Rabbits - An Introduction
So you have a new rabbit, or are looking at welcoming a rabbit into your family. Doing your research first/early on - before welcoming a bun into your family, is wise and sensible because rabbits are complex creatures who are often difficult to manage and are potentially very expensive to keep.
Whilst a rabbit may be seen as a ‘cheap/affordable’ pet because they don’t cost a lot to buy, this is far from the truth. For example -vaccinations and desexing; which are both essential, and up-to-date/humane housing requirements are rarely mentioned by pet shops and breeders. The Real Cost of Being Owned by a Rabbit is a good place to start to gain an understanding of just what it takes to care for a rabbit/s properly.
Unfortunately these same pet shops and breeders also sell same sex pairs to unsuspecting customers who (very admirably) want to avoid unwanted litters. Sadly, this approach - whilst avoiding one problem, creates another. Same sex pairs are not to be recommended because even when desexed, the rabbits; once they mature, will start fighting often with horrendous outcomes - a dead or seriously injured rabbit/s, huge vet bills and two rabbits which are no longer bonded and cannot live together safely. The Perils of Same Sex Rabbit Pairings - Getting it right, from the very start.
Rabbit husbandry can also be challenging and the death rate of young rabbits is high due to lack of education, knowledge and appropriate care. This is why we always recommend adopting a bonded, desexed adult Male/Female pair from a rescue if you are a first time rabbit owner.
Illness is another area that can be very difficult to understand for a new rabbit owner. Rabbits are quite fragile and are also a prey animal so they will not let you see that they are sick. By the time it is noticed that the rabbit is unwell, it is a serious emergency. You can’t wait and see how it is in the morning, it needs veterinary care ASAP and this is often after hours.
Rabbits are not suitable as a first pet for a child - unless the parents are prepared to be 'in charge' and completely responsible for the day to day care of the rabbit. Contrary to popular belief rabbits do not like to be picked up, cuddled or carried around - which of course is what most kids want to do with them. We've had feedback from folk that were considering a rabbit for their child’s first pet who have instead welcomed Guinea Pigs into their family with great success, after discussing the pros and cons of both in Rabbit Advice & Support New Zealand. Rabbits and Children.
Despite hutches being sold in pet shops as appropriate housing, for a rabbit, living in a hutch is akin to living in a prison cell and is not humane in any way. So, the next file you should read is Housing Guidelines, which will help you appreciate the kind of housing and space that a rabbit requires 24/7. This is very different to that which most people commonly think is acceptable. In fact, rabbits need as much room as a dog in order to be happy and healthy.
... so grab a cuppa and have a read of and view the following...
Copyright Jen Herd/Westley's World 2020
It’s an important question because there are a lot of myths about what rabbits are like as pets, so it’s important to know what’s involved. But it’s just as important to think about the following question…
Think you want a rabbit? - RWAF
How do you build a relationship with your rabbit? Won’t it just happen, like with a puppy or kitten?
How to bond with your Rabbit - House Rabbit Society
This video demonstrates some really good handling technique and is perfect for new rabbit owners.
Rabbits bring enormous joy into our lives and we wish you many years of happiness together. This guide will help answer any questions you have about settling your rabbits into your home, and how best to care for them.
SPCA Rabbit Care Guide (NZ)
We have clear, comprehensive information for you to tap into ranging from health and medicine to treatment. It’s all the latest guidelines which have been checked by our veterinary experts.
Heathy rabbits in prime condition - RWAF Latest Guidelines