can you list- pros and cons of keeping a pet rabbit, we've never had one before?

Question

and my neighbour wants us to have one of hers

ideally I'd like him to live indoors, cause I think we're in for a bad winter

Answer 1

I think rabbits are lovely, but they need cleaning regularly and need care to ensure healthy life.

Pro's

Sociable
Cuddly
Easy to care for
Cheap to look after
Can house-train
Fun to watch and interact with

Con's

Smelly if not cleaned out
Can be aggressive if not handled
Need to watch what your feeding them (make sure they have a balanced diet and plenty to grind teeth down)
Hutches expensive

My advice would be NEVER take a rabbit from someone else,unless you know the rabbit well, people generally wont give away happy, sociable rabbits and you could be taking soemone else's problem on :)
Rabbits are super pets though :)

Answer 2

I don't think flystrike is that common... I have had 3 bunnies and none of them were afflicted with it, nor have the bunnies of any of my students who live on farms and raise rabbits.

PROS: It doesn't cost a lot to keep a rabbit; they're smart animals that can be litter box trained (my bunny doesn't use the bathroom anyplace else but her box); they're good companions and make good pets if you live in a small place since they don't take up a lot of room; they each have a distinct personality that you will in time come to know; can be a great first pet for a child, provided that the child is old enough to properly handle the rabbit. They're amusing creatures, fun to watch when running around.

CONS: They tend to chew--got to watch out for electrical cords, etc. Their teeth continually grow, they're always looking for something to chomp on. You can purchase special wooden blocks made for that. As mentioned, like any other pet, they require certain hygiene--you need to keep the cage cleaned so that the bunny is comfy. As far as mean personality, some are more cuddly than others, so maybe you can have one on a trial basis to make sure it's compatible. You will also have to keep the nails trimmed, which isn't difficult. Bunnies generally bathe themselves similar to the way cats do so you won't have to give it a bath.

Rabbits in general are very easy to care for, as long as you pay attention. You'll know, for example, that something is not right if the bunny doesn't eat or drink as it usually does, or if the droppings seem funny looking. I'm on my 4th bunny now (1 got taken by the ex-husband, and the other two died of old age) and she's a great pet. I love bunnies! Speaking of old age, the domesticated rabbit can live anywhere from 5-10 years.

Answer 3

Rabbits are great, I foster as well as having four of my own and working for the largest rabbit rescue in the south east of England.Yes they are hard work but can be litter trained. You should have two, to keep eachother company and to reduce damage to your house. If you do let them live indoors, don't clean their house while they are there, they don't like it.(wish someone would clean while I'm out!). Clean the tray every day and their house twice a week. Myxi vaccinations and Vhd every year. Check any to make sure they are neutered. Unneutered females after the age of 5 have over 90% chance of uterine cancer.
If you can, get from a rescue, they will already have been neutered, vaccinated, and vet checked and you are sure of their health. Pet shops cannot guarantee, any of the above, and as for your friends rabbits (is she giving you her problem rabbit?). Outside hutch must be 5 x 2 minimum with a 6 x 3 run. You can cover with a tarp overnight. Always give fresh hay 24 hours. They rarely stop eating. They cannot vomit so must have lots of water and veggies, no lettuce(it makes them ill) to help their guts.Excel food to stop selective eating from cheaper varieties. Kids should not lift but can handle from the floor. Enjoy your rabbit, they can live to 8 years. Go to the RWA website for more info. Have fun!

Answer 4

My brother has just got a rabbit. They are great if you have children - the children like to get involved and help. The downside is you have to make sure the hutch is cleaned out every day otherwise the rabbit could get an infection. Some can be a nightmare to catch too! Good luck

Answer 5

Pro: they can live happily in a cage
Con: Normally you feel kinda bad about them bein in a cage

Pro: They make great housepets
Con: You have to rabbit proof your house and potty train it

Pro: You can eat them if you get tired of the rabbit
Con: Butchering is a bit messy

Pro: You can show them in 4H, FFA, and Open
Con: Sometimes crazy animal rights freaks show up

Pro: You train them to walk on leash, fetch, and do agility
Con: Rabbits don't have a really long life span, about that of a small breed dog

Pro: Many of their health problems that arrise you can treat yourself.
Con: When you do have to go to the vet it costs an arm & a leg and is almost impossible to find a vet knowledgable about them.

