Rabbits
Choosing a Rabbit
Although rabbits are a small animal, they require more care than many people realize. Many people buy rabbits for their child’s first pet not knowing just how much it takes to properly care for a rabbit.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a rabbit as a pet:
1. Will the rabbit be a house rabbit or live outside?
2. Do we have enough space inside, or a big enough hutch for outside?
3. Do we have enough time to devote to the rabbit? If not, do we have enough space and money for a second rabbit to bond with ours?
4. Do we know enough about its nutritional needs?
5. Can we afford vet bills once a year and any emergencies that may come up? Rabbits are classified as ‘exotic’ and therefore much more expensive than dogs or cats!
6. Do we realize that a rabbit is a commitment of between 8-12 years?
Get started:
How to choose a pet rabbit
Rabbit choice
* Choosing a breed. There are a very large number of rabbit breeds – each with their own specific qualities.
* Breeder or shelter. As with other animals, once you have decided on a specific pet, you need to decide where to purchase it. Rabbits, like cats and dogs, are regularly bred by ‘Backyard Breeders’ that do not care about the quality or health of their animals.
* Housing and training your rabbit. Housing your rabbit is very important to its wellbeing. Whether indoors or out, a rabbit must have enough room to move around in its cage. The rabbit must be able to lay fully stretched on its side, and also be able to stand up on its hind legs while in the cage.
* Bonding rabbits. Bonding is when two rabbits live together happily, much like a married couple. Rabbits are social animals and need companionship; if you have enough time to devote to your rabbit, there is no need for a second, but if not, it is recommended to get another rabbit.
* What to feed your rabbit. Feeding your rabbit a good-quality pellet is very important to its health. Protein is very important to rabbits, and should make up around 16% of the pellets, and fiber is also important and should make up at least 16% of the pellets.
* General information. Rabbits have a lot of energy and must be given time out of their cage to expend some of this energy. A minimum of two hours each day must be given to your rabbit to keep it happy and in shape.
