Rabbit, The Best Pet Mammal?

[@ClintsReptiles]

Over 19 MINUTES of BONUS content from this video, exclusively for our Stinkin' Rad Fans on Patreon! Patreon is a great way to support Clint's Reptiles AND get awesome extras (including hundreds of other bonus videos)! www.patreon.com/posts/video-patreon-80321626

[@rociosilverroot551]

I'm allergic to grass hay so I cannot keep rabbits.

[@starbirds2464]

Hey, big fan of you’re channel. I’m wondering if you would maybe consider covering black house spiders as pets? I’ve kept huntsmans, wolf spiders, and a tarantula but my favourite pet spider I’ve kept are the common black house spiders. Also, don’t know how you haven’t covered huntsmen’s yet but they’re rad!

[@themadhousediaries]

Do a video on butterflies

[@BertSurl]

As a former breeder and current pet rabbit owner, the one disagreement I have is regarding pellets. They need a high quality pellet daily. Not the grocery store stuff. I have used locally milled pellets. It should usually be around 16% protein and high fiber (I used 20% fiber since I had fiber breeds). Rabbits who don't get pellets almost always have deficiencies. Water 24/7 is also key. Great video!

[@GladDestronger]

I hate bunnies.

[@tonyto8384]

This video will single handedly save so many rabbits' lives. I never knew about the fragile spine/skeleton issue. Thanks Clint for the education!!!

[@dacisky]

It should be mandatory watching for anyone planning to get a rabbit.

[@phoenixkatyg]

Same, & I had rabbits growing up!

[@emapelikanova478]

Yes, they be bouncy but also fragile. They literally can hurt themselves while binkying...

[@sigridbjergbakkemeyer3653]

They taste good. So if you do not want your rabbit, have it killed by a quick bullet to the head, and use the fur and eat the meat.

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

Has clint heard about dogs? they are mammals!

[@ironjohn04]

Thanks so much for this video, Clint! I have a pet rabbit and make sure to post a "Do NOT buy your kids a pet rabbit for Easter!" PSA on social media around Easter every year. They are great little animals, but they are certainly not a great pet for most people, especially kids. And anyone determined to get one should absolutely check the shelter first!

[@brigidtheirish]

Buying any kind of animal as a gift is a generally bad idea. Unless it's very much *not* a surprise and there's been a lot of setup beforehand.

[@peggedyourdad9560]

@@brigidtheirish I’d imagine it’s only a good idea if you know the person already wanted that animal.

[@LG123ABC]

Yeah, don't buy them baby chicks either!

[@crptpyr]

​@@brigidtheirish yeah, it's fine if someone was planning on getting a pet, had done all the research and setup, and just choose to get them around the time of a holiday or birthday as a gift all parties are aware of and have planned for. we've done that a few times in our household. What's insane to me is getting someone a pet as a surprise gift, like I just couldn't imagine doing that because it seems like a bad idea on all fronts

[@brigidtheirish]

@@crptpyr A profoundly bad idea for all the reasons stated as well as my belief that animals should get the chance to choose their humans and vice versa.

[@stellabelikiewicz1523]

I’m so glad there’s more information getting out there about how rabbits are complicated to keep as pets! They’re so cool, but they have a ton of unexpected needs and are delicate in a lot of ways!

[@Ruggliff]

I think people have just normalized how complicated cats and dogs are, My dog got an upset stomach from changing foods which lead to her not pooping for 3 days and a $700 emergency vet visit.

[@maggiepie8810]

I have most of my animal background with horses, and rabbits sound a bit like horses made smaller and more fragile, with less attention needed to be paid to their feet.

[@Trekki200]

​@@maggiepie8810do horses also have a habit of periodically running around at speeds that suggest they try to break through the sound barrier?😅

[@maggiepie8810]

@@Trekki200 Yes! They also have at least one sport 'in common.'

[@neilfishburn9327]

@@Trekki200sounds apt description of a horse when first let out of stable with and added jump skip and kick out thrown in for added measure

[@rhinstonetyger]

As a rabbit person who volunteers at my local rabbit shelter, I really appreciate you trying to educate on their care. So many of our shelter friends were rescued from random neighborhood where they were dumped. One of the shelter bunnies we had was shot with a BB gun! They are a huge commitment and can be wonderful pets, but only with the right owner.

[@oldhamcowboy1902]

yes we should do more to help the rabbits, about culling humand say 4 or 5 times a year!....I hate humans!

[@-__-55555]

Oh my god that’s so awful, they were shot with a BB gun?! :c That’s so horrible

[@darthszarych5588]

I absolutely love them but I think I'd rather get a cat or dog. It seems like a commitment I wouldn't be able to make

[@ILuvAyeAye]

My (tiny, chihuahua mutt) pup had been shot with a BB gun too. 😔

[@megapiglatin2574]

@@darthszarych5588 That is a wise and totally valid choice! It’s FAR better to have the realization before you end up with a rabbit rather than after. :)

[@middlemuse]

My rabbit died about a year ago at eleven years old, and while I was absolutely devastated and still miss her constantly, my life is SO much easier now. These pets are a TON of work.

[@dacisky]

Over 13 years,I had 3 house rabbits and you are so right. After all that,I decided to go low maintenance with a gargoyle gecko...Way,way,WAY less work! 🦎

[@loftyskies123]

they are ,my timmy is my last bun ive had buns for 30 years but he is the last i just hope i can stick to it lol .

[@dumper87]

Same with me when my last dog died. I was planning on getting another one at first, but changed my mind once I realized how much easier daily life had become.

[@simondahlin250]

I just recently lost both of my bunnies, Velma a year and a half ago, and Bamse half a year ago, they were a bonded pair and both got to 11 years old too. Unfortunately for Bamse he did not get along with any other bunny, but omg they take so much work, but it's so rewarding when they actually decide to be social with you hah

[@devilface97]

Did you eat it?

[@BlastedRodent]

Thank you to Pops for demonstrating the rabbit’s distinct lack of paw pads. All that scooting 😂

[@GreymanWalking]

was scooting because the surface was to slippery for fur+claws to grip on.

[@serpenticular6990]

This is one of the few animals covered by Clint THAT I ACTUALLY OWN!

[@mikeexits]

Can rabbits get affectionate at all when they're comfortable in their home? The only kinds of interactions I've had with rabbits, whether in nature or at a pet store, was them being terrified and running for their lives, so I've got no idea what their personalities tend towards in-person.

[@ImpendingJoker]

@@mikeexits Yes, very much so. My last two dwarf rabbits were more like cats. They were litter trained, and we let them have the run of the apartment and they would actually jump from the floor onto the couch and get in our laps while watching TV or playing video games. They liked snuggles and would readily sleep in my arms or on my lap or next to me on the couch, and when they thought food was involved they'd hop around your feet all happy and stuff.

[@serpenticular6990]

@@mikeexits Yes! Certainly! My Biscuit knows his name and if anybody is laying on the big beanbag we have in the living room he is not against hopping on their chest and snuggling into their arms. They're basically like a cat or a dog if they know you're not a threat and will actively seek attention!

[@mikeexits]

@@ImpendingJoker That's awesome, I love reptiles so I'm not gonna be underwhelmed if an animal isn't all over me, but it's good stuff to know. Sounds like it's really worth the trickier health and vet issues if you're willing to take the responsibility. Hope yours are doing well, and same for other commenter's here. :)

[@mikeexits]

@@serpenticular6990 Adorable, I bet guests love friendly free-roaming bunnies like this haha.

[@tanyaroberson9629]

As a longtime rabbit owner I was skeptical that a reptile guy could rate rabbits. But I think Clint nailed it. The part about the fragile spine was gold. I have rabbits dogs and cats. The rabbits are the most work.

[@aina3387]

Amen!

[@recycledfelines]

As a tarantula owner I thought the same thing! But it does an excellent job there too!

[@AndrevusWhitetail]

It helps a lot that Clint while being a reptile guy is an actual zoologist

[@tanyaroberson9629]

@@chadsteadman2604 I really love then too. Little angels and worth it.

[@erikm8372]

I don’t think he discriminates based on species… animals are a passion

[@azurehanyo]

Thank you for posting this. We have two rabbits and they are incredible pets; but they require a lot of attention, and are certainly not for everyone. Seeing so many "Easter rabbits" available for free mere months after Easter- every single year- is quite telling.

[@dacisky]

So true,as soon as they hit puberty,they can't be taken to a shelter fast enough.

[@loftyskies123]

its really sad to see them because you just know it wont be long before theyre dumped at a recue or just left somewhere .

[@hamsterama]

@@loftyskies123 My local humane society always has rabbits available. There's also a rescue in my city solely dedicated to rabbits. I can only presume that most rabbits bought at pet stores will eventually wind up at a rescue organization. People just don't do their research. I think rabbits are so cute, and I'd love to adopt a couple, but I know I wouldn't want to put in the work required to care for one. Small rodents, like hamsters, are way less work.

[@loftyskies123]

@@hamsterama its the same here in the UK all the rescues are overloaded with rabbits and guinea pigs .they are very costly when something goes wrong . no more furries for me im going to stick to fish . and even theyre a pain in the butt at times lol

[@hamsterama]

@@loftyskies123 Our rescues are overloaded with guinea pigs as well. On top of that, both rabbits and guinea pigs are slow to find new homes. Sounds like both the US and the UK have problems with people not doing their research. People buy these pets impulsively, without realizing how messy they are, and how time consuming their care is. I'm sticking with hamsters. They're easy to care for, because they're not social with their own kind, so all you need is one. Plus their hoarding instinct means they can be left alone for up to a week when I travel. I love fish (bettas especially are so much fun!). But I can't have them, because I wouldn't have anyone to feed them when I travel.

[@PeachPepsi]

This is great information, Clint. I had a rabbit for 7 years, and she passed this December because she had uterine cancer. I adopted her from a neglectful family that didn't get her fixed, and she was older by the time I got her, so it wasn't as safe to get her fixed. So, to anyone wanting a rabbit, please get your rabbit fixed, especially if they are female. Your rabbit will live a much longer life.

[@PeachPepsi]

Also a super important thing to learn is how to save your rabbit from choking because their's are different from humans and they can't puke. There are KZbin videos for it and learn it before it happens, trust me.

[@alexandersimpson3638]

But not too young, give it 18 months until they mature physically and mentally.. Or you end up with more problems, urinary and so on..

[@Specogecko]

Surprised that she was too old to be fixed, unless she was a large breed. my rabbit had its eyeball removed at 10 years old, and recovered great!

[@MadMax-bq6pg]

BRAVO! I was about to leave a comment very similar to yours. My wife & I have been looking after “rescue animals” (= nearly all other people’s lack of thought) for over 30 years and there is a lot to know. IF you make the decision to take on caring for a rabbit, GET THE ANIMAL DESEXED. Everyone will be happier. Really. Boys won’t be quite as territorial & girls won’t be quite as “nest protective” (a different scale & focus of territoriality). The bonus of having a female desexed (or spayed, whichever term you are comfortable with) is she will not get uterine cancer WHICH MOST INTACT FEMALE RABBITS GET by age six. And they can be relatively long lived (eg we have had 15 year old bunnies). Protect them from cats (one swing of a paw by a grumpy moggy = a blind bunny). Protect them from dogs including your happy friendly loveable family pet. One snap if the dog is tired but bunny wants to play = dead bunny. Protect them from toddlers (that one should be self explanatory but…) especially as toddlers work out how much fun it is chasing rabbits (but it’s stressing the animal possibly to death) Clint, love ya work….but you’ve caused no end of vexation for my darling wife. She had her heart set on getting me a King Cobra for my birthday next month to be followed up with a Black Mamba as its playmate for my christmas present. She’s now at a complete loss as to what to do…. Kind regards from Oz 🇦🇺

[@Firestar-TV]

​@@MadMax-bq6pg😆 Hope the Part with the Snakes was a Joke. Unless you've already wanted to keep those Species before. What I've learned from KZbin is that even a predatory Pet just licking a Herbivore could cause serious Health Problems due to dangerous Bacteria (If I remember correctly) that many of them have in their Saliva

[@mildlydazed9608]

My pet rabbit likes to jump onto my lap at my desk. He’s not as easy as a cat or dog but definitely don’t regret getting a rabbit.

[@joshuas.5340]

A trusting rabbit is one of the best animals in the world. Mine used to run all the way from my room over to the living room, hop on the couch and enjoy TV and cuddles. Even ran back into my room if she had to pee. She was a lot of work, but it was so worth it. Loved her so much. 9 years of glee.

[@dertfrog6958]

This video is fantastic. As a rabbit owner, I want to send this to everybody who's ever asked me why I don't keep my rabbit in a hutch, give her carrots, etc. Rabbits have such big personalities and zest for life but they are sensitive little creatures.

[@megapiglatin2574]

🙌🙌🙌 Amen to that!

[@Skandranon50]

lol I like how the rabbit is super calm, but clearly struggling to figure out how to stand up on the table xD Fur instead of paw pads make smooth surfaces very complicated lmao

[@zoelawrence568]

Fun fact, the rabbit is actually not that calm! Rabbit body language takes some getting used to. Its not toooo freaked out, but not moving + wide eyes + nose going 100mph = anxious rabbit. Tbh though even with good trust any rabbit being handled is anxious

[@Skandranon50]

@@zoelawrence568 oh thank!!!!

[@megapiglatin2574]

That is one point that was missed (no hate to Clint-he’s doing more of an overview kind of video hitting the high points and did great!): generally with rabbits a part of protecting their spine and mental/emotional sense of safety is providing surfaces that they can grip on and avoid slippery ones. For example, my current house has all tiles floors-great for cleaning, but not great for bun-ning. So, my rabbit has a large pen that sits atop a rug, as well as additional rugs around the room for when she comes out to explore.

[@lagggoat7170]

Ok now that you did bunnies (and rats previously) I REALLY want a guinea pig episode. No I am not biased (Yes I totally am)

[@lagggoat7170]

Bunnies and piggies are in the same niche of "Clichee kids pet, not taken seriously by most adults but suprisingly intelligent and personable." My herd of chaos actually figured out a few years ago (when I was staying with my Dad and brother) that the first person the begged at would feed them (yes they can differentiate), BUT if another person came and they begged again they would get fed AGAIN. Relevant for this is that we three would wake up at different times. So for multiple days the piggies managed to trick three breakfasts out of us and we only realized when my family sassed me for not feeding my piggies in the morning. Those little chaos potatoes played us like fiddles. As a kid we also had bunnies, but we were very unlucky when it cames to their health, one was sickly and needed daily butt wiping assistance for 10+ years while absolutely hating people, so I kinda gravitated more towards piggies as a teen and got some myself after I moved out. I still like bunnies but havent dared to keep some yet (I am fascinated by the freeroaming type of keeping, where they have the run of your floor and are trained to a toilet box, like a vegan cat. I wish toilet training piggies was possible)

[@nckojita]

@@lagggoat7170the nice thing about rabbits is that you can keep them with more traditional pets as well, since they make good companions for cats so long as you introduce them properly (and preferably get the cat as a young kitten) and supervise them while playing! i definitely would love to get a rabbit some day but my adoration for cats is never ending so finding this out was a godsend lol

[@cassielfsw3815]

​@@lagggoat7170 chaos potatoes 😂 They're damn geniuses when it comes to "ways to get the hoomans to give us food". One of my piggies will routinely drop the treat I just gave her and look at me like "mommy, you forgot to give me one 😢". Once during treat time the pigs were lined up on the side of the cage for treats and this same piggy got her treat and then ran around to the other end of the line to get another one 😂

[@scottmccrea1873]

Been asking for the giggle pig episode for a couple of years! Possibly the easiest pet to keep. Their only real flaw is lots of poop! If they could be litter box trained, they'd be perfect. We have 3 females now.

[@lagggoat7170]

@@scottmccrea1873 Idk, my isopods are definitely easier but I still love my piggies more. I have four, one neutered boar and three girls of different ages.

[@myssixensen7516]

Also, keep ALL CORDS ONE AT LEAST FOOT HIGHER than you think your rabbit can get to, or they will chew them....as well as carpets furniture, walls & trimm....don't leave anything small and bright on the floor that your rabbit can get to, that they can digest, because they physically can NOT VOMIT & aren't always great surgery patients. But good job, Clint!!! You really did nail bunny's!👍😂❤

[@azerty1933]

Keeping the cords high is something you learn very quickly. I still miss my transformers mouse

[@myssixensen7516]

@@azerty1933 😢

[@GreymanWalking]

also rubber, my buns seem to be oddly attracted to chewing rubber.

[@Lastname_the_First]

When we had rabbits, I found the best way to move them between enclosures and in general was with a carry crate. They took to it very easily, they're much more comfortable hopping into a secure space under their own power than being manhandled. Plus, it keeps them safe from spine injury and can double as furniture (mine loved to hang out inside and on top of their crate)! I was also surprised at their attitude, which was more catlike than I imagined--they'll play and interact with you when *they* feel like it, and on their terms. Sometimes they'll be cuddly or clingy, other times they'll want nothing to do with you. They are very picky about their space, and are not afraid to nip and thump to let you know that you've *ruined the flow* of their cage by moving things around! They have interesting social dynamics among themselves too. Again, just my experience, but I found them to be much more complex and endearing than I ever thought I would. Definitely not right for everyone (or even most people) but I can see them being the perfect pet for someone! P.S. I'll add that if you intend to keep your rabbits outside, or even just let them outside to run, you have to be VERY aware of your local predators! Everything. Eats. Rabbits. Snakes will slide through or under fencing, hawks will swoop down out of the clear blue sky, racoons and rats might get after their feed and take a chance on killing a bunny, your neighbor's dog could break through the fence, etc...I never had anything happen to my rabbits, but only because they turned me paranoid. It's not easy being (or protecting) prey animals.

[@Margatatials]

My rabbit loves company but he hates 's to be touched. Also if I was to give a favourite quote from him it would be "don't touch my stuff"

[@4SlowFashion]

the neighborhood dogs bent all the wiring on mine's cage, behind a 4' fence inside a second yard fence. these were large dogs. we wire wrapped the locks closed, or they would have gotten him.

[@kR-qj7rw]

Everything eats rabbits is something I never really thought about but yeeeeah poor things

[@bogwife7942]

I guess there's a reason richard adams called them, 'prince of a thousand enemies'

[@megapiglatin2574]

Having had rabbits killed by: escaped neighborhood dogs; a raccoon; and pesticides that were accidentally sprayed over our neighborhood, I can attest to the importance of SAFETY when your rabbit is outside!!

[@alethaandvorpalbunny]

Obviously I'm a rabbit fan, but I'm so happy to see one of my favorite youtubers being thorough and enjoyably honest about rabbits.

[@BunnyQueen97]

Handlability - 0 Care - 0 Hardiness - 0 Availability - 5 Upfront cost - 0 But I love ‘em 😂

[@theebronks]

i worked at a pet store for years and I wish more than anything that this video was required watching for purchasing a rabbit.

[@nordiclame]

I'm a part-time rabbit/exotics veterinarian and part-time shelter vet. 1) Your train metaphor is fantastic and I'm going to steal it for all my patients. 2) Thank you for educating everyone about the plight of the Easter bunny!! We surprisingly have more rabbits than we do cats at the moment, and Easter isn't even here yet. 😭

[@harveywallbanger3123]

Part of the problem is also that the glut of adoptable rabbits are primarily the least adoptable kind: white (often melanistic) long-eared pet store rabbits. Terrible genetics, mostly used as kits for snake food unless somebody grows them. Bought for $20 from some shady breeder on a whim for Easter, abandoned, and now the ASPCA wants $25 to adopt them out.

[@BertSurl]

*Some breeds of rabbit are very handlable (Jersey Wooly, Velveteen Lop, etc). Some are usually not at all handlable (Brittania Petite!). Most fall somewhere in between, but if they come from a good breeder and have been socialized they should be relatively chill and enjoy interacting. People just need to realize they are prey animals and not tiny dogs. Thanks for pointing that out so well Clint! *former breeder of rare rabbit breeds, current pet rabbit owner/spoiler*

[@martyadams3172]

Current breeder of one rare breed rabbit (Rhinelander) and several rare varieties of two very popular brees. Everything BertSurl said. One of the breeds I raise, aren't really handlable by amaturs, the other two are great! Except the one that gets pretty darn big (10+ lbs) Best advice is do your research! On rabbits in general, and on whatever breed, (or mix of breeds) you decide on. Suggest you avoid House Rabbit sources. Go with the breeder sites for best info on housing and feeding.

[@raylopez99]

I'm not into small furry herbivores, though I raise sheep and goats for food, but I notice even a hamster will bite you if you don't constantly befriend it, so given rabbits have such wicked sharp teeth, they're not for me. Good luck tho if you're into them.

[@Palitato]

You know, I think you might have just solved a mystery of my friend's rabbit's breeding. We knew she was part Blanc De Hotat due to the black circle around her eye, but she wasn't quite big enough for a pure bred, and was missing the circle on one side... we thought she was maybe a mixture of a dwarf version and a standard, but reading about the Brittania Petite makes SO much sense. She sits up tall like that, has very straight standing ears, and is definitely very energetic and curious, even at the ripe old age of 9! She doesn't much care to be handled and is very fussy about being touched. You CAN catch her if you have to, but most of the time she'll dodge and weave and refuse capture... and it's not because she's afraid, she just doesn't want you touching her. Once you actually catch her she settles down and sulks about it. And she can hold a grudge!

[@1Bunnycuddles]

@@Palitatofor the rabbit I have a feeling by how you described it your friends rabbit might have been a false dwarf Hotot that had boxer marking (when they only have one eye band). These can often get mixed up with Blancs which are between 7 and 11 lbs. dwarf hotots are posed similar to that of a Netherland dwarf or Britannia Petet. I noticed when I had both breeds (I dropped the dwarfs because they had to many problems kindling) that blancs tend to be less curious and more abrade as they are a meat bread compared to the dwarf hotots that are bread mainly as pets. Also as a rule of thumb smaller rabbits tend to live longer so 9 for a dwarf hotot is resonable

[@ExpandDong420]

That was the biggest thing that threw me off when I met my friend's bunny, I couldn't bring myself to touch it because it looked so scared

[@nevonacreighton2832]

I'm not going to lie, I was a little scared to watch this video. I love your channel and was afraid that you'd get your information on rabbits from the wrong side of the rabbit world and this video would put a sour taste in my mouth. It didn't, this video was great! Rabbits are my favorite pets, I train them agility, obedience, and trick titles and I love how special your bonds with them are, but they are definitely not for everyone. I've also spent thousands of dollars on vet visits and dozens of hours on supportive care when my rabbits have fallen ill. I would say that they're even higher maintenance than dogs, especially when they are sick.

[@nevonacreighton2832]

@@chaoticneutral6288 many! The limits to what you can teach them is their anatomy and instincts. For instance, I wouldn't train a rabbit how to hunt and training a rabbit to carry things as large as a dog can just doesn't make sense. I've taught rabbits basic things such as come, stay, and shake, to more complicated things such as touching a color when I call it's name, jumping on my back, etc. They are highly food motivated animals and can be very easy to train if you know how. I only recommend force free methods for rabbits as stress can be deadly for them, anything that invokes a flight, fight, or freeze response is not appropriate. Rabbits should want to be trained and should be excited about it.

[@RebeccaMajor]

Rabbits are by far the most demanding and expensive pet I have ever kept. Awesome creatures, but definitely a commitment. My bunny loves cilantro, mint, sage, dill, basil, romaine, and red and green leaf lettuce.

[@FaolanHart]

I had a rabbit as a kid named Biscuit. He used to run around in the garden with my Yorkie Sam. They where good friends. Sam was a special Yorkie, typically dogs with strong small animal hunting instincts. He befriended our budgie also. The little guy would ride around on his back & sleep with him. Biscuit was with us for many years. He was a loving little guy that did a lot to keep me calm as a kid. I'm autistic & could be a nightmare for my mother at that age, but I was another person entirely with animals. Calm, quiet & gentle. Just what rabbits need.

[@GooberLoofer420]

Never held my rabbit like that, I just hold him to my chest over my heart supporting his back and lower body, he’s a cuddler

[@shadowcat9672]

Still holding out hope for a hamster video. Also, that rabbit is adorable.

[@mikar1377]

I see hansters as inferior rats (more independent, not very social...), but it would be interesting to hear from clint. Regarding these 5 categories, they are probably similar to rats, just a few changes in care and maybe handleability

[@Regenalduck]

@@mikar1377 my hamster is inferior to no one. He is the supreme being! We are only on earth because my lil Peanut permits it

[@NitroIndigo]

​@@mikar1377 Considering that a lot of Clint's high scores have gone to non-sociable reptiles...

[@dacisky]

@@mikar1377 They definitely are. I had a colony of rats for 9 years. Finally,the short life span just got to me and I went to house rabbits. 13 years later,I got a gargoyle gecko. I still miss the rats.

[@bamf7286]

Adorable and goofy. I don't know why, but when I looked at this fella at the start of the video I imagined his only 2 braincells trying not to forget to breathe. Could be just me, I am actually not sure if rabbits are smart or not.

[@karenalbin6589]

I shared this excellent video to my page! Our girl Julie is a Dutch 3 year old spayed gal. She has the largest dog crate we could buy and she spends several hours out playing and running each day. What a lot of people do not realize is that we spend around $800 each year on her with our exotics vet. She is worth every penny of it, but we spend a lot of time each day doing routine care for her to keep her healthy. She is a smart, special gal with a ton of attitude and she loves the cats in the menagerie here. Great pets, but know what you are signing up for. The hay producers and produce section of the supermarket will be your daily friends with a spoiled rabbit like Julie.

[@scottmccrea1873]

Wow! I've been keeping guinea pigs for 40 years and haven't spent $800 on all of them combined! What does that money pay for?

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

@@scottmccrea1873 Just to see the vet at an exotics clinic around here is $150, double that if you have to go to the emergency vet who does exotics. And rabbits are really sensitive to anaesthetic so they need a bunch of pre-op bloodwork even for a spay-neuter, I think they quoted me $500 for a spay a decade ago. That's why I try to get shelter bunnies, they come neutered so it's one less thing I need to worry about.

[@Dlstufguy2]

This is so weird. I'm a pet sitter, dog walker etc. I have one client that every few months needs me to feed her rabbits. I often listen to KZbin while I work. This video published right when I was feeding a rabbit and the one on the thumbnail is almost identical

[@salamlawrence9658]

Me watching this and looking over at my rescue rabbits. If you want a rabbit, it does become your life. Thank you for spreading the message that rabbits are not Easter presents. They are not easy pets to take care of and require a lot of specialized care. And are expensive to keep. They are such lovely little animals and so rewarding, but they are just as much of a commitment as a cat or a dog. I lost my first bun very suddenly from a mystery ailment. Not even the vet was sure, they think it was some sort of infection. When one of my current rescue buns stopped eating, I spent $700 to be told he had some gas pain. My buns are healthy and happy, but they still get frequent boughts of stasis, mostly from ingesting too much hair.

[@Staci.Gonzalez]

What breed is your rabbit?

[@dangerousish7837]

It's so weird seeing all of these comments talking about how expensive and demanding rabbits are. I have two girls and they're honestly our least demanding pets out of our dog, cats, and lizard. Their food is cheap, their litter is cheap, they don't have teeth or stasis issues, and they're 5 years old soon. I'm sure I'm just lucky with some hardy rabbits, but it's just weird to see how rare it seems to be.

[@sofiabruiz17]

My rabbit was rescued very young, and has always been very territorial. Growls a lot launches and everything, he is 8 years old. Over the years trust was built but those reactions are still there. He does turn into a sweetheart when you manage to pick him up, if he trusts you, he just turns into a licking machine and loves spending time with you. You never know the personality of your new family member, so its something to always take into account

[@lsuzicosbw644]

Launches?? Feisty lil guy 😂

[@sofiabruiz17]

@@lsuzicosbw644 yeah yeah, looks super cute but he is a mini monster. The vet actually loves him, says he has a lot of personality lol

[@sonwig5186]

I also used to have a rescue rabbit who was utterly crazy and was so territorial she would chase cats and birds out of the garden!

[@aliceinwonderland1339]

My sibling is very prone to getting invested in something then abandoning it after a month or so. One of their interests was bunnies and due to my parents unconditional love they bought her one. He was neglected emotionally for years while I did all the work for feeding him and trying my best to draw attention to the problem to my parents but to no avail. One day I said screw it and quietly decided he was going to be mine. I did a bunch of research and spent so much time working on trust with him. I bunny proofed and gave him a whole room to himself in every house I’ve lived in. I’ve got month boxes with treat for him. It took so long to train him to stop sleeping in the rat cage she had him cooped up in 24/7. He’s coming on 8 years now but up until 2 years ago she still called him hers. I told my mom if she ever tried to take him he would go “missing” for a bit until I adopt an identical bunny and made her promise to go along with it. He’s literally the sweetest thing ever. I hear all these things about sassy rabbits who wreck your house and home and look cute doing it but he’s such a good boy and I’ve got him in the habit of coming to me whenever I tap on the floor for a treat. I would never have adopted a bunny before and I probably wouldn’t again in the future because they are so much work. Especially being considered an exotic pet to vets. If you’re thinking about getting a bunny make sure you’re up for a destructive, very health sensitive cat. You need to be ready to make changes to your entire house for it.

[@roidrannoc1691]

The phylogenetic part at the begining was interesting. I'd love to have little phylogenetic lessons for all of the animals you cover!

[@dubistverrueckt]

Glad he mentioned it, but he left out a lot. Yes, those “scientists “ of old did a lot of damage to Lagomorphs by lumping them in with rodents because even today many people still do, including him as he said in the video, and good for him to do so. However, as related as the Lagomorphs may still be to rodentia, they are even closer to Primates by DNA 🧬Yes Rabbits 🐰 and hares 🐇 are closer to us humans genetically than anything else that’s not an ape 🦧 or monkey 🙉 !

[@revol_000]

When you have an albino rabbit which looks like the Killer Bunny of Caerbannog, it has a bonus stat: AWESOMENESS - 5/5

[@bugloverspiderlover8490]

We had one too, but he was stupid as they come! Our doe was the clever mean spirited one!That rabbit was Smart!

[@traciec6517]

I adore rabbits, and have several rescue rabbits in my care. I'm very much a "bunny slave". But they are not for the faint of heart.

[@May-or-May-not]

I really really want rabbits as pets. I've had rats for years. Sadly I'm extremely allergic to both rabbits and hay, so it's never to be... But I'm so happy you're spreading awareness because I see so many rabbits for rehoming.

[@123Comrade]

Oh no, Pops' little fluffy paws are too slipperey for the table! 🐇🐰

[@morganspaceburger1253]

Clint's flowery way with words regarding rabbit feces has probably been the funniest thing on the channel so far

[@ultimate_animal_showdown]

Recently got my first rabbit and I can tell y’all she has inflicted much more damage to me than any wild animal has ever or at least whenever I try to pick her up because otherwise she’s very nice for the most part

[@AaronHendu]

Do not pick her up unless necessary...like it is in imminent danger or needs nails cut or something. They dont like it, and forcing them is only going to make them not like you. They take time to build a bond that can be lost in an instant.

[@lagggoat7170]

I still have a thin white scar in the palm of my hand I picked up from my childhood bunnies. It wasnt even mean, just an ill places nail scrape

[@BertSurl]

​@@AaronHendusome rabbits are fine with it and non stressed, but many more times you do see people hauling around a clearly stressed bunno.

[@loftyskies123]

@@AaronHendu dont pick up you get down on the floor and let the bun come to you ,you build the trust that way it takes time .

[@jayreed9370]

lay down on the floor, put her favorite foods on you and wait for her to come to you. You cannot force a rabbit to enjoy being handled, and some will never tolerate it at all. But you will never know unless you give the rabbit the chance to volunteer to be near you. You cannot 'draft' her into it. good luck!

[@Alucard1191]

I've been keeping rabbits for years, (my current dwarf bunny is 8) and while I don't think they are quite as tough to keep as Clint is making them out, I very much agree with the "DO NOT GIVE THEM AS GIFTS" sentiment. My current baby was one of those. Was given to a little girl who just lost interest, and then she became mine. That was 7 years ago now and she's still going strong.

[@ILuvAyeAye]

He thinks all endotherms are tough pets lol. He's right when you're comparing them to a snake! I've definitely known cuddly rabbits who loved being handled (on their terms) but his health warnings are so important.

[@peterjones819]

Never thought rabbits can be so fascinating from your intro.

[@ClintsReptiles]

Almost every animal is amazing once you get to know more about it. That's why this channel exists 😉

[@yusufcanbaz8194]

@@ClintsReptiles when u say ALMOST u mean mosquitose dont you?

[@eric_has_no_idea]

​@@yusufcanbaz8194 even mosquitos are interesting. Did you know they are pollinators, and they primarily eat nectar.

[@yusufcanbaz8194]

@@eric_has_no_idea yeah i know, but clint aint so found of em

[@hjalfi]

@@eric_has_no_idea There's a fascinating True Facts about mosquitoes. There are mosquito species which specialise on earthworms. And manatees. And other mosquitoes. And the elephant mosquito won't bite humans, but its larvae feed on the larvae of those that do; and are great pollinators as well...

[@mariahsart]

Owning rabbits, they are definitely not the easiest pet. I love them, but it can be quite a wild ride of emotions. Between worrying about its various health issues, finding someone to care for them if you need to go away, them deciding when they want to give you love. They are unique animals, I do love them, but they certainly are not for everyone. ❤

[@atherisGAY]

I had rabbits for 20 years until this winter where the second last one died of old age and I rehomed the last remaining one to not be alone. They are cute, but also very smart and not very cuddly in my experience. They never enjoyed being touched, they allowed it. If you want a cute pet, especially to cuddle and have fun with: get a cat or a dog. Rabbit are a lot of work with very little in return. They need a Partner always, keeping a Single rabbit is cruel, so be prepared to get another one quickly or rehome your Single rabbit in case one dies.

[@mrbing9279]

In my experience it depends on each rabbit, both of mine love to be and cuddle with me all the time, they wish I didn't have to work

[@mikar1377]

Rats are also cute, require low effort and very friendly 😊

[@TalonLePineapple]

I've had rabbits both in pairs and alone. It is never as easy as just putting two into the same enclosure and hope for the best. It is individual, but if you keep a rabbit alone you need to basically give it the same time of day as you would give your kids. They need social interaction. I've had rabbits that are the biggest snugglebugs and doesnt give me the time of day, my current lad is so energetic that he is turning my apartment upside down all day and will only give me attention if I have treats or food for him. He is a very happy boy even as a single rabbit! :)

[@atherisGAY]

@@TalonLePineapple It's illegal to keep them alone in my country. 🙌

[@TalonLePineapple]

@@atherisGAY That is fair! Rabbits do want company and if you cant be there at all times a friend is the correct choice :)

[@darywilliams5441]

That bunny is so calm, how adorable!

[@lindsyfish6704]

Clint you did great with holding Pops! Thank you for pointing out that we're ferrets to rabbits. I point out to everyone who wants to hold my little Panda that they're very small and we're giants. They also don't speak human languages. So we need to go slow and show them that we're not going to hurt them. The main way to do this with Panda is treats! My little Panda will ask me to pick him up. Really! He'll also ask me to *not* pick him up. He'll also tell me when he's done being held or played with. I second cultivating a relationship with a rabbit-savvy vet, especially if you and your bun live in North America where rabbit-savvy vets are less common. I also second calling your rabbit-savvy vet the *exact second* you notice that your bun isn't loading or unloading passengers. Usually it's a quick fix if you can get them to the vet in time, but here I disagree with Clint: hours do count, but if your bun isn't pooping minutes count too. This is because once we notice there's a problem the clock has already started. Because they can be litter trained you can actually let them have the run of the house if it's safe for them to do so. Like a cat. And, yeah. This is your life now. But I wouldn't have mine any other way. Panda and I saved each other's lives. Him teaching me how to be a rabbit taught me how to be a better human!

[@moonyfruit]

Great video, as usual! ❤ I can't have cats. My husband is very allergic to cats. But not bunnies! As a pet, I've found they fill a similar-ish role to cats. They are a lot more work than cats, however. If you do the proper research, and can't get cats, I do recommend bunnies. They're very rewarding pets. Do try to get them a friend if you're able to. It's rare that rabbits do well on their own, since they're very social animals. 🥰 Edit: Something good to note is that, as prey animals, they will hide being sick very well. Pay attention to small details (suddenly changing nearly any behavior can indicate illness). Speed is key. The faster you get your rabbit to a vet, the better. Better you take your bunny in for a checkup for nothing to be wrong, verses catching something too late!

[@anotherwesley7661]

As someone who's seen what happens to most petstore rabbits, I deeply appreciate this video. AND as someone who just had their bunny go through a very expensive, extremely sudden GI stasis emergency, thank you for stressing how urgent it is for prospective bunny owners.

[@johannahoneyman697]

Omg, the train analogy had me in stitches 😂

[@Kayla-ey7zg]

If you need to stop your rabbit moving you can also VERY gently put a hand over their eyes (only their eyes, leave their nose open!) they'll usually completely freeze.

[@ifureplyurgay56]

Fun fact, rabbits stomp when mad, it’s sooo cute and dramatic

[@GreymanWalking]

The will also foot flick and give you "side eye".

[@xFukairix]

They also stomp to call you. My bunny used to stop for me when I was in another room

[@moonyfruit]

My boy is funny. When I give him a hay & fruit treat, he stomps off cause he wants me to go away so he can eat his yummy treat in peace. 😂

[@jayc7660]

I grew up with pet bunnies and had no idea they were this fragile. They had a 10ft by 6ft outdoor enclosure with tons of grass and in the winter they had a room in out barn all to themselves. But MAN... my parents and I (when I was a kid and didnt know any better) would always pick them up by the scruff and belly and dangle their feet. Its a miracle they all survived to be well over ten years old.

[@sosig6445]

Because they are not THAT fragile he is overexxegarating.

[@sarcasmbunny9449]

I’ve had so many rabbits. And each was so different. My lady that passed last year would snuggle against my chest on the couch but she had a heart murmur and was very stasis prone. My current boy I got at 9 months old and I was not prepared for rabbit puberty! I can see why people get this cute baby only to rehome it when puberty hits. He’s neutered now and 3 years old. They’re such a rewarding pet, though he can absolutely be destructive if he thinks I’m not paying enough attention to him. He also hates being picked up but loves being held on my shoulder, stares me down just before 6 because he knows dinner is coming. And tells me it’s bed time at 10 haha.

[@CossackGene]

This goes to prove what I've always been told: rabbits are basically mini horses.

[@ingeniouspixie]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for reviewing rabbit care! Far too many are dumped on a regular basis. And domestic rabbits don't have the survival skills that wild rabbits do. Thank you for spreading the information!

[@space-bunny]

Thank you for doing this, it was really informative. I am owning rabbits since over a decade, so i have to point out key things that got fairly missed here. 1. Rabbits are very social mammals and you have to make sure they have a partner rabbit. They can die from lonliness. 2. I would do a 2 instead of a 3 rating in costs, rabbits need space, a lot of it. So it has to be a big enclousre where they can run around all the time. Quality hay is optional but can do so much for the so called "lazy hay eaters" if your rabbit doesnt eat the hay, they dont like it. Simple test is to taste test it yourself. Many hays you get in the store taste like nothing and are cheaply made, they mostly have no herbs or other grass types in it. Rabbits need a variety of green food, new green food needs to be slowly feeded. 3. Laying down with the limps behind them needs to be explained with pictures, as rabbits lay down, spreading their hind limbs when they are relaxed aswell. A spinal injury or parlisis looks different from that.

[@venusaurah]

One of the funniest videos you've put out yet 😆 "This is your life now. Happy Easter."

[@brittanylolol]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. Yes, caps. It's important. I am a rabbit mom, specifically giant rabbits. It is so nice to hear from a respectable person, let alone a zoologist give information about rabbits. They are/not/ a beginner pet. I have two Flemish Giants, and I go through at least one bale of hay every other month. Love your channel. Edit: They're litter box trained, and are contained (when not at home) to an entire living room. RUN AWAY!!!

[@billythekid6509]

I'm a rabbit owner as well. I keep giant rabbits. If u spend time with them, they can make wonderful pets and even use the litter box. Oh, and I've seen the mother Rabbits grab the babies by the back of the neck to move them many times. But here's one thing people don't realize Rabbits can't regurgitate, and they have sensitive stomachs so once u got them on a certain diet and u change there food suddenly it can actually get them sick and possibly kill them. But if u have plenty of space and u work with them as babies then picking them up usually isn't a issue but if u don't get your bunny use to being held as a baby then once they get bigger and u try to pick them up they will freak out.

[@BlueMusicFan]

I love the amount of detail you went into regarding gut and spine health! There's a few pieces of information I'd like to add which apparently aren't common knowledge in English speaking countries: 1. Rabbits should always have at least one partner. Bonding rabbits can be hard since they figure out their rank in the group by fighting, but it's extremely important for them! 2. Two rabbits should have at least 6 m2 (about 65 sq ft) of space - excluding platforms - available to them at all times. At least 2 m2 (or 22 sq ft) should be added for each additional rabbit. -> these two things are even required by law if you want to keep rabbits as pets in my home country(!) 3. Pellets are detrimental to a rabbit's dental health. Their molars are relatively loosely attached to their jaws since they're made for grinding plant matter, not crushing hard pellets. So regularly feeding your rabbit pellets can lead to the teeth being pushed into it's jaws causing an abscess and indirectly eye infections further down the line. A lot of vets not familiar with this don't recognize the true root of this problem because you often can only spot it by doing an x-ray or a CT.

[@dont.mind.me27]

i've had my two buns for almost 3 years and found what you said about pellets really fascinating. I have fed them pellets in the morning and a diverse salad in the evening since they reached adulthood, but would love to know if you have any healthier substitutes for their breakfast thats not greens. I spend a lot of money every week on their greens, even though I just feed them at night, so i'm not sure I can feed them in the morning as well due to finances.

[@BertSurl]

​@@dont.mind.me27proper pellets are not bad for dental health and are vital for a healthy domestic rabbit. Too many veggies can cause bloat and many other issues, so you're likely doing just fine.

[@BlueMusicFan]

@@dont.mind.me27 That's a great question! I can really recommend the blog How To Rabbit ('Kaninchenwiese' incase you speak German) when it comes to rabbit stuff! Aside from dental problems, pellets cause rabbits to develop UTIs and bladder problems more often since they take up a lot less water with their food than in the wild. Aside from that, store-bought feeds often contain too many carbohydrates, which slows down digestion and changes the natural microbiome. This is the reason that some bunnies respond badly to a sudden increase in greens in their diets. The pellets are the problem, not the fresh greens any wild rabbit consumes daily! Fresh herbage should be offered around the clock just like hay, but the transition should only be made slowly to avoid diarrhea and other problems. There isn't really a healthy way around cutting out pellets, but I've learned a few ways to make fresh greens more affordable: - Collect wild plants for your bunnies to eat (that's even cheaper than buying pellets :D). I know a lot of rabbit owners that fill up a big shopping bag on some nearby meadow every day. - The various types of cabbage (kale, cabbage, kohlrabi leafs, Brussels sprouts, ...) are a healthy and affordable option especially in winter! They can only pose a problem if your rabbits' gut microbiomome is damaged. Introducing it to their diet very slowly while phasing out pellets should avoid any problems. The same goes for clover and alfalfa. - Affordable greens, eg. herbs, can often be found at local asian or middle eastern markets. Bonus tip: During the transitional phase and if there's absolutely no way around feeding store-bought feed, switch to a high-quality brand of pellets (no other dried ingredients) and soak them in water. In case you're from Europe I've often seen vets recommend Cuni Complete by Versele-Laga.

[@BlueMusicFan]

@@BertSurl Only feeding fresh greens is the closest you can get to feeding a natural diet. If your rabbit's reacting badly to something it has evolved to eat it's sick. As I've explained in my other comment, transitioning too fast can cause problems. Especially with clover or the different varieties of cabbage. If your bunny still develops diarrhea it might have parasites.

[@dont.mind.me27]

@@BlueMusicFan thank you for the tips! im just a teenage bunny owner trying her best to give her bunnies the best life possible, so your advice is appreciated

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

Rabbits have loads of personality and can be so cuddly and sweet. They are so soft and when you get their trust it’s so nice. If you have to do something with a flighty rabbit in an emergency I recommend using a towel to wrap them with a towel covering their eyes. I use to rescue a few kinds of animals take them to the vet for meds and most the care e vet trusted me to do and aftercare for abscesses and other things can be painful and stressful I always found a quick towel wrap and fast work was the best

[@kristinw3610]

Thanks for emphasizing not to get rabbits for Easter. The shelters are overflowing with bunnies as is, and some people just turn them loose outside. I will add that it’s really important to get your rabbit spayed/neutered. This helps A LOT with litter box habits, the smell (intact bunny piss just smells so much worse), and territorial behaviors. Often, people will complain that their bunnies have gotten aggressive and think there’s no fixing that, but spaying/neutering can help a lot. It’s expensive though, as rabbits are considered exotic pets and few vets will see them.

[@nono_noxx]

I adopted an abandoned rabbit and she had one single baby which we kept ❤ They were free roaming in the house (except for the kitchen) and even rested right next to my face or even on me 🥰They can be so rewarding once you study their body language and use their own language to communicate with them. Yes, grunting, stomping, teeth purring, etc can be used to communicate and they will understand you 😊 watch out cause excess calcium in their greens might turn their pee red and it looks like they have blood in their urine. Also very much watch out for uterine prolapses. Spay your rabbits please and adopt ❤

[@Teefs]

Excellent video! Some extra points... - Rabbits require regular grooming. This is especially important for breeds such as English Angora. And inexperience can lead to someone skinning their rabbit alive, rather than achieving a nice buzz cut. - Many rabbits will chew anything they can get their teeth on. They especially love electric cords...spicy hay! 🤦‍♀️ Rabbit proofing is essential for a healthy rabbit and happy home.

