How to Choose a Pet Rabbit

An easy guide to choosing a pet rabbit for the young and the young at heart!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passion
• Patience
• Love
• Time
• Reputable breeder or
• Pet store or
• Rescue shelter

1. Before you choose your rabbit be sure that you are well prepared to handle this responsibility and have enough space to accomodate your new family member.

2. Decide whether or not you want a:
   young or mature,
   male (buck) or female (doe),
   dwarf, regular or large breed,
   shelter, breeder or pet store, or
   wild or domestic rabbit.

3. Once this is figured out and you're with the rabbit, check out the rabbits environment. Whether or not it's clean, the rabbits are separated by sex, there is plenty of space, food, water and the presence of a litter box.

4. Observe the rabbits for a few minutes to see if there is any signs of depression, fighting (especially if you are getting multiple rabbits), over aggression, dominance and fearful rabbits. Over agression, especially in mature rabbits may be a sign that they need to be altered (neutured) which can cost upwards of $500.

5. Slowly interact with the rabbits. Place your hand near the cage and watch to see if they become interested. Quickly responding by either sniffing you or watching you is a good sign.

6. Watch to see if the rabbit walks (hops) with ease or if the rabbit stands on its hind legs. Young rabbits may have difficulty, but this is normal.

7. Ask the seller to hold the rabbit you are interested in. Young rabbits may be apprehensive at first to being picked up and held. Gauge the reaction of the rabbit. If he is extremly wild or makes a noise, this is usually a sign that the rabbit may not be ready for human interaction or hasn't had very much.

8. While the seller is holding the rabbit, check him for injuries and illness. Look for sores and bruises on the feet, patches of missing fur, soiled tail (this may indicate digestive problems)and broken bones.

9. Also, check the rabbits ears for mites, redness or scratches. Inspect the nose and eyes to see if they are runny or clogged. Be sure to check the teeth to look for swelling. This is extremely important to ensure the rabbit can eat.

10. Lastly, if you feel comfortable, ask to hold the rabbit yourself to see if you have a strong bond. Even with all these tips, your heart has the final say.

Tips & Warnings

• I am a rabbit owner and I love him very much, and I am saddened every year by people who think that having a rabbit is sooo easy, but it can often prove to be as time consuming as a small dog, although quite rewarding!
• Rabbits need lots of exercise and a healthy diet.
• Always purchase quality products for your rabbit.
• Rabbits are very rambunctious and LOVE to chew everything, including
• electrical cords!
• Rabbits can and will bite (small nips) and scratch if scared or provoked,
• similar to a cat.
• Rabbits are Super fragile. Think twice before giving to small children.

[askapeach]

on 10/11/2009 I had a pet rabbit growing up and she was one of my favorite pets. Your article has a lot of great advice.

[respectfully]

on 9/22/2009 I love rabbits. We have a pet rabbit and it is so easy to take care of him. His name is whisper. Great article. 5* R

[ccard123]

on 8/29/2009 These are all good things to consider when choosing a rabbit! Thanks for posting. 5* and rec

[eemie]

on 8/24/2009 I'm thinking of getting one, thanks for sharing! 5*s!

[hereishow2]

on 8/21/2009 I love this article! I have two rescue bunnies from the shelter where so many end up! Thanks for the great info! 5* and rec! Cute photo of your bunny too.