Right now my family has one incredible dog, and a truly wonderful cat. But, due to health problems and a busy life in general, keeping up with the constant pet fur is getting to be too much. Once these pets are gone (they are both nine years old and really showing it), I'm thinking that a rabbit is our best choice of pet. Is there much difference between the different breeds? Which is best for a busy family?
2006-11-09 10:45:41 · 15 answers · asked by Kareen L 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
To put to rest concerns of a back yard neglected rabbit, the idea is having an animal that can be hutched durging the day, and loose with the family when we're home. We don't intend to lock it in a cage and never care for it. If anyone has any info on the differences between rabbit breeds, please, let me know!
2006-11-09 11:00:01 · update #1
Further clarification for the preachy... I never said I'm getting rid of the pets I have. THey're family and can shed all they darn well please. I just don't feel like replacing them with more big furry animals once they're gone.
2006-11-09 11:03:21 · update #2
LOL..... like I said people, I have had pets for nine and a half years. The notion of fresh food, water, and exercise is not a foreign concept. LOL. I'm strictly looking for any info people might have on breed temperments! Thanks for the link dragonwing
2006-11-09 11:23:02 · update #3
I have read all of your question and your updates and it is good that you are thinking of this now. When your other pets are gone, you may want to get another pet and a rabbit is a wonderful pet. They aren't so much breed dependent on personality as it is the individual rabbit. Some would say that the larger rabbits are a little more laid back and we've found that with ours - 2 that are in the 4 lb range are feistier than our 7.5lb girl. Here is a link to an article about rabbit personalities:
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-10/mellow-lops.html
From what I have seen, rabbits are less work than dogs and more than cats. They do require daily care and attention and they love to be part of your household.
Here are some good sites that will give you lots of information on bunnies as pets or in our case, members of the family:
http://www.rabbit.org Also check chapter websites as top rabbit professionals advise chapters in their cities.
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/rabbithealth.html
2006-11-09 12:15:12 · answer #1 · answered by Martha G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a slight different between some of the breeds, but a lot of the rumors you may hear about lops being such and such and dwarfs being this and that is usually not true. All rabbits are active, despite their size, and need considerable room to excercise. Make sure if you get a rabbit you have the time and dedication to take care of it properly, especially if you are busy. Don't just leave it in a hutch out back! All breeds are truly wonderful and you will love it forever! For information on rabbits and adoption and fostering oppertunities, go to www.rabbit.org
2006-11-09 10:52:41 · answer #2 · answered by Liz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found the larger the rabbit, the more mellow the personality. This has been agreed to by members of our local 'house rabbit society' in wisconsin.
I had an English Lop (extra long floppy ears) named Wilbur & he was just like a dog! He had a dog crate he stayed in, & was litter box trained & was loose when we were home. He would go out on walks & I could take him to a park & let him loose around kids & he would just hang out. Holland lops are also a nice breed, large & friendly (ears not as long, just flopppy)
Keep in mind, rabbits shed a much lighter fur than dogs & cats... there is a reason for the term 'dust bunnies'!! I found that their fur is pervasive & difficult to sweep up, since it doesnt stay on the floor but poofs around quite a bit. So as a pet, & in regards to the personality, I highly recommend rabbits as a family member, but if fur is truly the biggest issue you are taking into consideration, you might want to look into poodles (standards, they are cooler & highly intelligent!)
2006-11-09 13:59:47 · answer #3 · answered by oluchirr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Properly caring for a rabbit is no easier than properly caring for a cat or dog. They also shed... sometimes a lot! My rabbit seems to blow his coat every 4-6 months. At least my dogs & cats tend to shed at a slow & constant rate.
Dont' get me wrong... rabbits make wonderful pets. But they are not as easy as some people think (at least not if cared for properly). Rabbits should be indoor animals (www.rabbit.org). While they're capable of living outside... most who do are highly neglected. How often are you really going to trek out to the yard to spend quality time with your bunny? Once the novelty wears off, probably very rarely. If you DO have outdoor housing in mind... make a nice big "run" for the bunny... something mimicking nature. A 4x4' hutch is no way to spend an entire life.
My bunny lives in a 2.5'x3.5' two story cage (a converted large vari-kennel), but he has free range of my kitchen (closed off by a baby gate) all evening and morning. He's as sociable as my cats and is perfectly litterbox trained. However he's also fixed... I've heard that makes them MUCH better pets.
Anyway... hope this info helps. Rabbits are great pets... but please don't underestimate their needs.
2006-11-09 10:55:24 · answer #4 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the second answer but would like to add some comments. First is that rabbits can be just as much work as a cat so anyone thinking about purchasing any animal has a responsibility to educate themselves prior to the purchase on potential conflicts, health issues, nutrition, etc. If a rabbit is the best option for your family I would suggest some type of lop-eared rabbit (mini-holland lop-ears are a good one), in my experience they are less hyer and have an overall better demeanor. However, similar to cats & dogs, rabbits can develop personalities to a lesser degree. Rabbits can sometimes be potty trained with persistence but are also notorious for chewing on carpet, wires and furniture so be prepared for that. Guinea pigs may also be a good option for you, they are less mobile, good with other pets, easy to care for, and can be taken out of their cages for temporary periods to interract with. Best of luck to you!
2006-11-09 11:23:13 · answer #5 · answered by Pharox 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would advise about NOT getting a rabbit. I'm sure you would like it for a day or two, then get sick of it. You don't want to let a rabbit loose in your house, it will just go to the bathroom everywhere. If your family is busy, you will never have time for it. Just let your animals keep on living and if they pass on, then talk about it. Some families on my parents block growing up had one, and all it did is sit in the cage in the garage.
2006-11-09 11:10:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a Dutch rabbit. He's sweet, friendly, and curious. He also sheds.
To the best of my knowledge, there aren't many differences as to temperament between the different types of rabbits. Most of the differences are more physical than anything else. I.E. Long hair, small body, floppy ears, etc.
2006-11-09 11:07:48 · answer #7 · answered by Empy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A MINI REX.They need exercise and clean food and water every day.If u are really busy 24-7 u should talk to your family about whose going to take care of it.Or u should just reconsider and get a guinea pig or something like a lizard or hamster they require
less care and than a rabbit but they still need to be fed and watered daily. Good luck!!
For further information contact me at animal_expert101@yahoo.com
2006-11-09 11:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by Devin B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here's a great link to an article about rabbit varieties and temperments. I totally get what you mean about wanting a rabbit. No more fur on my bed, couches, etc. was a huge bonus when I got my bunny. You'll love a bunny.
2006-11-09 11:16:44 · answer #9 · answered by akiradragonwing 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are a lot of work and require a lot of attention. I'm a little concerned that you are just "disposing" of your older pets because of a fur problem. Do the rabbit a favor and get a stuffed animal.
2006-11-09 10:59:53 · answer #10 · answered by Aeryn Sun 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