Rabbits make wonderful pets. They are gently natured, inquisitive and affordable. However, the decision to adopt a rabbit (or rabbits plural) should not be made lightly. Rabbits need a great deal of care and attention and they should not be thought of as a "starter pet" for children. Before you go ahead and take on a rabbit consider the following points...
Who is the pet for?
If you are looking for a pet for your child then you must remember that young children cannot properly care for animals. The rabbit will become your responsibility and it is YOU who must ensure that the rabbit's nutritional, emotional, behavioural and housing needs are met. Children can easily scare rabbits because they tend to not handle them correctly and a rabbit who become scared of his owners will more than likely become aggressive, growling and kicking when handled.
Rabbits like company
Rabbits are naturally very sociable creatures and they thrive in the company of other rabbits. You should therefore always seek to adopt two or more. Whilst this sounds easy you need to bear in mind the financial implications; double feeding costs, double vet's fees, double housing requirement. Can you afford to take on two new pets?
Do you have the time?
Rabbits need lots of continuous care and attention. They cannot simply be locked away in a hutch all day. In fact, a hutch should be considered only as the rabbit's sleeping area, with a run in the garden or free run of the home being necessary for the bulk of the day. If you and your family are out all day and cannot devote time to giving your rabbits "free range" time then they are not suitable for you.
The cost of feeding
Until recently rabbits were considered as easy pets to feed but in recent years more has been done to investigate the nutritional needs of rabbits. Muesli was once considered the ideal food for a rabbit but research shows that most supermarket muesli type foods offer very little nutritional benefit to rabbits and that they encourage selective eating. Rabbits are fibrevores and as such they need a diet rich in fibre. Hay or grass should form the bulk of their diet. Without hay and grass they could be vulnerable to illness and it is highly likely that they will suffer with dental problems, which can be fatal. You will need to ensure therefore that you purchase and provide hay, fibre nuggets and occasional snacks (such as leafy green vegetables) for your rabbits.
The cost of vaccinations
Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need to be under the care of your local vet and they should be vaccinated against disease including myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). It is also a good idea to insure your rabbits to cover for any unexpected vet's bills should they fall ill.
As a pet owner it is your responsibility to properly care for your pet and to meet their welfare needs. If you are considering rabbits as pets then do as much research as possible before making this commitment.
Who is the pet for?
If you are looking for a pet for your child then you must remember that young children cannot properly care for animals. The rabbit will become your responsibility and it is YOU who must ensure that the rabbit's nutritional, emotional, behavioural and housing needs are met. Children can easily scare rabbits because they tend to not handle them correctly and a rabbit who become scared of his owners will more than likely become aggressive, growling and kicking when handled.
Rabbits like company
Rabbits are naturally very sociable creatures and they thrive in the company of other rabbits. You should therefore always seek to adopt two or more. Whilst this sounds easy you need to bear in mind the financial implications; double feeding costs, double vet's fees, double housing requirement. Can you afford to take on two new pets?
Do you have the time?
Rabbits need lots of continuous care and attention. They cannot simply be locked away in a hutch all day. In fact, a hutch should be considered only as the rabbit's sleeping area, with a run in the garden or free run of the home being necessary for the bulk of the day. If you and your family are out all day and cannot devote time to giving your rabbits "free range" time then they are not suitable for you.
The cost of feeding
Until recently rabbits were considered as easy pets to feed but in recent years more has been done to investigate the nutritional needs of rabbits. Muesli was once considered the ideal food for a rabbit but research shows that most supermarket muesli type foods offer very little nutritional benefit to rabbits and that they encourage selective eating. Rabbits are fibrevores and as such they need a diet rich in fibre. Hay or grass should form the bulk of their diet. Without hay and grass they could be vulnerable to illness and it is highly likely that they will suffer with dental problems, which can be fatal. You will need to ensure therefore that you purchase and provide hay, fibre nuggets and occasional snacks (such as leafy green vegetables) for your rabbits.
The cost of vaccinations
Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need to be under the care of your local vet and they should be vaccinated against disease including myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). It is also a good idea to insure your rabbits to cover for any unexpected vet's bills should they fall ill.
As a pet owner it is your responsibility to properly care for your pet and to meet their welfare needs. If you are considering rabbits as pets then do as much research as possible before making this commitment.
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