#6 | Bunny tips

My favorite animal is a bunny or a rabbit. That's the reason for my blog title! :D In fact, I own one--his name is Marion (the [little] fella above). He's a five year old gray Cottontail rabbit and he has a serious attitude problem! He's very naughty and playful and likes to piss my mom off hahaha! But when he's in a good mood, he's very sweet. Sometimes when I feel sad, he senses it and hops to me and sits beside me as if asking what was wrong. Then when I start telling him my problems, he starts to kiss my hand. Such a sweetheart! Bunnies are lovely creatures. I want to share some tips about taking care of them. Some tips I read from books, others I got from other bunny owners on Instagram, and still others I learned by myself. :)

1. Bunnies should NOT be bathed. I've experienced this with Marion. We tried washing his bum one time because it was really so dirty, and he just got so scared he jumped as high as the top of toilet bowl (not the seat, mind you). Please don't bathe your bunnies. They're like cats, they can clean themselves.

2. Bunnies require LOTS OF ATTENTION. For me, they're the most sensitive animals. I've taken care of dogs and hamsters before but rabbits are more sensitive than them. Marion has a deep attachment to my dad and whenever my dad is away, he always lurks under the bed or the sofa and barely eats. If you plan to take care of a bunny, please give them extra love and attention.

photo credit: WeHeartIt

3. Bunnies need to run and exercise. Like any other four-legged warm blooded animal, rabbits need to run around. I live in an apartment but Marion got used to the environment. It's okay if they live in this kind of environment as long as they're used to it. Also make sure they have a big space to run around. Bunnies shouldn't be kept in cages. Or any animal for that matter, but I'll do another post on animal abuse.

4. Bunnies need greens and veggies depending on their tolerance. I live in an apartment so there's no grass here so we provide Marion with green leafy vegetables. However, I mentioned that it depends on their tolerance because in my case, whenever Marion eats too much veggies, he has diarrhea and his poop becomes wet and smelly. Try to balance their diet. Of course they also need their daily dose of rabbit pellets.

photo credit: WeHeartIt

5. Bunnies are physically sensitive. Please think twice before trying to carry a bunny. They have very soft spines and backbones and once you carry them in the wrong position, it might break and this could hurt them. Bunnies are quiet animals and they don't make sounds but take a hint: when they do make sounds, that means that they're hurt. So be alert. Also, bunnies are very sensitive to hearing, try not to frighten them with loud and startling noises.

6. Bunnies are a HUGE responsibility. Unlike dogs whose ancestors are predators, bunnies are more of the weak part of the animal kingdom. They require more attention and responsibility because they are very delicate creatures. Please do not buy a bunny if you only find them cute and have no intention of taking care of them. Please take care of these creatures, they are very lovely creations of God.

photo credit: WeHeartIt

- M