Before You Buy that Bunny, Read This

Many people see adorable, fluffy rabbits hopping around in store windows around Easter and at the spur of the moment, buy one. Becoming a rabbit owner takes a lot of thought and consideration before one is purchased. A big concern before deciding to purchase a rabbit is the environment it would be coming home to. Do you have young children who may not be able to handle a small rabbit, or who easily get bored? A rabbit owner makes a life-long commitment to his new pet. Children generally work best with a medium to larger sized breed rabbits, and rabbits need attention daily. Another consideration is healthcare. Not all veterinarians specialize in treating rabbits; some see them as exotics, while others have no experience at all with them. Before bringing bunny home, it is important to find a veterinarian who has had extra training and experience treating rabbits. Once you find a vet, talk to them before you decide to purchase a rabbit. The vet will be able to give you good insight and advice on the different breeds of rabbits, what kinds of problems may occur, and any breeder recommendations.

Once you find that adorable, fluffy rabbit that tugs at your heart and fits into your family well, have it checked out by your veterinarian. Your vet will check your rabbit’s overall health and instruct you on any feeding procedures. Rabbits love fruit and vegetables as fresh treats. Unfortunately, too much could upset your rabbit’s digestive tract, so have your vet discuss guidelines and recommendations for feeding non-pelleted items. Should you purchase a male rabbit (buck) your vet will also check its teeth for malocclusion. Malocclusion occurs when a rabbit’s teeth are not properly aligned and can grow in their mouths crooked. A rabbit with malocclusion will need its teeth cut by the vet every two weeks so it can eat.

If you plan on having more than one rabbit, be sure to have them spayed or neutered unless you are purchasing two females. Males, when kept in pairs, will need to be neutered due to aggression.

Credit: US Fish and Wildlife

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