the cost of owning a pet rabbit is approximately S$2,530 per year. The average lifespan of a rabbit is about 10 years. This means that a lifetime commitment to the pet can add up to approximately S$11,000 total.
Adopting pets shouldn’t be considered a privilege. In addition to the adoption fees or purchase fee, it is important that you budget for food, grooming, and veterinarian care.
“Parents usually get the idea of adopting a rabbit from their children. They may not carefully think about the commitment towards it,” shares Lynne.
She stresses the importance of having all your basic needs met before you consider adopting a pet.
Parents provide the resources, such as time, money, and space needed to care for pets.
Pet shops and sellers must educate customers about responsible pet ownership before they sell.
These facts are important to remember before you purchase or adopt these adorable and cuddly pets. Let’s all work together to prevent rabbit abandonment.
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