Adopt a Rescued Rabbit This February

February is "Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month" which is perfect timing for the upcoming bunny-themed holiday of Easter. Many parents purchase pet rabbits for their children during the spring and for Easter. Rabbits do make wonderful pets, but don't believe that they are an "easy" pet to care for. They are no easier to care for than a cat or dog.

Here are some pet rabbit facts that many people aren't aware of - even after they have already taken on a rabbit as a pet.

• A rabbit's teeth never stop growing! They need plenty of hay and things to chew on to grind down their teeth. Here's some more information about the importance of hay in a rabbit's diet. 
• Rabbits will thump a back paw when they are unhappy, angry, or scared of something as a warning. 
• It's normal for rabbits to poop a lot - it's their job! It's even normal for them to eat their feces sometimes. That's called coprophagia. 
• Rabbits do not have pads on their feet like a cat or dog. The fur on the bottom of their feet is very important for keeping their feet protected and should not be completely shaved or trimmed away.
• Some rabbits are trained to do agility courses. Rabbits can be clicker trained like many other pets. 
• A rabbit can potentially break it's back while being held if they kick their back legs out. That's why it's important to hold and carry them properly. 
• Rabbits like to eat greens! Dark leafy greens like dandelion greens, collared greens, cilantro, parsley, mustard greens and more are great for rabbits to eat. Unfortunately, things like romaine or iceberg lettuce have no real nutritional value to bunnies.

Instead of buying a rabbit from a pet store, why not support pet adoption by rescuing a bunny in need? There are plenty of rabbits out there looking for forever homes. Before adopting a pet rabbit, be sure to do your research and know exactly what you are getting into. One of my favorite places to go for good rabbit care information is the House Rabbit Society.

Remember that rabbits make great pets, but children should always be supervised with them. A child cannot take care of a rabbit on their own and a lot of help from adults will be needed. The ASPCA does not recommend children under the age of 10 care for pets. Children older than 10 should still be supervised and assisted when caring for pets.