[@ckm5702]

What an adorable little bun bun in law you got there Clint 😊🐇

[@neithermanc1]

bunnies are adorable but i'm glad videos like this exist to bring reality crashing down. i'll keep to my dogs and cats, they're hard enough as it is!

[@Level_1_Frog]

If you were thinking about another mammal to review, maybe you could do chinchillas next?

[@quantummaniac5]

I've had flemish giant rabbits for quite a long time. I appreciate you bringing up GI stasis, as that's how I lost my first one.

[@danielskrivan6921]

When I was a kid, we had a family friend that raised rabbits. They were in cages marked "babies", "teenagers", and "death row." I don't remember this, but apparently I didn't take too kindly to when I found out what "death row" meant or why they were raising rabbits in the first place.

[@zakosist]

But unless you're vegan you dont really have the right to be angry at people for raising rabbit meat. For that purpose they are one of the most resource friendly animals and in no way less ethical than other livestock. Better than the standard factory farm if they lived in decent conditions and weren't super cramped. I still get why a child would be upset and not put it in perspective the way adults do

[@vando6679]

​@@zakosist dont give vegans the exception.

[@danielskrivan6921]

@@zakosist I was 5. Cut me some slack.

[@Idontcaremuch1000]

Like Clint said "everything eats rabbits". Even humans.

[@XD-yn6hb]

@@zakosist You can still be worried about the ethics without being vegan.

[@whatsleft5059]

I had rabits in my teens. The good news is that they are very easy to socialize. They are pack animals and they love to interact with you once you build that trust. They are very loving and cuddly animals that will be super excited to see you when you get home from school or work.

[@Mythilt]

We raised 3 rabbits when we were kids. The first one (white haired, blue eyed) had the same temperament as the rabbit of caerbannog. The second one was a lop-ear that was the gentlest thing in the world, and if someone was on the ground would hop over to them to cuddle. The third one was a lab-rabbit that was part of a control group and my brother brought hope after the experiment was done. I remember them fondly, and really miss the second and third one.

[@1guysdumbopinion669]

Great information :) I got two rabbits back in December of 2014 and they were maybe a couple of months old at most. One of them unfortunately passed earlier this month but I still have the other one. They are indeed a long term commitment and high maintenance. Most people who I have talked about my rabbits with are surprised when I tell them how old mine are. They are not something to impulse purchase.

[@Msxallisonwonderland]

Aww! Clint, I absolutely commend this video UP and DOWN! As a bun-mom and a SUPER advocate for rabbit welfare, this was brilliant! I almost teared up with how wonderfully well put the information was and also the little stabs in at "get a chocolate Dove bunny instead" comments. Superb job!! BTW, bunnies can TOTALLY be CUTE and ALSO enjoy their "butt snacks." Hahaha! My bunnies always have butt twitches or "twerking" when enjoying those smelly little grape ceco nuggets... LOL! Anyway, always amazing content but this truly made me super happy to watch!!!

[@lupa4262]

Thank you for releasing this video ahead of the inevitable flood of people getting baby bunnies for their kids for Easter. You made amazing points that I'm sure will save some rabbits from ending up in shelters.

[@amandathemystic1828]

Can you do pigeons next??? 😀

[@lagggoat7170]

Oh yes pidgeons are great too! I used to foster orphaned wild babies and they changed my perception of them forever. So smart and loving

[@furiouskaiser9914]

Fun bit of gee wiz info... Mike Tyson raises pigeons as a hobby.

[@seeing8spots]

I'd love for him to do pigeons!

[@Therealcriticalideology]

Mike Tyson can do that!

[@exerminator2000]

That would be coo

[@raysrabbits345]

I wish I could have done this video with Clint ❤ I've been breeding and showing rabbits for 22 years. They are my favorite pets! I'm glad to see Clint do a rabbit feature, even though I wish I could have helped. They are awesome!

[@e.s.lavall9219]

The most heartbreaking case when I was doing my work experience at a vet was a rabbit that had a broken back. Beloved bunny of a family with kids who cried their eyes out.

[@tobygreppellini5960]

I am the owner of an 8 year old house bunny. ( our rabbit lives alone as he is an adopted rabbit that did not get on with other rabbits ) We have had our bunny for 8 years and have only had to pick him up for the vets and nail trims and even now even when he comes to us for a fuss and treats and is excited t see us he still hates being picked up. any form of greens that bind calcium are also bad for rabbits they are ok in very small quantities but should generally be avoided Also pallets are generally fine aslong as hay is also always available i would focus more on learning the MANY foods to avoid rather than foods designed to be a supplemental food. e.g dont feed too many fresh veggies they seem great in theory but there guys cannot handle the high sugar content of many fruits and veg ( yes this includes carrots ) also be glad that your rabbit eats its own poop as the hard poops dont smell but the soft cecotropes smell awful luckily our bun has only ever left them uneaten twice in 8 years. I will note rabbits also fairly regularly lay on there side once they get comfortable with you being around and there nose stops twitching when they sleep ( this is how you can tell when ur rabbit is sleeping as they sleep with there eyes open 99% of the time ) this WILL scare you into thinking your rabbit is dead the first time and probably many more times after this. On the point of head tilt. This is very serious our bunny had a head tilt which was caused by an infection in his eye. This IS deadly and is very very scary as the rabbit cannot balance or walk properly. Our bunny was lucky her got treatment that day and pulled through but as with any rodent adjacent animal infections spread fast and kill fast. he also had a benign tumor on his back leg which was a very serious discussion as the whether to remove it as rabbits do not do well with anesthetic. Also a very very important note rabbits have some form of magnetic attraction to wires. The rabbit the food and its home may not be expensive but the replacement electronics will be and no matter how well you tihink you have rabit proofed your cables you havnt. for context here is a list of our bunnies victims. A tv A tv satilite box two amazon alexas two hairdries a hoover a pair of straighteners a landline telephone multiple charging cables 2 PC headsets and if you see your rabbit go for a cable its often too late as many cables they can do in just one quick snip rabbits are truly great pets but they have alot more care requirements than you would expect. We certainly didnt we adopted our boy shortly after seeing him as we fell in love but they are not easy by any means. also they can be quite social with other animals our bunny hates rabbits but used to follow our hamster around in her ball and will regularly sleep next too the cat. ( the rabbit came first and we had the cat as a kitten so they are very well accustomed although even after 6 years of no incidents we still would not leave them in the same room without us at least being in the house as clint said rabbits are fragile ) great video

[@gamer708886]

I had a rabbit when I was a child, my dad built it a large custom cage. Unfortunately, I was totally unprepared to care for such a wonderful animal and had to return it to the pet shop. :(

[@kikusama]

We had two rabbits growing up, Tricks and Beatricks. They were big, fat, white rabbits. We had a huge outdoor cage for them.

[@BrookeP87]

As a volunteer in rabbit rescue I really appreciate your extremely well done video. This is great information for all potential pet owners. Bravo! 👏

[@ChairmanMeow1]

I played this game final fantasy 3 as a kid and this character had an ability called "Lagomorph" where a little rabbit would appear, or you'd turn the enemy into a rabbit... something like that. Today I finally figured out what Lagomorph means. Rabbits!

[@animalcrossingnerd8142]

As a rabbit owner i'll tell you something Don't get rabbits for easter!!! THEIR NOT EASY ANIMALS.

[@atherisGAY]

I second that! I would not recommend them. Never take the decision to get rabbits lightly.

