With Easter around the corner, we would like to address the special needs of our furry little bunny friends. If you know someone who has a rabbit or is considering getting or giving an Easter bunny, please share this with them.

Every Easter thousands of baby bunnies are sold in pet stores, swap meets, newspaper ads, and even along roadsides. Rarely do these delicate animals come with care information and often they are sick or too young to be taken away from their mothers. It is just a matter of making money with no regard as to the future of the animal.

Baby bunnies are adorable and can be an irresistable Easter gift. The sad truth is most of them will end up dead before their first birthday. Many Easter rabbits that do grow to an adult size are turned into animal shelters after the "new" wears off. Others end up living outdoors in a small cage, being fed and watered but with very little exercise and human contact.

• We suggest you adopt a rabbit from a rescue group or humane society. Many rabbits are destroyed in shelters every year bacause of the high number abandoned after Easter and throughout the year.
• Rabbits make great indoor pets and enjoy being around their people. Indoor rabbits can learn to use a litter box, you simply set up a rabbit proofed area or use an exercise pen.
• Rabbits can be spayed or neutered not only to prevent breeding, but also for health and behavior problems.
• A spayed or neutered house rabbit lives for around ten to thirteen years.
• Rabbits do very well in pairs and when introduced properly, will bond for life.
• Rabbits are very social. They needs lots of attention and when time is spent with them, they can even learn their name to come when called.
• Daily exercise is very important to a rabbit's health. A minimum of four hours a day playtime is recommended. This can be either running loose in a rabbit safe room or in an exercise playpen large enough that the rabbit can run and kick up his heels. Outdoor play yards are great but remember that rabbits can quickly dig out and dart away. They are easy prey for larger animals and for this reason, outdoor play should be closely supervised.
• When running loose indoors, remember that rabbits do chew so put up electric cords and plastic chewable items.
• Rabbit's teeth are continually growing and it is important that they be given safe wood toys to chew. This will help keep their teeth at a healthy length. However, it is our suggestion to have their teeth and ears examined regularly by an experienced rabbit care giver or veterinarian.
• A healthy diet consists of Timothy or Alfalfa pellets or unlimited Timothy or Alfalfa hay. Fresh vegetables make a good treat and fresh, clean water should be available at all times.