Choosing a Rabbit

Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes i.e. small, medium or large, a coat of one colour or several, erect ears or droopy etc. Many people now keep their pet rabbit indoors as they can make ideal house pets. They can be toilet trained and a few modifications will make your home safe. However, they are more traditionally kept outside, under shelter, in the winter months and in the garden during the summer months.

Making that Choice...

Time & Commitment: Rabbits need attention every day. The benefits of this are in terms of effects on their behaviour and good health. The more a rabbit is handled and in contact with humans, the friendlier they become. It is also important to check over pet rabbits regularly for things like overgrown teeth, overgrown toenails and messy bottoms. The hutch or pen will need cleaning weekly and bedding replaced or topped up daily. House rabbits need attention to their pen daily. Rabbits should be groomed weekly, or more frequently for the long haired varieties.

Space & Exercise: Outdoor rabbits need accommodation to protect them from harsh weather and also to provide them with space for a sleeping area, food area and toileting area. They should have access to grass, preferably with a run that allows them to stand up on their hind legs and to bounce around. If the weather is good and the garden is secure from escape, check that the rabbit is safe from cats and dogs, and let them have a run around in the garden - provided you are present to keep an eye on them. Indoor rabbits need a pen that is large enough to allow them to lie down stretched out. If the rabbit is likely to spend a significant period of time shut in, then the pen should be larger. Indoor rabbits should also have access to the garden in summer.

Expense: Pet rabbits are usually available at a fair price - but show standard purebreds will be more expensive. Other costs of the rabbits include:

• Housing (hutch and run) and bedding

• Food - pellets and fresh

• Insurance

• Neutering

• Vaccination

• Vet bills

Vaccinations: There are two vaccinations available to protect your pet. There is a vaccine available to protect against myxomatosis infection and another available to protect against a viral diarrhoea disease.

Company: Rabbits do like company, in the wild they would live in a large group. Acceptance of a mate, male or female, is best achieved when the rabbits are still young. Plenty of human contact will provide your rabbit with stimulation and company.