The Truth About Easter Bunnies

I never really thought about Easter bunnies prior to becoming a rabbit breeder. Growing up in a farming community, we always had plenty of animals around and the addition of an Easter bunny was no big deal for my family. Unfortunately, most Easter bunnies aren't so lucky.

While most people are aware of how many dogs and cats end up in shelters, few realize just how many rabbits end up there as well. Rabbits are abandoned for a wide variety of reasons, but the number of bunny abandonment cases rises drastically following the Easter holiday. Sadly, the bunnies that turn up at shelters are the lucky ones - some bunnies meet a far worse fate.

The Truth About Being an Easter Bunny

To truly appreciate and understand the horror of what many rabbits face, one must realize that there are some unscrupulous people who will mass-breed rabbits to sell as Easter bunnies. Quite often, young bunnies that do not have desirable markings or pretty colors are destroyed before they are even old enough to leave their nests. Easter bunnies are also commonly taken away from their mothers at a very young age. This stress can cause severe health problems or even death.

In most cases, Easter bunnies are simply exchanged for money and never thought of again. Unscrupulous breeders often refuse to answer questions or assist pet owners with any kind of problems that may arise once they get their bunny home. This is one of the top reasons why most bunnies are abandoned or turned into local shelters. Some people are surprised that the bunnies grow much larger than they expected. Others are disgusted to find out that some male rabbits spray as they get older or that female rabbits can become territorial and may bite or jump at hands that reach into their cages. People are also surprised to learn that rabbits chew--on everything! No unprotected cord, wood, or plastic product is safe.

Additionally, many former Easter bunnies are allowed to go without proper veterinary care. In some cases, rabbits are placed outside without proper protection from the elements, where they perish from exposure or from heat stroke. Even if there are wild rabbits where you live, pet bunnies may be unable to survive outdoors in the same environment.

How You Can Help Easter Bunnies

One of the best things that you can do to help save Easter bunnies is: Do your part to help educate others. If someone you know has his or her heart set on a pet rabbit, suggest waiting until after the Easter holiday so as not to reward people who mass-breed bunnies for Easter. Suggest that your friend take the time to learn about rabbit husbandry.

If you do decide to pick out a pet bunny, adopt from local animal shelters, the Humane Society or your local SPCA office. Another option is to purchase from a rabbit breeder that is a member of the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) or the BRC (British Rabbit Council). Both of these organizations promote responsible rabbit breeding and discourage the sale of bunnies to pet stores or during the holiday season.

Rabbits make excellent pets for responsible owners, but it's essential that you do the research and ensure that you have researched proper rabbit care and husbandry prior to getting a pet rabbit. Also be sure to look into the various breeds and learn which is most suitable for your household. If you take the time to di so, you're sure to find a great four-footed friend and you can be an excellent friend to your bunny in return.

Rushelle O'Shea is a rabbit breeder and pet rabbit owner.