You should take some time to decide if rabbits are the right pet for you.Evaluate if you can commit the time, energy, and money that proper care requires and then decide if your household is ready for a new furry friend.Before you buy a bunny, make sure an animal is right for you.To find out if it's a match for you, look for signs of good health.
Step 1: If you want a quieter pet, get a rabbit.
Rabbits are great apartment pets because they require less space than other animals.They are less maintenance than dogs.You don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to walk your rabbit with your dog.
Step 2: You need to be ready to do some dirty work.
Rabbits are less demanding than other animals.Changing and cleaning its food and water multiple times a day is what you will have to do.The vacuum cleaner and broom should be broken frequently.Cleaning a lot of fur is what rabbits do four times per year.They love to play and burrow and send hay, food, and bedding out of their cages.
Step 3: Take cost into account.
It's important to know how much you can afford to care for your pet.The initial costs for a rabbit in the US are $330 to $390, and the ongoing costs, including food, litter and cleaning supplies, are $85 per month.Pets, toys, and replacing supplies can add hundreds of dollars to your budget.
Step 4: It is important that you are ready for a long-term commitment.
An indoor rabbit can live up to 10 years.Getting one is a lot like getting a dog or cat, so make sure you are prepared for the long haul.To ensure that you'll be able to keep caring for your rabbit in the future, try to anticipate any life changes that might happen, such as moving, marriage, or starting a family.
Step 5: There is a local vet who has experience with rabbits.
Since they are classified as exotic pets, not all vets are able to give medical care to rabbits.Keeping a rabbit in the best health requires yearly checkup and spaying or neutering.The House Rabbit Society has a vet listing that can be found at http://rabbit.org/vet-listings/.
Step 6: No one in your household should be allergic to rabbits or hay.
If you want to get a new rabbit of your own, make sure to spend lots of time with one to rule out allergies to hay, the most important part of its diet.Many rabbits are left at shelters due to unknown allergies.If you want to see if any friends have rabbits, go to a pet store or shelter.For a definitive test, you can visit an allergist.
Step 7: Make a bunny-proof room.
rabbits need daily out of cage time, even though they require less space than other pets.If you want to bunny-proof your home, you should have a room that is close to other areas.A bunny-proof room should not have any exposed vents, sofas, beds, or other tight spaces.There are objects that are easy to knock over in your bunny's room.Flexible plastic tubing should be used to cover electrical cords.
Step 8: Wait until your children are older to get a rabbit.
Rabbits are not suitable for young children.They're prey animals that startle easily, which can cause health issues, and young children don't know how to properly handle a fragile rabbit.Wait until your child is mature enough to play with a rabbit.When your child gets older, they will need supervision to make sure they can hold and play with their rabbit without getting injured.
Step 9: If you have a ratting dog, don't get a rabbit.
Terriers, dachshunds, and other ratting dogs were bred to kill small animals so they don't mix well with rabbits.If the dog is well-trained, other breeds can get along with rabbits.It might not be a good idea to get a rabbit if you have doubts about your dog.Cats and rabbits are good companions, but you shouldn't let your rabbit interact with your other pets, especially without close supervision.
Step 10: Make sure your rabbit isn't affected by future life changes.
It is possible to anticipate life changes such as moving, getting a roommate, marriage, or having children.Make sure your new home is pet-friendly if you have to move.Life is unpredictable, so try to factor it into your decision.You can't predict when you'll fall in love with someone who's allergic to rabbits.If you are seeing someone and it is getting serious, make sure a rabbit is in your plans.
Step 11: If you're inexperienced, don't get a high maintenance breed.
Miniature rabbits are popular for beginners.Most rabbits are easy to care for, but there are two breeds that have special needs.English dogs are prone to injury because of their long ears.Angoras require a lot of daily grooming.
Step 12: If you can handle a lot of energy, you should get a baby bunny.
After eight weeks of age, baby bunnies are ready for adoption.You will be able to train and socialize your new pet from an early age, and you will know more about its health and how it was raised.While there are pros, keep in mind that baby and adolescent rabbits need training and have high energy.Baby bunnies take a long time to mature into adults and can be a lot of work as pets.
Step 13: There are signs of good health.
If you want to know if a rabbit is right for you, you need to check its health.It should be mobile, alert, and active with a clean coat.It should not sneeze and its eyes should be free of discharge.Make sure its front teeth are straight.The upper set should overlap the lower set.Make sure that the bunny does not pull away in pain and that you don't feel any bumps, swellings, or other abnormality.
Step 14: Look at a potential pet's temperament.
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not the same.Before you take a new pet home, spend some time with it.It's a good idea to see if it warms up to you and if its personality matches what you want in a pet.If you want a pet with some spunk, you might want to look for one that is more active and adventurous.