Rabbits have never been more popular. They can live in the garden or indoors and develop into rewarding pets. They're also immensely cute - it takes a determined effort to resist the charms of a baby bunny! But taking on a rabbit is a big commitment. As with any other pet, it's important to appreciate exactly what you are taking on. If you are thinking of becoming a rabbit owner, this is for you.
Understanding rabbits
The rabbits we keep as pets are the same species as wild rabbits -Orytolagus cuniculus. Underneath the cosmetic differences in coat colours, sizes, and ears, pet bunnies have just the same behavioural and physical characteristics as their wild cousins.
Rabbits are active animals Rabbits need plenty of space. They don't mind being caged overnight, but they do need a spacious run outdoors or time to run around the house every day.
Rabbits are social animals Rabbits live in colonies: you'll never find a wild rabbit living alone. Pet rabbits need company, either from you or another rabbit.
Rabbits are prey animals Rabbits are shy. It takes time for them to learn to trust you, and they don't like being held above the ground.
They're fragile too - their lightweight skeleton is easily injured by clumsy handling.
The end of the rabbit hutch?
One of the responsibilities of pet ownership is accommodating the behavioural and physical needs of the species. Most pet rabbits are still kept in traditional hutches in the garden, but keeping a solitary rabbit in this way causes suffering and boredom. Many authorities say it is actually cruel. Caring rabbit owners need to think alternatives, which may involve a surprising amount of effort and money. Keeping rabbits outdoors
Two (or more) rabbits can live in a permanent enclosure in the garden, with suitable shelter.
Two rabbits can share a hutch at night time, with daily access to a large exercise run.
Both options offer rabbits a very good quality of life. They are especially suitable if you enjoy watching animals behave in a natural way. You need a large garden to build a permanent enclosure, or be willing to ruin your lawn! Outdoor rabbits won't become particularly tame. If want a close relationship with a pet rabbit you need to think about a houserabbit.
Keeping rabbits indoors
A single houserabbit can live indoors with plenty of human company
Two houserabbits can live happily indoors if you have a busy lifestyle
Rabbits are clean animals that are easily trained to use a litter tray, and develop a very close relationship with their owner. Many houserabbits watch TV from the sofa, flop out in front of the fire, and run to greet their owner when they come in from work. But houserabbits are not for everyone. They can be very demanding and destructive, especially as youngsters. Even after thorough training and "bunnyproofing", some minor damage (stripped wallpaper, damaged carpets from digging) is inevitable.
A commitment for a decade
The average rabbit lives for 7-10 years. Are you prepared to adapt your lifestyle for the next decade?
Rabbits bought for children are often still around when the kids leave home.
Houserabbits are like toddlers that never grow up. Could you cope?
Taking holidays on impulse will be impossible
A single houserabbit needs lots of company - from you.
If you have a busy lifestyle, think about keeping two rabbits or don't have a rabbit at all.
What does it cost?
Rabbits are usually inexpensive to buy, but equipping a new pet rabbit is going to make a serious dent in your wallet! Initial costs Cages - indoor cages £50+; outdoor hutch and run £150+. Constructing a permanent outdoor enclosure costs £100-£400, plus the hutch. Accessories - food pot, water bottle, toys, carrying basket, brush, claw clippers. Total £30. Neutering - essential, even for single-sex pairs. Male rabbits £30-60; females £40-80. Running costs Feeding - at least £2 per week. Bedding - £1 per week for cat litter (houserabbits) or woodshavings/straw (outdoor rabbits) Health care Vaccinations - VHD and myxomatosis. |£15-30 annually Vets fees - If your rabbit is ill, vets fees are similar to cats. Serious problems can cost several hundred pounds. Pet health insurance is strongly recommended (around £45 per year).
Rabbits and children
Rabbits make good family pets if parents respect the needs of the rabbit and the limitations of the children. For things to work well, adults must accept financial and practical responsibility for rabbit care and supervise all interactions between child and rabbit.
Bunnies are not always cuddly. Children don't pick up the family dog and they shouldn't they pick up the family rabbit!
Choose a large rabbit if you have young children. They are generally quieter, sturdier, and too large for children to handle.
Don't buy a rabbit thinking it will be easier than a dog or cat.
Bunnies can be just as much hassle and just as expensive! Obtaining your rabbit Most pet shops sell young rabbits, but it's better to buy directly from a reputable breeder. Or why not adopt a rescued rabbit? Britain is flooded with unwanted rabbits awaiting new homes in rescue centres, babies as well as adults. Adopting an adult rabbit has the huge advantage of being able to reliably assess the rabbit's personality.
This information is brought to you by the Rabbit Welfare Fund - the charitable wing of the Rabbit Welfare Association. If you love rabbits, please consider supporting the Rabbit Welfare Fund. You can make a donation, or you may like to join the RWA. The £17.50 adult subscription includes a subscription to "Rabbiting On", a fabulous quarterly magazine packed with health, behaviour and care advice to help you build a wonderful relationship with your bunny - whether s/he lives indoors or out.
Copyright © BHRA 1999