Pink? Yellow? Blue? Milk chocolate or dark? These are the choices most people will make this Easter season when picking a bunny for themselves or a child. And unless there's been a lot of thought or planning done before a live rabbit is considered, picking a plush or candy bunny can be the best decision. [PET OHANA]
Pet bunnies respond
By the Hawaiian Humane Society
to gentle careThe chocolate will be eaten with glee immediately.
Plush rabbits are fun and no problem if they get lost under the bed or forgotten. But each year dozens of wonderful, adorable live rabbits purchased for Easter end up homeless come summer.
Rabbits are wonderful pets. As with any other pet, it is best to know what their needs are and how much time you will need to devote to loving them and caring for them. Impulse purchases of pets often don't work out -- leaving an animal homeless and children heartbroken.
So here are a few things you should know before you get tempted by those adorable bunnies on display in malls and pet shops:
>> Rabbits range in size from two pounds to 22 pounds, depending on breed, and live about five to seven years.Adding a rabbit to your family should be a thoughtful decision. When it is, you and your new companion animal can share many years of joy together.>> They are quiet pets, but not low-maintenance pets.
>> Rabbits have VERY fragile bones and can easily be injured -- that's why they are not recommended for families with young children.
>> They are highly social animals and enjoy play, companionship and daily exercise.
>> Bunnies need a roomy cage that is cleaned daily.
>> All rabbits benefit from being brushed, and longer haired rabbits should be groomed daily.
>> They are susceptible to heat and need to be kept in a cool area of the house.
>> Carrots (and other vegetables) should only be about 15 percent of their diet; the other 85 percent should be good quality rabbit pellets.
>> Rabbits should be supervised when out of their cage and you will need to bunny-proof your house.
>> Regular veterinary visits are recommended and should be started just after acquiring your new pet.
Pet Ohana, written by the staff of the Hawaiian Humane Society, runs the first and third Saturdays of the month. The society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Animal adoption hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. For more information, check the Web site at www.hawaiianhumane.org or phone 946-2187.
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