Easter is right around the corner and what gift is more adorable for your kids than an Easter bunny, right? Wrong. While adorable, bunnies do not make a good Easter gift for your children.

Toys, candy, and colored eggs are your best bets when filling Easter baskets. Bunnies are not. Here are some reasons why you should avoid Easter bunnies unless they’re at the mall.

Listen to your friendly Sykesville vet to learn why you should avoid a bunny as a gift.

Should I Buy My Kids a Bunny? What Your Local Sykesville Vet Says

Did you know that 80% of bunnies bought for Easter gifts end up surrendered to a shelter, a new owner, or die within a year of purchase? As tempting as it might be to buy an “Easter bunny” for your kids, don’t do it unless you have done your research ahead of time and know exactly what you’re getting into.

1. Rabbits Need Lots of Space

If you’re planning to keep your rabbit outside, they need a large hutch and an attached run. It must be sturdy enough to withstand the elements and keep the rabbit warm while also keeping out animals that might prey on the rabbit.

2. Rabbits are High Maintenance

Domesticated rabbits have a long life span (up to 12 years!) and need lots of toys and stimulation to keep them busy and entertained. Not only that, they need a well-rounded diet (not just carrots!) to make sure all their nutritional requirements are met.

They also need company. In the wild, rabbits live within complex social structures, so it’s important for them to have other rabbits as companions.

It’s also tough to find a vet that treats rabbits, as they are typically classified as exotic animals, and not all vets know how to treat them. Rabbits have lots of special considerations that must be addressed to keep them healthy and happy.

3. Rabbits are Easily Scared

Rabbits are skittish and become scared when being held or restrained. They are ground-loving animals and any stress could result in health problems for them.

4. They Aren’t Good Pets for Small Kids

Because they are easily scared and don’t like to be picked up or held, rabbits don’t make great pets for small kids. Not only are kids loud and energetic, they often want to pick up and carry the rabbits around, which is not good for them.

If they aren’t neutered, their behavior often changes when they reach sexual maturity. They may growl, bite, or spray urine.

5. They Need Lots of Exercise

In the wild, rabbits are believed to run up to 3 miles a day! They need this much exercise when living in captivity and should be given 3 hours out of their cage or hutch each day. If you let them run in the house, be careful though, as they like to chew pretty much everything.

The Bottom Line

Resist the temptation to buy a rabbit for a pet on a whim. If you buy a rabbit, make sure you’ve done your research and know about owning a rabbit. It’s not reasonable to expect a child to take care of a rabbit, so keep that in mind.

Your local Sykesville vet, Dr. Colwell, does not recommend buying “Easter bunnies.” Stick to non-living Easter basket items.

If you do end up with a rabbit, whether this Easter or beyond, trust us to provide compassionate care for your pet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.