Many new rabbit owners bring a rabbit home without fully understanding the level of commitment required. Unfortunately, outdated myths persist. Two examples of these myths are: 1) Rabbits are low-maintenance starter pets; and 2) They are suitable holiday gifts.
Overall, neither of those things are true. There are cases where someone gets a rabbit as a gift and it turns out well. This occurs only when the new owner learns how to properly care for the animal and makes a commitment to a rabbit’s safety, health and happiness. However, the majority of giving someone a rabbit as a gift (especially children) results in the animal being tossed out, overcaged, abandoned and dying young.
There is a significant difference between a rabbit surviving harsh treatment/improper care, and a thriving rabbit that is allowed to live a happy, healthy life. Rabbits are fragile, but some have managed to survive extreme hardship at the hands of humans. A rabbit simply “surviving” should not be the foundational goal, nor should it be any measure of success for rabbit owners.
Failure to research proper care can result in preventable illness, behavioral problems, accidental breeding, or injury during improper bonding attempts. Rabbits coming from neglectful or harsh beginnings may require rehabilitation techniques that go well beyond basic pet care.
Seeking reliable, experience-based information, consulting rabbit-savvy veterinarians and seeking help from experienced caretakers (such as bonders or rehabilitators) protects both the rabbit and the owner from unnecessary hardship. Committing to proper care and handling also gives the rabbit a good life rather than a suffering one.