[@areallyshortbrontothere]

​@@atherisGAY I third it

[@theimmortaleye7511]

As a german i didnt know people get living bunnies as a present for easter

[@atherisGAY]

@the immortal eye Germany is very progressive in terms of pet animals. I think it's even illegal to keep a single bunny, or single swarm fishes. Not sure if anyone was ever convicted.

[@huntercollum869]

Yep. Back in like the 90s my parents got me a rabbit because I asked for one thinking it'd be like a big rat. Me being like five years old I didn't know any better either lol. I think we had it for a week we actually took it back to the pet store and paid for them to take it back

[@josephhowell4250]

I love these videos. I always learn something new. I had no idea their skeletons were so fragile. It's amazing that a land mammal with such a deficit would evolve to be this way. It seems to me that maybe it speaks to their tendency to proliferate as they do. High birth rate in relation to their likelihood of being lunch or simply dying due to unfortunate accidents. After a little googling, most of the info I find says wild rabbit life expectancy is roughy 15 -24 months. Wow. Thanks for what you do.

[@GreymanWalking]

That is true for wild rabbits as they don't have the care and are very often predated upon. Without either a wild rabbit can live longer, I have heard of them them living up to 5 years. However I consider that bit to be rare as it was a semi-wild rabbit who was a rescue from a cat attack who ended up living in an enclosed back yard of the vet who saved it's life.

[@michellemonts3114]

Great video! We’ve had our rabbit for 9 years now and he’s such a good boy, but definitely a lot of work. Thank you for an honest video for people to see the reality of having one.

[@kenzielefevers2777]

I have a tegu at home whom I love so much and I’ve been a fan of Clint’s channel since I got him 3 years ago, and now after a lot of research, I’m adopting a bunny on Thursday! This video came just in time. 😊

[@houndgirl7365]

I'm just going to say this: Keep those animals in seperate rooms and NEVER bring that bunny in the same room as your tegu it will scare it. The rabbit would look like food to the tegu and to the rabbit it would feel like prey leading to an INTENSE fear response. Snakes and tegus are different, but I accidentally forgot to wash my hands after holding one of my snakes...My tegu flipped out and he was 5ft. I realized why he did everything to get away including my arm getting ripped up (its okay twas a flesh wound). Feeling bad I let him be for a moment to free roam the room and settle, washed my hands, and coaxed him in his enclosure with some chicken heart/liver to decrease stress. When one has a predator and prey animal ESPECIALLY when one is just prey the person has to PAY ATTENTION. You might smell like tegu if you held him/her which can trigger your rabbit. The suggestion at this point: thoroughly wash hands and change clothes so you don't smell like reptile. It's kind of like how I would treat alpacas walk backwards to the herd hand out behind you. Let them come to you. If you can turn around ZERO eye contact because prey animal. I could drone on, but I want you to seriously think if you have the space and mental capacity to keep/care for both of those animals. If you do great if you question it I would recommend foregoing. It's a life not a collectable as is tegus need a lot of care they can be trained to be on harnesses, they can be trained to go on walks, and they can go to petstores. Mine loved chilling on the dash on a summer day ^^. Tegus need space rabbits need space and both need a fund for emergency exotic vet visit just in case anything happens. Just some advice from a retired vet tech/someone who has kept SOOOO many animal species.

[@lionessoftor4139]

I raise rabbits and I find it very interesting how if you are looking for care guides the information will be totally different if you're are keeping them as pets or livestock.

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

Great video, thanks for covering some of the essentials of bunny care! We have 2 bunnies that we adopted from a local shelter that are bonded with one another and free roam in our bunny-proofed house. We absolutely adore them!... But they are definitely a lot of work! Interesting that you compared them to a sulcata tortoise... because we also have an 11- year old rescue sulcata that we adopted 3 years ago. We absolutely adore him just the same, but he can also be a lot of work too! 😂 But aren't they all?!! 🤣 SOOO worth it 😊💕

[@Cheezitnator]

The whole video, I was like 'put a towel on the table, dude.' Buns hate smooth surfaces so much. Most of my buns play floor is lava between rugs.

[@QveenRex]

Same, that was driving me nuts

[@PirateAlistair]

every Easter I want a rabbit, so now I have a lot of bunny plushies :)

[@kyngkai3942]

this rabbit is stunningly adorable 😍 I love to watch rabbits outside prancing in and out of bushes or dashing across grass. They always seem like a good omen or a sign of good luck.

[@AaronHendu]

Yes, they are the best pet mammal...IF YOU CAN CARE FOR THEM PROPERLY! My freeroam lionhead is the cutest, smartest, most well behaved ball of fur ever! She is my best friend and much like a mix between a dog and cat, in regards to care. Like a dog, in regards to attention, and like a cat, in regards to cleanliness. If you put your rabbit in a cage, you will never know how smart and caring they can be. Oh...also...dont pick them up unless necessary! Let them be themselves and they will amaze you! Also...she is 100% freeroam...i completely got rid of the cage she used as a baby. No more cage, just a bunny- proofed room she shares with me. She has her own carpet so her feet dont slip on the floor, tunnels, houses, toys, etc. She can run around like crazy, or relax while wearing her fav blankie like a hoodie (she does it all on her own), or anything between.

[@AaronHendu]

Yay, you said to not pick them up unless necessary...love the awareness you help spread to the community.

[@Jormungandr108]

Once I picked my lionhead and she didn't let me near her for 3 days. Nevermore.

[@Yuliancgb]

I wanted to put a towel or something under Pops's feet the whole video since he kept slipping on the table, but he was very patient

[@sneaks9150]

Your unapologetic silliness in videos like these make me smile ear to ear

[@phoenixkatyg]

Long time viewer, but I had NO IDEA that you couldn't flip your arms all the way over. Both my sister & my dad also have this, so I had to share this video with them for your commentary on that. Loved hearing your wife's sense of humor about it as well. As always, amazing video & I love the informational & timely content.

[@kagehikari4281]

I purposely got my bun during the Easter session as thats about the only time to see them in stores. But I was already committed and planning on a bun so it was not an impulse. I had a rabbit before and rehabed baby wild ones and wanted to give it another go. I think I did much better this time but boy howdy was he a LOT more work! He was the only one in the group that came to me and wanted ups and snuggled so, that and his big nose was love on sight. I didnt care for lops but I let it pass as thats what was there. He was med sized at the time so silly me thought he wouldint get too much bigger- wrong! He got HUGE! Now youd think the bigger the bun, the more fun but the reality is the bigger the mess and the more work involved. He ate like a pig, I nearly stripped the whole surrounding area of weeds and dandylioins and grasses to supplement (cleaned of course), pooped mountains and peed lakes. He demanded food and begged for attention all the time, chased our cats, dug holes in the yard like a wombat, scared a neighbor as he had no idea what that big thing was, and also freaked out and ran off a known bunny killer cat by wanting to say hi. But he was worth it. For all his demands, he was the most friendly and affectionate bun I ever had and I miss him. I named him Smeagle as he was my precious

[@Persona6Blue]

My girlfriend really wants a rabbit, but she knows she's not ready for them just yet. Nonetheless she is *very* determined so I cant wait to show this to her!

[@Eurobeat_fan]

"Rabbits are in every pet store" New York State: are you sure about that

[@BlueMusicFan]

Interesting - here in Germany Easter eggs are brought to you by the Easter hare. So basically everyone doing an educational piece on pet rabbits around this time will first explain that hares and rabbits/bunnies are not the same and you can't keep a hare as a pet :D

[@amymollenkamp1167]

Great video!! I volunteer at my local house rabbit society near Atlanta georgia. They have hundreds of bunnies up for adoption! I own 4 and they are wonderful but very difficult to care for - and expensive! The only thing I would change in this video is to dump the water bottle and get a bowl. A water bottle can dehydrate a rabbit. They can drink just as much as a dog or a cat!