i want to buy a rabbit, what should i know about it? im going to go to petsco, should i go to window shop first? how much money do i need for everthing and monthly? please answer all my questions and i'll give u all the stars!
2007-10-20 06:23:33 · 11 answers · asked by iloveseattle 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
ok i KNOW its a horrible thing to buy animals from the pet stores, and i would adopt but the thing is, IM NOT 18 YET! i have to be an adult to adopt from the animal shelter in seattle! so what else can i do? the rabbits in the stores also need homes too, its not their fault they came from a rabbit mil.
2007-10-23 13:23:20 · update #1
Maybe if you asked more nicely you would get more answers.
2007-10-20 06:30:57 · answer #1 · answered by kelsey 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Before you buy the rabbit buy it's equipment first(cage, food, dishes. water bottle, bedding. toys.) If this is going to be an inside rabbit this may cost around $100, for a first time set up. Also buy a good rabbit book first and read it. A good one is "RABBITS FOR DUMMIES"
DO NOT buy your rabbit at a petstore. these rabbits come from breeders who are much like puppy mills. They also charge way too much for a mixed breed rabbit. Figure out what breed of rabbit you would like to have. if this is your first rabbit, I suggest a small breed as they are easier to handle and tame. I raise Mini Rex they are a good first rabbit. They stay small and require minimal grooming.
Find a breeder in your area. You can get information on breeder at the ARBA website(American Rabbit Breeder Assoc.)
Many people suggest adopting from a rescue or humane society. This can be a good idea if you can check the rabbit, know what diseases to look for, and know that the rabbit is not sick. Also rescues may charge alot to adopt the rabbit. breeder generally sell their rabbit for between $15-$50. Sometimes I even give away rabbits that I can't show or use in my breeding program to deserving people. Most of my rabbits go to 4H kids. I always check out potential owenrs carefully.
Also make sure you feed your rabbit a good quality rabbit pellet. One that has at least 16% protein and no corn additives. The first ingredient listed should be alfalfa.
Do not feed young rabbits any "fresh" foods such as veggie or fruit. These can make them very sick. All a rabbit needs is the pellets as it is a complete feed. Make sure they have a piece of wood to chew on. their teeth grow contiually. they need to chew.
Rabbits do not need to have a companion. They are solitary animals. Wild rabbits only come together to mate. If you want your rabbit to bond to you they are best by themselves.
Good luck in finding your pet rabbit.
If you need help finding a breeder in your area, I am willing to help you.
2007-10-20 17:25:04 · answer #2 · answered by kuunoita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely window-shop first for prices on cages, accessories, food, toys, hay, etc.
See what rabbits they have available, and if they get them from somewhere local (my Petco carries 'rescue' rabbits from the local Rabbit Haven rescue).
Petco normally provides a basic care sheet on the animals they carry. Look for the one for the rabbit (they're free to take) and read it over before purchasing the rabbit as well. They often have a ''checklist'' of things needed to keep your rabbit happy & healthy.
Also, have you considered adopting? Many local shelters & rescues get rabbits, especially after Easter, as many people buy them for the holiday, then realize they didn't want to care for them afterwards.
2007-10-20 06:28:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You do have a couple of answers... it's just that Petco isn't a great store. I would look through a couple of books about rabbit care before you jump on the bandwagon. You'd be surprised at what you could learn.
2007-10-20 06:28:29 · answer #4 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to find out from the Pet Store, how much it is for the cage, water dish, food dish, food, cedar, plus the rabbit.
Then take the food and cedar and doule that figure, unless rabbit is extremely messy, then you'll know how much it is a month.
2007-10-20 06:32:44 · answer #5 · answered by spiritwalker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you buy a rabbit make sure it's only ONE because two of them will most likely make babies. petco is a franchize and i wouldn't trust any animals from there. try a local breeder. $ money isn't that expensive but anywhere from 20- 50 a month for food. toys, vet visits!!! good and friendly animal great to own make sure it only one!
2007-10-20 06:31:53 · answer #6 · answered by heidi f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First piece of advise, stay away from pet shops.... Get a bunny from a rescue or quality breeder
2007-10-20 09:02:10 · answer #7 · answered by Brad815 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please look at rabbit rescue on petfinder first . these rabbits really need a home and Petco just adds to the problem.
2007-10-20 07:45:59 · answer #8 · answered by sherri 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My answer could be different you better read and check the links and you will find more information.
Introduction
Rabbits are highly sociable creatures. They love to interact with their human companions and rabbit buddies once they are bonded. There is nothing sadder or more depressed than a rabbit left in an outdoor hutch with no toys to stimulate his intelligence and no human companion to stimulate his playfulness and feed his desire for interaction. If you want to buy a rabbit, please give him or her a safe, clean home inside your own home where he can become a true companion to you and your family. Rabbits are delicate, sensitive creatures who thrive best in adult homes or homes with older children who are sensitive to their care needs. Children under the age of 8 are much too young to correctly handle a rabbit. Parents need to always monitor their children's interaction with their rabbit because if your rabbit gets scared or if a child accidentally hurts him, he may bite your child in self defense.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Steps
1Step OneBuy the supplies you will need to provide your rabbit with a comfortable play area in your home before you bring your rabbit home. Set your rabbit's play area up in a corner of the room where there is not a lot of foot traffic, noise from outdoors, or drafts. (see Shopping List)
2Step TwoMake your rabbit more a part of your family by placing him in a play area rather than a cage inside your home. Houserabbits can live longer, healthier lives than outdoor hutch rabbits who may be stalked by predators or scared to death by noises or animals.
3Step ThreeMake sure everything you buy for your rabbit is the correct size for him, such as food dish, water dish or bottle, flea comb (for grooming), litterbox, play area fence (dog fence's work well), and travel case.
4Step FourSelect a rabbit breed that is right for your lifestyle and living situation: larger rabbits tend to be more mellow, although this is not always the case; and smaller, dwarf breeds tend to be more high strung and are happiest in quiet, adult households where they can receive individualized attention.
5Step FiveKeep in mind that breed information about rabbit temperaments is not as accurate as it is about dog temperaments. Each rabbit is a distinct individual and if you work on bonding with a high-strung rabbit, he may become more mellow over a period of years. One of my rabbits always bit me and drew blood, but today, nearly six years later, he's my most loving rabbit.
6Step SixKeep in mind that lop rabbits (rabbits with floppy ears) often have more ear problems than rabbits with upright ears (although, again, this is not always the case as one of my rabbits with upright ears has had two infections).
7Step SevenKeep in mind that rabbits with long fur, such as Angoras and Jersey Wooleys require daily grooming, and sometimes more than once a day during molting (shedding) season to prevent tangled fur and stomach impaction from furballs.
8Step EightBring your rabbit home in his new travel case and line the case with a soft fleece blanket (in winter) or a flat, flannel-covered, waterproof crib mat (in summer).
Tips & Warnings
Only bring a rabbit home if you are going to let it be a house rabbit and if you have the time and inclination to provide your rabbit with the care, attention, affection, and companionship it needs and deserves.
When you go on vacation, you will need to hire a bunnysitter who can visit the house twice a day to feed and care for your rabbit. Make sure the sitter knows how to correctly lift and care for your rabbit, as well as what signs to look for concerning illness, and how to handle veterinary visits.
nihon94@yahoo.com
2007-10-20 06:35:43 · answer #9 · answered by Ari 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=rabbit+care&fr=ush-ans
2007-10-20 06:27:35 · answer #10 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