Owning a Pet Rabbit

If you’re considering a rabbit for a pet, you’re in for a real adventure. A healthy, happy pet rabbit will add fun and pleasure to your household. Rabbits are much more playful than people expect them to be, and they’re soft, responsive, and affectionate as well.

Is a rabbit the right pet for you? You don’t need a large home, and you don’t need a backyard. They don’t cost much, because rabbit food is inexpensive and their veterinary bills are minimal. They are relatively quiet, and they never beg to be walked. They do love sweets, and they will beg for them even more than a dog if you spoil them

You might be surprised to learn that your rabbit can be litter trained, and he will learn to respond to his name. Once you get to know your rabbit, you will see that he shows a great deal of natural curiosity. You can have a lot of fun interacting with him while he plays with toys. And he will pout if you’re cleaning his cage and he’s not certain what you’re doing with his things.

A rabbit that is loved and cared for can live to be nine to twelve years old. The ones who are lucky enough to live indoors live longer than those quartered in a cage in the back yard. You are not going to have a happy pet rabbit if you leave it outdoors at all times, exposed to the weather or to its natural predators at any time of the day or night, so pet rabbit care is essential.

What kind of family does a rabbit need? If you live alone and work, a rabbit will fit your routine well. He’ll be active at the beginning and end of the day, so while you are out on your daily business he will spend the time asleep. Most people think of rabbits as soundless creatures, but they do vocalize with squeals, grunts, and other little noises. But these sounds are so quiet that they will not disturb neighbors or elderly, sick family members.

Despite the lore in children’s stories, any youngster in your family will soon lose interest in your rabbit. Your rabbit will struggle if he’s shuttled about suddenly, and their backs can be injured if they are picked up incorrectly. Rabbits do not respond well to a child’s naturally higher activity level. It’s best to chose a different pet if you have children under ten years old, but male rabbits rather than females are slightly better with children.

The first time you examine a rabbit, he will be shy with you, so don’t think he won’t warm up to you later. You should inspect his eyes and nose to make certain there is no excessive mucus or infectious material. Noses can be cold and wet. Check the paws to see if they are matted from infectious material that the rabbit as accumulated from wiping his eyes. And the eyes should be clear, not cloudy or filmed over. Look in the ears as well; they should be clean without any sign of crustiness or scratches. Read more information in the Rabbit Health Problems Guide.

Check the teeth to make sure they’re unbroken. If the rabbit has bottom teeth that overlap the top teeth, you’ll need to have a vet clip them regularly. Be careful about buying a rabbit with crooked or slanted teeth. Check for a firm belly that’s free of lumps, and make certain you know the rabbit’s sex. Inspect for signs of infection in the underbelly area. If you choose a female, make certain to have her spayed.

Plan on having many wonderful years with your happy pet rabbit! There’s nothing as satisfying as the relationship you can develop with this cute, soft creature. When the two of you are alone, your rabbit will make noises to catch your attention. It’s his way of saying, “Hey, it’s just the two of us! Let’s have some fun!”

Here are some useful rabbit care links…

Rabbit Health Care Links

Medi Rabbit

More Rabbit Information

About Pet Rabbits on Wiki

House Rabbits on Wiki

House Rabbit Society

Fuzzy Rabbit

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