* Rabbits don't pant like dogs & cats. They cool off through their ears.
* Shedding time adds stress on your rabbit. Make sure they have extra hay & a little unsweetened pineapple juice in the water. Remember to change the water daily & to check for clogging.
* Rabbits can die of fright because they are easily stressed.
* Improper sanitation, high humidity, + no air circulation is the cause of many rabbit ailments, many of which require a vets care + meds which can be quite expensive.
* Rabbits remember + learn things thru association. For ex. if everytime he digs in your carpet + someone hollers at him, he will remember this. Try to make positive events in his life as good ones. Loud noises spook them + can make them a nervous rabbit.
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False! A rabbit does fine on it's own because it has you for company. Another rabbit is not a good substitute for your lack of presence. The rabbit needs you around to let it loose & for the attention same as a dog or a cat. If you are not around, getting to know your rabbit's behavior, you will not know when it is sick as rabbits being prey animals, hide their sicknesses very well!
* My rabbit gets along with cats so I don't have to worry about my rabbit.
False!! Rabbits are naturally prey animals, while cats & other animals are naturally predators.
* Wild rabbits are loose outdoors so my rabbit should be fine too.
False! The rabbit you have is domesticated! They do not know how to survive on their own. Many rabbits that have been "set free" so that they aren't put down at the SPCA just wind up at the SPCA anyways, or are dead on arrival! Please send them here! A wild rabbit's lifespan is only 2 yrs max,. for a reason!
* I can leave my rabbit loose in the yard.
False! Your rabbit could end up being lunch to another animal or it may dig it's way out of your yard & become a street smear. A rabbit loose in the yard is more likely to suffer a wound & require medical attention or end up dead. It is best to stay outdoors with your rabbit while it is on a halter. Rabbits will adjust to this, you just have to give them time, it isn't cruel, it is because you care! Rabbit runs are safe as well, however, it is still best to stay outdoors incase of predators or your rabbit tries digging out.
* A rabbit is a cage animal.
False! A rabbit needs to be let out of it's cage on a regular basis! The cage is just the home it sleeps in or goes into to eat, drink & safety. A rabbit needs to be loose somewhere to exercise. A rabbit run is an idea, special room or kitchen. Please remember that a rabbit can be trained to use a litter, etc. it just takes time. Also remember that rabbits chew & dig, it's in their nature & you can't change that. Exercize keeps your rabbit's weight healthy, as well as the rest of the rabbit. Exercize keeps the digestive tract moving!
* Rabbits are a good starter pet for my child! Or I want to get my child a rabbit.
False! Rabbits are high maintenance pets, not like a dog or cat who require less watching. They need constant caring for, they dig & chew, they need to be out of their cage, kids are still learning responsibility & a rabbit is not the best way to be teaching them, & a child will not be able to tell when a rabbit is behaving differently & is sick. Also, rabbit's bones are fragile. If your child carries the rabbit the wrong way or if it squirm or jumps down, your rabbit may break it's back & need to be put down.
* My rabbit has misbehaved so I should swat him.
False! A "No" said repeatedly each time he does something that isn't acceptable may in time teach him what it means. I make a squeaky noise or lightly thump my heel on the floor + they stop what they are doing right now.