| Publication: The Frederick News-Post; |
Date: Sep 20, 2009; |
Section: Pets; |
Page: C-6 |
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PETS AND PEOPLE
Hop on over to the shelter
By DIDI CLEMENT
Special to the News-Post
JUST ABOUT EVERYONE knows
that the Frederick County Animal Control Center admits unwanted pets from county
residents and offers those suitable for adoption to citizens at the animal
shelter on Rosemont Avenue. Most of the adoptable animals are cats and dogs, but
families looking for pets may not know that the shelter also has rabbits for
adoption.
Many parents consider rabbits to be a
suitable pet when a dog or cat seems to be too much of a responsibility for the
age of the interested child. This is the reason the House Rabbit Society shifted
into gear with an education program beginning about 20 years ago. Rabbits are
very different from other pets and those differences may make them a good match
for your family but may not actually make them easier to care for than a dog or
a cat, especially for children.
Rabbits are
social animals which makes them affectionate
and interactive. However, in nature, rabbits are often preyed upon by larger
animals so they’ve evolved as wary, sensitive creatures. One of their traits is
a natural dislike for being picked up, especially from above. With proper handling, rabbits can be accustomed
to gentle lifting and they do enjoy cuddling with caretakers who understand
their likes and dislikes. Some also prefer to live with other rabbits for
companionship and some do not.
Many families
imagine that a rabbit can be kept in a raised wooden box with a wire bottom in
the yard. Although this is how rabbits can be housed on farms where they are
raised for meat, it’s problematic for the rabbits. Wire bottom cages are hard on
their feet and do not properly wear their toenails so that rabbits need frequent
pedicures. Keeping rabbits outdoors exposes them to fleas and ear mites,
possibly diseases from wild rabbits, and even dog attacks. Weather can be
another problem for outdoor rabbits since it’s very difficult for bunnies to
keep cool in warm, humid summers.
Since rabbits can get into
difficulty in a home by chewing electric cords or woodwork, they should have a
proper sized enclosure to rest in when they are not supervised. This is not much
different than using a crate to train a puppy, especially because rabbits can be
litter trained. But it does add the cost of proper enclosure and the need for
space. Having a proper enclosure will also add the time it takes to clean and
outfit the enclosure on a regular basis. Rabbits also need plenty of supervised
time outside their enclosure so that they will be calm, healthy and enjoy
handling.
Many rabbit keepers offer low-cost
tips on keeping a curious rabbit entertained. Toilet paper rolls stuffed with
hay or clover and grass baskets that rabbits can toss and chew are an easy way
to satisfy their alone time. It’s very important for rabbits to graze for a few
hours each day and rabbit pellets (a concentrated form of hay) do not allow
bunnies the more natural diet that comes from fresh grasses.
If your family is considering a pet rabbit,
visit Frederick County Animal Control, 1832 Rosemont Ave., and a staff member or
a volunteer will be happy to assist you.