Ok so I could go on for ever so I'm done.

Answer 6

I've got an indoor rabbit and I've now had to put it outside as I find that my ashma is really bad after it being well under control for many years I am trying to find it a home indoors with someone else so don't make the mistake I did and make sure you will be ok with it before you buy one

Answer 7

They will need a high level of care. They need to be cleaned out regularly and have access to the garden, via a pen, to run around in so they get decent exercise. In winter it is better if they are moved into a shed so that they are not subject to very cold or wet weather. The hutch needs to be waterproof.

They are fun pets to have and can be handled by several people as long as it is done carefully and not roughly. As with any animal, there may need veterinary care at some stage, which can be expensive - so budget for this as well.

Answer 8

Like any pet, a rabbit needs care and attention. Unlike a dog, a rabbit does not have to be walked and can be left alone during the day - they are crepuscular which means they sleep during the day and night and like to play at dawn and twilight.

Pros:
Bunnies are affectionate, but most rabbits prefer to relax with you by lying on the floor near you. Get to know your bunny’s personality as some love to be held and others don’t.
Bunnies are mischievous, curious and playful! Pay attention to what they are doing.
Bunnies like to part of your household and also like their quiet time - I can watch ours for hours
Rabbits are very clean. Ours live in a bunny proofed room and they are good about using their litter box which I clean every day (easy - just toss litter and clean with vinegar and water)

Cons (sort of)
Rabbits do not need vaccinations, but they should have regular visits to rabbit savvy veterinarians. Your rabbit must be spayed or neutered – that will improve his health, behavior, and lifespan not to mention avoiding unwanted litters.
Rabbits can be litter box trained. Set up a large litter box with newspaper or a natural litter such recycled newsprint or cardboard, add plenty of hay, and clean daily. Bunnies are very neat and will naturally want to use the litter box. PINE and CEDAR litter can be FATAL; as can regular sand and clay litter!
Rabbits require daily exercise outside of their cages and will love having you as their companion. You will also enjoy watching their antics.
Rabbits need daily care. If you will be away from home, you will need to arrange for someone to care for your rabbit in your absence

We have 3 house rabbits and they are wonderful pets! they do have some special needs and here are a few good links to bunny care:
http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/index.html
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/firstrabbit.html

And whatever you do, please keep your bunny inside. It's better for the bunny and you get the joy of bonding with your bunny.

Answer 9

bunnies can be sweet, adorable, lovable, and lots of fun. my bunny always puts a smile on my face. their cage is easy to keep clean and their droppings don't smell anywhere near as strong as a cat or dog. they clean themselves and if you have more than one they can keep each other happy as long as they get along in the first place.
but.....
they are not the greatest pet for households with small children. and are not ideal for "teaching" responsibility.
they do need to be let out of there cage for a MINIMUM of two hours a day, more is much better though. and they must be watched because they are mischievious and curious to a fault.
you have to bunny proof your home, cover electric cords, protect furniture etc. and bunnies have several illnesses they are prone to. so be prepared for vet visits/expenses, and finally, seriously
SPAY OR NEUTER.
look up the house rabbit website and get a book or two on bunnies. then if you decide a bunny is right for you.. go for it, and enjoy!

Answer 10

sweety go for it! did you know that you can train a rabbit just like a cat! yup thats right...they will even use a litter box just like a cat. Rabbits will NEVER poop in their dwelling if you noticed rabbits prefer to poop in only one corner of their cage. My sister inlaw got a baby rabbit from us,she has a cat they just love eachother they snuggle up on the computer chair together,the sweetest thing. Have a look online do an internet search for house training your rabbit and cat and bunny's as companions.