Choosing a Rabbit
So you've been reading these articles and, after much careful thought, you've decided to get a rabbit. Congratulations! You are about to become initiated in the wonderful world of rabbits. You've thought about how you will house your new friend, you've already rabbit-proofed the house by covering wires and cords, and all that's left is picking the right rabbit for you. So where do you begin?
First, I encourage you to consider adopting a rabbit from a local shelter or rescue group. The benefits are many: adult rabbits make better pets because they've outgrown their unruly, hormonal adolescence; they're already spayed or neutered; in many cases they're litter trained; they are socialized; and the best reason of all: you are saving their life.
Be wary of purchasing rabbits from pet stores. Bunnies in pet stores are usually subjected to early weaning, sudden changes in diet, travel, crowded or unclean cages, noise, disruption of routine, and over-handling. All of these can lead to illness. The sad, but realistic, result is that many become seriously ill and often die. Many baby bunnies are incorrectly sexed, which can lead to more than a few surprises for a new owner.
There are many things to consider when choosing a rabbit. Do you already have other pets? What kind? Do you have children? What do you prefer in terms of breed, size, color, age, and personality? Let's cover the basics.
Children
Rabbits are not generally recommended for young children as they can be seriously hurt if not handled properly. They require a level of care that is unrealistic to expect of kids; therefore, the adults in the family must be committed to being the rabbit's primary caretaker. For older children, medium to large sized rabbits are recommended but only if the child is mature enough to be responsible. Larger rabbits are more capable of taking care of themselves when they feel insecure, and older children are more capable of handling a rabbit properly and are better able to understand and respect their needs.
Other Pets
Rabbits can get along with most cats and some dogs. If the cat is larger than the rabbit, and especially if the cat has a penchant for hunting birds and mice, a small rabbit should not be brought into the family. In general, a cat and rabbit of approximately the same size will get along well, either ignoring each other or becoming friends. Likewise, if a dog is aggressive toward small animals, a rabbit is not a good choice. The dog must respond to and understand basic obedience commands.
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