Easter Rabbit Welfare: Keep Your Bunny Safe and Happy
Easter is all about fun, colour, and chocolate – but for a rabbit, it can also bring hidden dangers. If you’re planning a festive weekend and your bunny will be around, a few simple steps can make sure the holiday stays safe for your furry friend. Below are the basics you need to know, written in a friendly, no‑fluff style.
Common Easter Hazards for Rabbits
First, recognise what’s risky. Chocolate, candy wrappers, and scented candles are top offenders. Rabbits can’t digest chocolate at all, and even a tiny nibble can cause a serious health issue. Small decorative eggs, glitter, and plastic grass can be swallowed and cause blockages. Loud music or fireworks can stress a rabbit, leading to a spike in heart rate or an upset stomach. Finally, bright lights and open doors can encourage a bunny to bolt outside, where predators or traffic await.
Practical Steps to Ensure Rabbit Welfare
Keep chocolate and candy well out of reach – store them in a locked pantry or high cupboard. If you want to give a treat, stick to rabbit‑safe foods: fresh carrots, leafy greens, or a small piece of apple. Avoid giving any sugary or processed snacks.
When it comes to décor, choose items that won’t break or be chewed. Real grass bundles, plain cardboard eggs, or wooden toys are better than plastic eggs that can crack and become sharp. Place all decorations above your rabbit’s cage level or in a separate room.
Rabbits love to hide, but they also need a secure space to retreat. Make sure the cage or hutch is placed in a quiet corner, away from the main party area. Add a Hide‑away box or a tunnel inside the hutch so your bunny can escape the noise if needed.
If you’re hosting a gathering, ask guests not to pick up or handle the rabbit unless they know how. Rabbits can get scared quickly, and a sudden grab could cause a sprain or a fracture. Let the bunny stay on the ground or inside its enclosure while people mingle.
Watch out for plants used in Easter bouquets. Many common flowers – lilies, daffodils, tulips – are toxic to rabbits. Stick to safe greens like basil, parsley, or rosemary if you want fresh scent around the cage.
Lastly, keep an eye on your rabbit’s behaviour. If you notice loss of appetite, loose stools, or unusual hiding, call your vet right away. A quick check can prevent a minor issue from becoming serious.
In short, a happy Easter for you and a safe one for your bunny comes down to a few practical habits: lock away sweets, choose rabbit‑friendly décor, give a quiet retreat, and monitor health. Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy the holiday without any unwanted vet visits.
Kieran Lockhart, Apr, 16 2025
In an effort to promote responsible pet ownership, a prominent Northern Ireland pet retailer halted rabbit sales around Easter. By temporarily suspending sales from March 28 to April 2, 2024, they aimed to prevent impulse buys and highlight the long-term care requirements for rabbits, encouraging informed decisions. The initiative aligns with concerns over increased rabbit abandonments post-holidays.
Categories:
Tags:
