It's no wonder that every child wants a real bunny for Easter, as they are so adorable, but unfortunately, it's not a good idea to give a live animal as a gift on impulse, as it means a decade-long commitment for the whole family. In most cases, the enthusiasm soon fades, and it's enough to buy a cute plush bunny for the child. 

 

If you still decide to get a long-eared furry friend, make sure to acquire and keep the following in mind:
 

• Cage: it should be at least 100 * 50 cm. The cage should be placed in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. It's important that it is not in a draft, as they are very sensitive to it.
   

• Litter: wood or straw pellets can be placed in the litter tray, and wood shavings are usually recommended for the rest of the cage (not pine shavings, as its resin can cause digestive and skin or fur problems), but some rabbits may be sensitive to the dust from the shavings, so the most practical option for cleanliness is the so-called cob litter made from ground corn cobs.
   

• Waterer: water should always be provided for them. The most practical option is a self-waterer, which they quickly learn to use. But it's also worth getting a stable water bowl for them, from which they can easily lap.

 

• Fur care: with the right fur brush, they can be cleaned daily during the shedding period. Care must be taken as rabbits' skin is very delicate, and the fur should never be pulled. They also groom themselves regularly, and during this time, they can swallow a lot of fur. Since they cannot vomit, this can cause serious intestinal problems during shedding, so it is recommended to give fur dissolving paste made for rabbits alongside their feed, which can prevent several digestive issues.
   

• Food: rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system. When choosing feed, it is important to ensure that the protein content is as low as possible, definitely less than the fiber content, which should be at least 18-20%. Feeding twice a day is recommended. The most important food for them is hay. It should always be available to them. As supplementary feeding, they can be given greens: they can have lamb's lettuce, arugula, carrots (preferably the greens, as the root has high sugar content), apples (without seeds), parsley, zucchini, chickweed, dandelion. For tooth wear, toys made from natural materials can also be acquired.
  Rabbits should not be given any animal-derived food, dairy products, chocolate and other sweets, potatoes, citrus fruits, onions, spicy food, conifers, cabbages, lettuce (neither head nor iceberg), and baked goods!

 

• Regular veterinary visits: rabbits also need to be vaccinated annually against their two fatal diseases, myxomatosis and hemorrhagic disease. In addition, neutering is recommended, especially for female rabbits. Professional dental and nail care is also important for rabbits.

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Guide to the spread and domestication of rabbits

 

Rabbit-like rodents (Lagomorpha) lived as early as the Eocene epoch, 45 million years ago. The domestic rabbit is derived from the European rabbit, while the hare is a different species. Rabbits are depicted on ancient Egyptian wall paintings and reliefs (2500-2000 BC), and the Phoenicians enjoyed consuming them (1000 BC). From Varro's description (116-27 BC), we know that the Romans kept them in walled "rabbit gardens" (leporariums) and they spread throughout the empire as huntable animals. The bunny appeared in Northern France in the 10th century, and by the Middle Ages, it had spread throughout Europe, reaching Hungary in the 16th century. Monks raised them in monastery courtyards (16th century), mainly consuming them during Lent as fasting food, considered equivalent to fish.
 

The beginning of domestication and breeding dates back to the 18th century. Sailors took European and domestic rabbits to many parts of the world. They released them on islands and used them as "living meat storage" for sailors passing by later. Intensive breeding of domestic rabbits began in the late 1950s, and rabbit feeds appeared around the same time. The first modern rabbit hybrids were produced in the 1970s. Natural mating was replaced by artificial insemination.

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