A rabbit's diet includes mostly hay, pellets, and various vegetables . Luke, a lionhead rabbit, has plenty of space and variety in his diet to keep him happy and healthy. (Katie Heagle)

By Jordan Davidson

PET POPULATION

‘It’s a good ten-year commitment:’ Nanaimo SPCA pushing proper rabbit care amid Easter season

Apr 16, 2022 | 6:03 AM

NANAIMO — Rabbits can be delightful and loyal companions as a pet, but the saying “breeding like rabbits” exists for a reason.

The BS SPCA is using the Easter season to remind potential rabbit owners to treat their long-eared friend in the same responsible way you would a cat or dog: get them spayed or neutered.

Katie Heagle with the Nanaimo SPCA works in animal care and is also a rabbit owner. She said a typical rabbit litter can yield anywhere between one and 12 baby bunnies.

“They can have a few litters a year and they have large litters. I don’t think people realize how much work is involved and how much they need when you’re getting a rabbit, it’s a good ten-year commitment if you care for them properly.”

Female rabbits reach sexual maturity at roughly six months of age, are only pregnant for about a month, and are able to become pregnant again almost immediately after giving birth.

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She said they require similar care as a dog or a cat, and can also be trained to walk on a leash and use a litter box.

“They need enrichment and physical activity. They do not do well in a small cage. They’re quite smart and they’re happier out and about.”

Luke the lionhead rabbit has plenty to keep him occupied in his ever changing enclosure. (Katie Heagle)

She said while they don’t typically see an influx in rabbits being surrendered during this time of year, some adult rabbits end up in shelters once they outgrow their “cute baby bunny” stage.

Not giving your rabbit proper care can also lead to unwanted behaviour.

“People don’t realize how destructive they can get and their needs when they see these cute little baby bunnies.”

Spaying also helps to decrease the rabbit’s aggression, as well as cutting down on territorial habits like growling, nipping fingers, or spraying urine.

In order to surrender a rabbit to the SPCA, it needs to have all of its shots for at least two weeks prior to being surrendered.

This protocol is in place after a lethal virus known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease decimated the Island’s wild rabbit population in 2019, after the first case was discovered in B.C. in 2018.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow