When You're Ready To Welcome A Bunny In To Your Home...

Is A Bunny Right For Me?

So you're pretty sure you need a bunny of your own ah? I don't blame you... but I feel I must offer a word of caution out of concern. Every year, countless rabbits are given to children, usually on Easter, because they are undeniably cute and a child really wants one. Unfortunately many of these same rabbits are often later neglected and abandoned or placed in an outdoor hutch and forgotten. Did you know that some rabbits can live to be 10 years or older...that's quite a commitment. What are the chances that a 7 year old will care for a pet rabbit until their 17? And though a pet bunny may appear to be a "cheap" pet, they still require veterinary care and altering once they reach maturity. Are you ready for a long term commitment? Do you have the time, space, patience and finances it takes to care for a rabbit? What if the bunny you choose is shy, frightened or likes to dig in the carpet? Will you regret your choice and punish the rabbit by neglecting it?

If you've given it serious consideration and know that a bunny is the choice for you then I recommend contacting your local Rabbit Rescue or local breeder.

Is a rabbit right for you?

Purchasing A Pet Rabbit From A Breeder

I purchased Scoobie, the older of my two Holland Lops, from Saynora Rabbitry. Sadie was also the offspring of one of Saynora's rabbits. And when I had made up my mind it was time for a new baby I of course had to go back to Tracy Lukeman once again.

I had never purchased from a breeder before acquiring Scoobie but my experience has been so very positive that I continue to acquire my house rabbits thru a breeder. Some of my reasons for choosing a breeder are:

• I trusted that Tracy only bred healthy rabbits. She is a highly reputable breeder, breeding for show, who gives her rabbits excellent care and attention. Rabbits with serious health problems are simply not bred as it would hurt the quality of her herd.
• Tracy handles her rabbits daily and they are accustom to human interaction and traveling. Her rabbits were by far more tame than those I have seen in most pet stores.
• Because she is breeding to show, not the pet industry, body types and genetics are very important. Because I am so fond of Holland Lop Rabbits, I appreciate the great features and condition her purebred rabbits are in.

Their beauty, their excellent health and temperament have certainly persuaded me to go to her when I am looking for a pet. She is well acquainted with her bunnies and (when available) is able to help pick a rabbit with great house bunny potential for her clients. And my advice to you would be to take her advice seriously. While it's common for many people to want the smallest bunny possible, personalities are not always apparent at such early ages and taking baby bunnies from their mothers too soon can create health problems. She knows her bunnies and she can help you choose a good pet.

While you may notice that I personally wanted "purebred" Holland Lop Bucks, I am not pretentious. I do not believe that a purebred or show quality rabbit will somehow make a better pet than a mixed breed or "mutt" rabbit. I have had them both and find no difference as to their pet qualities and love-ability. I have however experienced loosing terminally ill rabbits that died far too young due to poor breeding habits and hereditary disease. Since I am not a first time bunny owner, I know that any bunny I acquire will be with me for it's lifetime, which I hope is a long time!
I should also mention, to the credit of the breeder, that Scoobie (born in 1999) has never had an illness, I find that absolutely incredible! And until this past year, Sadie (1 year younger than Scoobie) had nothing more than a routine tooth trimming.

Izzy...the bunny that got me hooked on bunnies in 1989
She was purchased thru a feed store and died after being given Amoxicillin* to treat a cold.

Amoxicillin is deadly when given to rabbits. Make sure your vet is "rabbit savy".
 

 

Rescue Vs. Pet Store

The reason I favor Rabbit Rescue's over a pet store is simply because there are so many wonderful bunnies that need good homes. Rabbit Rescue's can assist you with choosing just the right rabbit(s) for you. Pet stores rarely know very much about rabbits and unsold rabbits can be used for snake food. Yikes! Who do you think cares more about rabbits...a pet store who wants your money (and is willing to sell rabbits that are too young to be safely separated from their mother) or a Rabbit Rescue volunteer giving of their own time and own resources to try and find a bunny a new home?
Even if you have doubts I encourage you to visit a rescue and have a look around, what can it hurt? You'll be amongst other bunny lovers who have a wealth of information.

What breed/size suits you? What age? Would a bonded pair be a better idea?
Most Rabbit Rescue's have already had the rabbit spayed/neutered and checked by a vet, something all responsible rabbit owners will need to do anyway. Altering will normally run between $100-$200 and the cost to adopt usual is a savings compared to the price of vet check and spay. They will also have rabbits of different ages and breeds. Those who are fostering the rabbit until adoption are usually well acquainted with it's personality, likes/dislikes and can help the owner know what to expect. Is it good with dogs, cats, children?  Does it have any special needs or health concerns? These are often unknown when people purchase a very young rabbit or one from a pet store. And these rabbits, unlike pet store bunnies have been receiving daily interaction and some run time.
Unlike some other animals, it is not necessary to obtain rabbits very young in order to make good pets or litter train.

Looks like someone threw away a pair of perfectly
good house rabbits.

 

Local Rabbit Rescues

Virginia Rabbit Rescue (Chesapeake VA) Bunny Lu Adoptions Inc. (Manassas VA) Noah's Ark Foundation (Alexandria VA) House Rabbit Society DC/VA/MD PetFinder

 

 

Whatever choice you make obtaining your pet rabbit, I hope that you take the time to get to know and accept your pet bunny for who he/she is and enjoy many wonderful years together.