When she starts spouting words such as New Zealand and Californian, she’s not talking about vacation destinations. Nor, when discussing chinchilla and angore, is she referring to fine fur and wool.
There’s much more to the rabbit world than lops — with their lazy, droopy ears — or hares, whose ears stand tall and proud.
Bonnie Smith, rabbit superintendent for Boulder County, and a longtime 4-H leader, knows her bunnies.
And we figured, with Easter less than three weeks away, it would be a fine time to ask the pro for a few rabbit tips. She happily hopped right to the task:
Q: Soon after Easter, many animal-rescue leagues and humane societies are inundated with rabbits that families decided weren’t such great Easter pets after all. What would you tell people to consider before adopting a rabbit?
A: It’s a family project. We have four kids, and they help me care for our 25 rabbits. Each rabbit needs a minimum of 10 minutes of care a week, more some days, so an average of at least two hours a week. Someone with no patience and no time should not get a rabbit. And the more time you spend with them, the better off the animal will be. You have to clean them, move them around and take time with them.
Q: What about cost?
A: Monthly costs aren’t that high: maybe $10 for food and bedding. But initial costs can be high. A rabbit can cost $25 or hundreds. You can spend $300 for a cage, or get one free on Craigslist.
Q: What are some of the positive aspects of adopting a rabbit for your child?
A: It teaches children responsibility. They don’t need 24-hour care, but they need daily care. And it teaches them about birth. Put a male and female in a cage together, and 28 days later, you’ll have babies. Don’t mess with that unless you’re ready for 10 more bunnies. And they learn about death. Rabbits will live only around two to eight years.
Q: So do they do anything besides sit around with their noses twitching? Other than the once a year they bounce around delivering eggs, that is?
A: They’re affectionate. They love to be patted and held. They can be litter-box-trained. And while they can’t roll over, they can learn to fetch and to turn around.
Q: It seems like there are all kinds of crazy breeds out there. Do they differ in temperament?
A: Try 52 recognized breeds. Be sure you research before you decide on one. Go to the American Rabbit Breeders Association () for information. They’re like dogs; you can have a Chihuahua who is dedicated to one person, or a collie who simply loves everyone. If you’re looking for affection, the Flemish giant is for you.
Q: Can you offer tips for keeping them healthy?
A: Whether you get the animal from Craigslist or from a pet store, find out where it came from. Be sure it came from a reputable breeder. And (contrary to the myth), carrots and lettuce should be a rare treat. It’s really not good for them. It’s like candy to us.
Q: What are some of the top blue-ribbon winners at the 4-H shows?
A: Californian, New Zealand, Satin, Holland lop, Dutch and angora. They’re the ones the kids work best with.
Q: So what kind of rabbit is the actual Easter bunny?
A: Oh, I’d say anything with a fluffy tail and ears could fill in.
