It is not uncommon to find stray rabbits at public parks, empty lots, or even backyards. Presently, it is not clear how many rabbits are abandoned annually. In reality, the probability that you will find a pet rabbit lost in your locality is considerable. What do you do if you find a pet rabbit outside?
Ignorance regarding the high costs and care required for pet rabbits seems to cause an increase in the number of stray rabbits. Occasionally people abandon their rabbits outdoors, thinking the rabbits can fend for themselves in the wild.
Accordingly, this article details what to do if you found a stray rabbit you wish to keep and have an unwanted bunny you need to get off your hands. The article will answer questions, such as:
- Can I keep a rabbit I found?
- Can you keep an abandoned bunny as a pet?
- How can a rescue rabbit bond with you?
- Where do I take an unwanted bunny?
Can I Keep A Rabbit I Found?
The answer depends on the type of rabbit found. The first thing is to check whether the rabbit found is a wild rabbit or a domestic one. One noticeable difference is the fur. Wild rabbits are generally recognized by their greyish brown hair and long, narrow faces. Also, their ears are never floppy like some domesticated rabbits.
Having said that, it is illegal in many areas to keep wild rabbits as pets. In most states in the United States, holding a wild bunny as a pet is unlawful unless you have permission from the State Department of Environmental Protection. If caught, you may face a huge fine, and the Rabbits will also be confiscated.
Hence, if you see a wild rabbit that is severely injured or sick, you should not touch it. Instead, contact the closest wildlife rehabilitation center or vet clinic. They have trained personnel who can tend the rabbit back to health and return it to the wild.
On the other hand, if you find a pet rabbit (i.e.domestic ), you can catch it and keep it in a quiet place. Provide hay, lettuce, cabbage, etc., for the rabbit to eat. Next, get in touch with your local animal shelter to see if there is a report of a lost rabbit and so that it might be reunited with its owner. If not, then examine your circumstance whether a bunny is the right pet animal for you. Afterward, you can adopt it.
Can You Keep An Abandoned Bunny As A Pet?
Regrettably, some people sometimes decide to give up their pet rabbits when they no longer want to raise them. They wrongly believe that the freedom of outdoor life is the best, whereas it might be a death sentence for the pet bunny. As earlier established, if you find a pet rabbit, you can keep it as your pet. . But before you can hold on to a stray bunny-like yours, you need to take some actions :
- Try to catch the stray rabbit. You can use fruits, vegetables, and water to attract the rabbit to get close so you can easily capture it. Once the rabbit begins to trust you and associate you with food, it will be easier to catch. You may call animal rescue to help you out.
- Put the rabbit in a safe, quiet place to calm it down. Most likely, the rabbit will be afraid and may not even want to eat.
- Provide food (such as hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets) and water
- Check the local pound for notice of the lost rabbit in case the owner is looking for it.
- Put the notices in your neighborhood, local vets, animal shelter, etc. If possible, include the pet rabbit’s picture in the notification.
- Take the rabbit to a vet (preferably a rabbit vet or one that treats small animals) to check if a microchip is implanted in it. If it is not, then you can adopt the bunny as your own.
- Also, at the vet, check for any health issues the rabbit might have. You can also arrange for spaying or neutering the rabbit if that has not been done before.
How Can A Rescue Rabbit Bond With You?
You can never tell precisely the kind of experience your rescue rabbit had with its previous owners or while roaming around. This, coupled with the natural fear rabbits have of humans, your new pet rabbit might be skittish or keep its distance. Happily, you can successfully make your adopted rabbit bond with you. Consider the following tips:
- Sit quietly or lie down in a place where your rabbit can come to you on its own. That way, you will be closer to its level and less scary.
- Do not force your rabbit to interact with you; allow it to come of its free will. Do not pick or corner your bunny. This will build its trust in you.
- Adopt a daily routine by feeding your rabbit and allowing it to exercise outside its cage at the same time every day.
- Train your rabbit new fun tricks and reward with treats
- Pet your rabbit, especially on the forehead
- Try to understand your bunny’s body language
- Give your new pet fun toys and places to hide
Where Do I Take An Unwanted Bunny?
You might decide not to adopt an unwanted bunny you found, or maybe you don’t want to raise your pet bunny anymore. The humane and ethical thing to do is find a new home for the unwanted bunny.
It is morally wrong to just release such a bunny into the wild. Domesticated rabbits do not fare well when they are just released into the wild. They are not genetically fit for the outside world. As a result, they die fast, either from attack from predators or starvation.
It is challenging to find a good home for an unwanted pet. Putting rabbits in a good home poses unique difficulties because many treat rabbits as food, toys, or worse.
So, how can you find a new home for your unwanted rabbit? Consider the following sources for help:
1. Animal Shelter
The local animal rescue or shelter may have space to keep the rabbit until a new owner can be found. In reality, most rescue centers are full of unwanted rabbits, so you may need to check with several centers before you can find someone to help you out.
Despite their good intentions, it is good to understand that rescue centers may not have the space or resources to help with every request they take. As a result, many unwanted rabbits face a high risk of euthanasia rather than adoption.
2. Veterinary office
Most times, your local vet may know about the right client who needs a new pet rabbit. Likewise, they can allow you to advertise for a new owner for an unwanted bunny on their bulletin board.
3. Online Pet Rehoming Services.
An excellent way to reach more people looking for rabbits to adopt is to seek the help of online rehoming services. They can help you get hold of a wider audience. Adoptapet.com, petfinder.com, getyourpet.com are some examples.
While they may assist you in getting a new home for the rabbit, you will still need to screen potential new owners of the bunny to know if they can provide a good home for the rabbit.
4. Spread the Word
Connect with everyone you know and let them know about your situation. Everyone should be seen as a potential source of information about the rabbit’s new home.
5. Post Flyers
You can make a poster with a photo of your rabbit and mention its personality traits and why you need to find a new home.
Post these flyers in places where pet-oriented people who might adopt the rabbit frequent. You might consider a civic organization, school notice board, church, or workplace. A supermarket might not be a good choice because there might not be many pet inclined people there. Surely you don’t want someone to take your pet on impulse.
Additionally, do not indicate in the poster that you are giving the rabbit free of charge, even if you don’t intend to collect money for the rabbit. Such information might attract those using the rabbit to amuse dogs to race or kill or even eat it themselves.
Conclusions
In summary, you can give a lost or abandoned bunny a new life when you rehabilitate it and adopt it as your pet. Inquire into the laws concerning animal rescue in your locality. You can enjoy a long-lasting relationship with your new fluffy friend. Now, if you find a pet rabbit, you know what to do.