PetsLove, Rabbits

Buying a Rabbit

Is a rabbit for me?

Rabbits are living creatures, not toys, and need a great deal of care and affection. They can live up to around 8 years and will need looking after for their whole lives. They are not suitable as pets for small children as they need careful handling. Even if an older child wants to have a rabbit, an adult should have ultimate responsibility for its health and wellbeing.

Rabbits can be delightful creatures to own, but even the most gentle has very strong hindlimbs which can cause damage to small children who do not know how to handle them properly. They also do not like to be restrained too much and will rarely sit still on their owner's lap for long periods of time.

Rabbits are quite happy living indoors or out, and there are many arguments both ways. They cope well with cold weather but they should be housed in a sheltered area such as a shed or garage (but not if a car is kept in there). They can be fairly easily housetrained as they are clean animals. Care should be taken to make sure that any electrical cables are out of reach of the rabbit. Poisonous plants (outside or inside) should be kept outside the rabbit's exercise area to avoid any risk of the rabbit ingesting them.

Where can I get a rabbit from?

The best places to buy a rabbit from are breeders or rescue centres. Most people get their rabbits from pet shops, and if you choose to do this, make sure you go to one with knowledgable staff. Pet shops are renowned for not sexing their animals correctly. A breeder should be able to show you the mother and possibly the father of the rabbit so you will be able to get an indication of the size and temperament your rabbit will be. Plenty of rabbits of all ages end up in rescue centres. They will often be paired up with a neutered rabbit of the opposite sex so they are ideal places for acquiring a pair. Rabbits need companionship.

Male or Female?

Rabbits are very sociable animals and should be kept in groups. The best combination is one male and one female although both animals should be neutered. If only one is to be neutered, it is probably best if it is the male, as the male can be sexually hyperactive and constantly try to mount a female, whether she has been spayed or not! It is, however, advisable to have does spayed as well as they can become quite aggressive when they reach sexual maturity.

If you are to keep one rabbit on its own, it will need a lot of human company. Keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together is not recommended. They require different foods, and a rabbit can easily injure a guinea pig by stamping its feet.

Sexing rabbits is essential, particularly if you are to keep two together. Very young rabbits are almost impossible to sex so you should wait until they are four or five weeks old. Hold the rabbit firmly but gently on its back and gently press on either side of the genital organ to show a small opening. The buck rabbit will have a circular opening, whereas a doe will V-shaped slit.

For a list of equipment needed before you get your rabbit, click here.

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