Why House Rabbits are Great Companions for the 50+ Crowd
Rabbits Are Excellent Companions!
People, especially those 50 years old and more, who share their homes with the various domestic breed of House Rabbitgss quickly discover the value and potential of these charming animals as dear friends, cherished companions and beings who encourage and reinforce our intellectual and social engagement.
There are many reasons why you might consider sharing your home with a rabbit. First, rabbits are extremely intelligent. They quickly catch onto household routines and interact well with humans, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and birds. They respond to their names and to other human language. Once a rabbit settles into his or her new home, they’ll come running for a pet, a kiss, or a treat. Most House Rabbits savor being stroked, brushed, and talked to, and some rabbits even enjoy being held. Each domestic breed (or mix) like dogs and other and other domesticated species have unique traits. For example the New Zealand enjoys and seeks handling and affection while the Rex is more aloof and a good companion for those of us who respect independence and intelligence.
Rabbits are clean and do not need bathing. They groom themselves thoroughly and constantly, instinctively wanting to keep themselves immaculate and scent-free. Though even litterbox-trained rabbits may drop a pellet here or there on occasion, rabbit poop does not have an offensive smell, and it sweeps up easily. Recycled newspaper makes an environmentally friendly and inexpensive litter. Add a layer of timothy hay and you have a human/rabbi win-win solution to bunny excrement. Not to mention great fodder for comost! Some buns enjoy privilege of sleeping in the beds of their humans due to their extreme cleanliness!
Finally, rabbits are entertaining, keeping their humans amused with bunny dances (also known as binkies), sprints through rooms and hallways, purposeful 'flops' onto the floor for a nap or to signal happiness, and long, luxurious stretches and yawns upon awakening. Rabbits enjoy playing with toys that they can toss, roll, and flip, and they immerse themselves in time-consuming projects such as carving doors and windows into cardboard boxes. Bonded pairs of rabbits interact constantly with each other as they cuddle side by side or indulge in games of chase and tag.
Since rabbits do best in a quiet home with no small children, perhaps you might investigate why so many others have chosen to adopt shelter rabbits as companions. There are also social connections for house rabbit folk, including blogs like www.everythingbunny.blogspotl.com that keep you stay connected, and remind you that the most important part of responsible bunny companionship is finding a bunny experienced vet.
I’d encourage anyone interested to adopt through House Rabbit Society or local rescue group and HRS has wonderful articles available for the first time and experienced bunny human!
