A Few Rabbit Myths That can Harm Your Bunny
It’s not always wise to believe everything you read or hear about the business of raising and keeping rabbits, either as a pet or to breed. Many of the old wives tales are easy to spot as false, but there are a few that persist that can be downright detrimental to your rabbit’s health and wellbeing. Here are a few of the biggest out there, and the truth behind the myth:
1. You can let an unwanted pet rabbit out into the wild and it will be OK
The average domesticated rabbit will not last long in the great outdoors. Most fall prey to local predators such as dogs, cats and big birds, very quickly. It may be true that pet rabbits possess some inbred “prey instincts”, they have never had to rely upon on them and really have no clue what to do in the wild. If you can no longer care for your rabbit, try to find him a good home, or as a last resort hand him over to a local pet shelter.
2. You can pick a rabbit up by his ears.
Rabbits ears are not a handle. How would you feel if someone tried to pick you up by your ears? Well, rabbits feel the same way. The correct way to handle a bunny is to scoop it up, supporting its body with both hands. This myth probably gained popularity thanks to those magicians who do “rabbit hat tricks”, a practice that magicians guilds now frown on.
3. Pet store rabbit treats are good for your bunny’s health.
This is for the most part false. The brightly colored treats you see in the pet store are designed to appeal to you, not your rabbit. These treats often contain way more sugar and dried fruits and nuts than the average rabbit’s digestion system can handle.
4. Rabbits are silent animals.
New rabbit owners may be very surprised by the range of noises that their pet bunny makes, and they vary greatly from breed to breed. It may go from a low “buzzing” noise to a contented purr. A rabbit that feels threatened will often let out a very shrill scream.
5. Cats and Rabbits can be bred to create Cabbits.
Since these are two completely different species, it’s hard to believe that anyone falls for this particular myth but the “cabbit” theory is alive and well. It may be the strange way that cat breeds such as the manx , which do move in a way that is almost a hop that helped get it started. However, as far as anyone knows, cabbits only really exist in Japanese Anime cartoons.
Sorry Bugs, it takes more than carrots to keep a rabbit in top form. When it comes to feeding and diet, a rabbit’s fairly sensitive digestive system has to be taken into account. A few tips;