im getting rabbits soon, are there any recommendations?

Answer 1

First of all, make sure you have the time and money to take care of a rabbit. Rabbits are very social animals and they need interaction with you on a daily basis. They also need a home large enough to accomodate their need to 'excercise'---ideally, a rabbits' cage should have 1.25-1.5 sq. ft. of space per pound of expected adult weight. This means if you have a rabbit expected to be 4 lbs, it needs a cage that is at -least- 5 sq. ft. (a 24 x 36 in. cage would be sufficient). Avoid cages made of wood---rabbits can chew on the wood and wood absorbs urine. An all-wire cage is ideal. You can even make your own called an NIC (Neat Idea Cube) cage. Learn more here: http://members.aol.com/bunrabtoo/neatcubs.html

Make sure you have the proper food available for your rabbit. Rabbits should be given a diet that consists of a quality PLAIN Alfalfa-based pellets (no more than 18% protein and more than 23% fiber---no corn either). 1/4 cup per day for Dwarf breeds. 1/2 cup per day for Small-Medium rabbits. 3/4 cup for Large and Giant rabbits. Make sure your rabbit -always- has plenty of Timothy Hay or other types of grassy hays (except alfalfa)---free-feed the hay. You can also supplement your rabbits' diet with fresh leafy greens---especially herbs like parsley and dill. Fruit can be given occasionally, but shouldn't be fed in large portions or too often as it is high in sugar and harder to digest. Apples and bananas are a favorite, but pineapple and papaya have helpful enzymes that prevent hairballs (ie: blockage). Fresh water should always be available. No supplements are needed in the water.

Make sure your rabbit has plenty of toys and things to keep it entertained. Toys are a must-have and should be chew-safe. Toliet paper rolls (empty) are a favorite and inexpensive toy for rabbits...as are pieces of fruit wood (untreated with chemicals of course).

As another person mentioned, rabbits can be litterbox trained, which makes clean-up a lot easier. Bedding in general (either for a litterbox or otherwise) should be anything but cedar or clay-based litters. Aspen or -heat-treated- pine are good for controlling odors and are inexpensive.

Most importantly, do NOT put 2 unneutered or unspayed rabbits in together. Rabbits are HIGHLY territorial. 2 rabbits of the same gender who are not altered WILL fight...and they can do so to the death. 2 rabbits of the opposite gender who are unaltered will quickly reproduce 'like rabbits'...and once babies are born, the mother will become very aggressive to her male partner. It is recommended that you get 2 rabbits, but ONLY if they're spayed and/or neutered. Spaying prevents reproductive cancers in females and neutering prevents undesireable hormone-driven behaviors in males (such as spraying). Most vets can perform a neutering with no problems. An 'exotics' vet may be required for a spaying.

As for what breed you should look into...there are a LOT. Some breeds are known for being 'cuddly', others for being curious and 'on the go'. What breed you get should be based on the size of cage you can get, how much you want to spend on food, and so on. Larger rabbits need a bigger cage, eat more, and are messier---but they are generally the most docile. Smaller rabbits don't need a huge cage, they eat very little, and they're easier to clean up after---but on the other hand, they tend to be more curious and 'on the go' (ie: don't prefer to be held for any length of time). You can find out more by going here: www.arba.net and going to "Breed Photos".

Hope that helps!

Serena: The Holland Lop is not a mix between a Netherland Dwarf and a Mini Lop. The Holland Lop is actually derived from the French Lop and English Lop, combined with the Netherland Dwarf.

Reference: http://www.feldsroyalrabbitry.com/hlrsc/History/hlhistory.html

Answer 2

Getting a rabbit is a great idea, they are very quiet and pretty playful. Also they litter train themselves and can stay in a cage.
Make sure you 'bunny-proof' your house and cover up wires and wood that you want to protect, almost all rabbits like to chew.

For a really good site with a lot of information on rabbits as pets check out the link (it's for rabbit adoption but it has a lot care and feeding info as well)

Answer 3

Yes. I have a little FYI. As a child I had a white bunny with pink eyes for a good while. I loved that thing. My dad built a cage above ground in the back yard where he would stay most of the time. But I still brought him in alot to play with. He died years after that Poor Snowball. Then my dad caught a wild one while he was working. That too was fun. he would chase me around the house. BUT they do crap alot!...But I bet you didnt know that they can be litter box trained. Yep. I had no idea. About 5 years ago I looked into getting one. Which I did but I really couldnt take care of it. I was too busy. So I called a pet adoption agency and they gave me a girls number that would actually foster the rabbit until it found a permanent home. Can you believe this. Its no joke. So I called her got directions to her house. I brought my kid (rabbit) to meet her and her husband. They had a huge rabbit which had been with them for about 7 years. And it was litter box trained. So I stayed awhile to make sure I was comfortable with leaving my kid there and she explained to me how easy it was to train them. It was weird having a big ol thing hopping around. It looked like a fat cat. I wish i could get one right now. You need to call around and talk to some pet shops and such to get the low down on it. If you call someone and they havent heard of that yet, call someone else.

Answer 4

I have a Holland Lop and he's adorable and well behaved. A Holland Lop is a mix between a Netherland Dwarf and a Mini Lop. I've seen some HUGE Mini Lops before. My Holland Lop was named Coconut because he was about the size of a Coconut (and the same color.)

Our bunny was litter box trained and he would use the litter to go to the bathroom but he slept in his cage. Cocoa would chase us around the room and up and down the stairs (he's 12 years old now and blind, he doesn't do this now.) He is so loving and if funny when you rub his backside because it makes him lick himself. Bunnies can have quite the personalities and can be a lot of fun. I would definately recommend a Holland Lop, their personalities are generally good and if you get them young enough they will absolutely love you and act almost like a cat.

Answer 5

Do Not, I repeat, DO NOT feed them treats right away if they're young. I bought a bag of "organic Rabbit treats" from the Pet Store after I got my baby rabbit a few months ago and it got diariah (sp) and died on Easter Morning. As sad and ironic as it sounds, it's the absolute truth. Keep them strictly to their pet food and clean water.

Make sure their cages are kept clean and that you give them lots of love :)

And the best part, enjoy them, love on them because Rabbits are freaking cute!

Answer 6

Yes, adopt your bunny instead of buying from a pet store or breeder. There are so many unwanted bunnies out there that need homes. Breed doesn't matter as much as you liking the bunny. If you are thinking of ever having more than one bunny, you can adopt a bonded pair and you'll know that they are already spayed/neutered and get along.
Rabbits make wonderful pets. They do take time and attention as does any pet and not all vets are trained to take care of rabbits.
Here are some links that might be helpful:
http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/index.html
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/firstrabbit.html

Answer 7

You should read the book the House Rabbit Handbook and go to these websites.

Answer 8

I have a really sweet WONDERFUL rabbit and I know a lot about them. I don't really know what kind od recommendations you want, but if you email me then I can help you out a LOT!

Answer 9

i have mom an dad an 5 little baby bunnies get them a cage some bedding a bed a water bottle a food bowl some toys an basically your set they get an odor if you dont clean regularlly so my advise is CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN theres nothing you can buy to get rid of or keep the smell out as long as you clean daily an feed them good food an give them timothy hay your good to go good luck hope you enjoy

Answer 10

Make sure you feed/water them atleast twice a day,They love timothy grass,make sure their in a room that is pretty warm but not HOT!
take them out of their cage let them hop around,spend time with them...I wouldn't bath them unless I was an expert on rabbits