About Rabbits

Types

• There are many different breeds of rabbits that can make appropriate pets, but the most popular are the smaller breeds like the Netherland Dwarf, Dutch and Holland Lop. Larger rabbits require larger living spaces and can be more difficult to handle than the more common, smaller pet rabbit breeds. When researching what type of pet rabbit to acquire, it's a good idea to talk to experienced rabbit veterinarians and rabbit breeders for advice.

Features

• Rabbits can be kept caged indoors or outdoors, or can be allowed to roam freely in a rabbit-safe home. However, rabbits cannot handle extremes in temperature, so housing indoors is recommended. Rabbits are also highly susceptible to predators like dogs and foxes when caged outdoors. Cages should be at least five times the size of the rabbit with ample room for rabbits to move around in and a floor layered with cardboard. It is important to clean rabbit cages frequently to keep pet rabbits healthy.
  An ideal diet for pet rabbits should consist of hay, dark, leafy green veggies like romaine lettuce, rabbit pellets, and occasional treats like fruit. Clean water should always be accesible to rabbits in their cage.
  Rabbits like to gnaw on objects, so they should have access to cardboard or wooden blocks to avoid gnawing on the cage or humans.

Time Frame

• Pet rabbits have a life span of 10 to 15 years if cared for properly. This should be a top consideration when purchasing rabbits as a pet, since many pet rabbits are abandoned each year by owners not prepared to care for pet rabbits for the long term. Deciding to acquire a pet rabbit is just as important as choosing to bring home a dog or cat. All of these animals have long lifespans and require love and proper care.

Considerations

• Unless pet rabbits are intended for breeding purposes, it is advised that they be spayed or neutered. Aside from preventing the rapid reproduction rates of rabbits, spaying and neutering pet rabbits helps prevent certain cancers in female rabbits and aggressive behavior in male rabbits.
  While it is extremely important for rabbit owners to interact daily with their pet rabbits, it is vital that rabbits be handled gently. Because of this, rabbits are not the ideal pet for children. Rabbits should be held with both hands, with one hand always used to support the large hind legs.
  Pet rabbits should have annual health checks by a qualified veterinarian.

Misconceptions

• Most people think rabbits are very easy to care for and need little attention, but this is false. Pet rabbits need specific daily care in feeding and giving them water, as well as keeping their living space clean. They also need attention and affectionate handling from their owners regularly. The more rabbits interact with their owners, the more comfortable and precitable they will be with humans. It's also a good idea to buy rabbits in pairs because they are such social animals.