Young breeder Anjelo Manliguez shares insights on how to take care of these adorable bunnies

If this year being the year of the rabbit is not yet a sign for you, then read on to learn more about these cute furry animals from young rabbit breeder Anjelo Manliguez.

The 23-year-old breeder, who’s also the man behind the @sweetbunsph, has an Instagram account where people can find rabbits and learn more about them. He started his journey back in 2020–in
the middle of strict Covid-19 quarantine and in need of something to hold on to. He then found emotional support with his pet rabbit—Ravenna.

Manliguez shares more on why you should consider having rabbits as your next pet.

Why do rabbits make great pets?

Bunnies bond very well. They easily form habits with their fur parents, especially when given treats and head rubs at a specific times each day. They're smart, too. Just like how dogs and cats, they can be taught tricks. Bunnies can easily learn when to go back to their playpen, to stand on their hind legs to let you know when they want a treat, or even to ride on your shoulder.

What are the things people should consider before getting a pet bunny?

Wires. Rabbits will always look for something to nibble on munchies, if you will. Usually giving them hard treats like broccoli stems and apple tree twigs will help with this because it helps trim down their continuously growing teeth, but you can't watch over your bunnies 24/7. So it's advised to give them a play pen of at least 5 by 5 feet or get cord protectors to ensure that both your bunnies and your electronics are safe.

Is it costly to maintain and take good care of a rabbit?

On the average, a fur parent of a single bunny can spend at around less than P1,000 pesos each month. Rabbits are really low maintenance. The veterinary expenses can be expensive because they are considered exotic animals, but this shouldn't be a problem since they don't require vaccines like anti rabies for cats and dogs.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having them as pets?

Although they are easily trainable, the downside of this is they can be demanding and clingy. Oftentimes, I would find my bunnies randomly going up to me stomping their feet asking for treats. This can be problematic if you like to spoil your pets, because if you give in and give them too many fruits, it can be a health risk for them.

What to watch out for when it comes to buying pet rabbits?

Ethical rabbit breeders can be found anywhere. It's the unethical ones that you have to watch out for. There are signs that you can look out for if they are unethical bred—if the rabbits have disabilities (splayed legs, unhealthy bald spots, to name a few) if the bunny is only being fed generic pellets, if they are only kept in small cages.

What are your tips for new furparents to rabbits?

Have a designated area for them. Bunnies are really meant to run around. Even running around the room is considered exercise for them. But having a designated area like a playpen for them will be helpful for when you are busy or need some alone time

Figure out their favorite treats. Knowing which fruits or vegetables can be very helpful in terms of training them and getting them to bond with you, how ever, please be very careful because too much fruits or veggies can trigger them to have LBM, especially, treats that have a high water content.

Take a moment with them at a specific time each day. Bunnies will be more likely to respond to training and bonding with you if you do repetitive tasks with them, like giving them treats each time you ask them
to do a trick, or even regularly grooming them.

Kangkong is not for rabbits!! "Puro gulay lang ‘yan" is a common saying when people know you have a rabbit but this information is false. Too much veggies, especially watery ones like kangkong can lead to problems in their digestive tract.