Buying a Rabbit

• You can buy a rabbit from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter or rescue organization. If you’re planning to buy a rabbit, it’s a good idea to keep a few things in mind. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the seller.
• The eyes and nose should be clear and free of discharge (which may indicate an infection).
• The rabbit should be curious and inquisitive.
• The rabbit should not be too thin. Run your hand along its spine, hips, and ribs to check—the bones should not protrude and should be covered by a reasonable layer of muscle.
• Check for wetness or caked feces around the anus.
• Check for parasites such as fleas or ticks by parting the fur on the back with your fingers, and check the inside of the ears for redness or an excessive amount of yellow or brown earwax—this may indicate ear mites.
• If possible, gently pull the lips apart and check to make sure the rabbit's front teeth (incisors) aren't broken or too long.
• Find out if the rabbit has been spayed or neutered; as a rule, this isn't done until they are about six months old.
• Ask about the rabbit's age. Do not buy a rabbit younger than 8 weeks.
• Find out if the rabbit has been vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic syndrome (VHS). VHS is also known as rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) or viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD).
• Ask the seller if there is a health guarantee or a money-back guarantee.
• Finally, ask what the rabbit is being fed to avoid suddenly giving it different food at home, as this can cause gastrointestinal problems and diarrhea.

All rabbits need the company of at least one other rabbit. Rabbits are naturally social animals and become stressed when kept alone in a hutch. The rabbits must be compatible with each other: the best combination is a neutered male and a spayed female.

Rabbits can be house-trained fairly easily, since they naturally tend to urinate in the same spot. At first, you should keep your rabbits in a small, enclosed area (a cage or a fenced-off part of the room). Place a “rabbit toilet” in a corner where the rabbits already relieve themselves. The sides of the box should be low enough so your rabbits can easily get in and out. Use newspaper, straw, or another paper-based bedding material. Do not use cat litter, as some types can be harmful if eaten. You can place a few droppings in the rabbit box to encourage your rabbits to use it.

Rabbits do NOT like being picked up. So only pick up a rabbit when it is absolutely necessary. If a rabbit is scared or feels insecure when being picked up, it may kick with its hind legs and damage its spine, which can result in paralysis. When picking up your rabbit, always support its hindquarters to prevent spinal injury. Hold the rabbit with one hand under its chest between its front legs, lift it with your other hand under its hindquarters, and hold it close to you so it feels safe. You can tuck its head under your arm. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears, and do not let its legs dangle. It is often best to kneel down to the rabbit’s level, pet it, and let it come to you; or gently place it on your lap while sitting on the floor, rather than lifting the rabbit off the floor.

Unless you plan to breed rabbits, it is highly recommended that you have both males (bucks) and females (does) spayed or neutered.

Rabbits reach sexual maturity between 3 months (for smaller breeds) and 6–9 months (for larger breeds). It is recommended to separate young rabbits into same-sex groups starting at 3 months of age.

Reproduction is prevented by castrating rams and spaying ewes when they are about 5–6 months old (or, in males, as soon as the testicles have descended). Spaying doesies significantly reduces the risk of future uterine cancer; in some breeds, this type of cancer occurs in over 80% of doesies older than 4 years. Spaying also prevents doesies from exhibiting territorial behavior, frequently wanting to fight with other rabbits, and becoming aggressive toward people.

Unneutered bucks are more likely to develop behavioral problems, such as fighting, biting, and spraying. Their urine can also become very smelly. However, spayed or neutered rabbits are more prone to becoming overweight as they age, so it’s important to make sure they don’t eat too much and get enough exercise.