HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A local rescue, Huntsville House Rabbits, helps abandoned bunnies and bunnies coming from unfortunate situations. But they can also help you learn how to care for these sweet, odor-less creatures, if you're considering bringing a bunny into your family.
Ashley Hunt, who leads this rescue, told us "Easter is one of the worst times of year. A lot of people will go to a pet store, buy bunnies, not be instructed for proper care, don't know that they need to do research, don't know that bunnies live so long, they live 10 to 12 years, and they really can't be kept in a cage. That's not a good life for them."
Hunt says they've received nine separate calls in the last week about abandoned bunnies, so her and her team believe it's important for people to know how to care for these animals.
The rescue, in connection with the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, hosts a regular event known as, "Bunny Basics."
This event happens monthly at Three Tails Resale, and it's done in an effort "to educate the public on general bunny care," Hunt said.
According to Hunt, bunnies are a lot smarter than people give them credit for. They can learn their name and can be litter-trained, they can be taught tricks, and their quite affectionate animals.
Elizabeth Baker, a bunny mom of six years, shared "every time I get one, it's a brand-new learned experience."
But in order to give a bunny a healthy and fulfilled life, you need to know the basics.
"They have a diet that consists mostly of Timothy or Orchard Grass Hay, and that is their 90% of the time food, a small amount of nutritious pellets and daily veggies that are bunny safe. Those are the best and always a bowl of water, fresh water to drink," Hunt said.
They're also active creatures, "we recommend exercise pens. That's so much better for allowing them to move around and play and interact and get to know you. They're very personable. They love human interaction. They love to get to know their families," Hunt said.
Hunt also recommends all bunnies get spayed or neutered as it can help with their behavior and their health.
At "Bunny Basics" the rescue also provides free bunny nail trims by appointment-only.
Huntsville House Rabbits Rescue operates purely from donations and they're always looking for new volunteers and for people to foster these bunnies.
The rescue has a list of adoptable bunnies on their website.
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