Caring for a Pet Rabbit
Why They Make Excellent Companions for the Family
A pet rabbit is a great choice as a first pet for a family. They are relatively easy to care for and can be trained to do many neat things.
Who can resist a cute and cuddly little bunny? When your child asks for a pet, you may think a dog or a cat, but rabbits actually make excellent pets for your home. They are fun, easily trainable, and have a good life expectancy, which is important when getting a pet for your child. Learn more about caring for a pet rabbit.
After you have decided that a rabbit is the right pet for your home, you will need to learn how to choose the right one. Your child may have an idea about the color or breed (yes, rabbits do come in various breeds), but the most important part in choosing a bunny is to make sure it is healthy. Generally, by the time a bunny is eight weeks old, it is old enough to adopt. Many experts recommend getting a young bunny from a breeder and not a pet store. This is because the younger you get a rabbit, the easier they are to train and by the time they reach six months to one year of age (which is the age they are at most pet stores), they are at their most aggressive peak.
When you look at a rabbit, check to make sure that it looks healthy overall. You will want to check its eyes and nose. Make sure that the eyes are not “weepy” or crusted over. The eyes should be clean and clear. The same goes for the nose. It should not be runny and the rabbit should not sneeze. In addition, while rabbits do have strong smelling urine, it should not be cloudy, and it should have firm pellets when having a bowel movement. Also make sure the rabbit’s fur is smooth, soft and even.
It should be mentioned that rabbits do take regular medical care, just like a dog or a cat. These are not like hamsters where you will probably never need to take it to the vet. A rabbit will be ready to be either spayed or neutered at around six months of age. This is critical because rabbits that are unaltered can become territorial and aggressive. A rabbit will also need vaccines that your veterinarian can provide.
If you do not necessarily want a baby rabbit to raise, then you might want to check into a rabbit rescue organization. Many times, these groups will have many adult rabbits that make great pets and need a good home. These animals will be spayed or neutered and will have all of the necessary vaccines.
When you take your time to choose a pet rabbit for your home, you will be rewarded with a pet that your whole family will love and enjoy for years to come.
