Is a Pet Rabbit Right For You?

Updated 2/16/13

We highly recommend you visit the resources page and read all about caring for a rabbit and their expected common behavior. Rabbits can live up to 12-14 years which means owning a rabbit is the same commitment as owning a dog or cat. If you have never owned a rabbit before we recommend you find time to be around one to see if you enjoy their company. Bella’s Bunnies can assist families to see what it is like to own a rabbit before they buy and will consider options for a family to care for a rabbit under supervision. Please contact us at bellasbunniesrabbitry@gmail.com for further information.

Rabbits are social animals and having 2 may be a good option if you are unable to provide them with enough companionship throughout the day. Introducing unfamiliar rabbits can be tricky. Rabbits are territorial by nature and do not always cohabit easily with strange rabbits. Litter mates and very young rabbits bond the easiest. I have personally successfully bonded unfamiliar females and neutered males. Un-neutered males will not bond with another male (even if its his brother) and will try to mate with a spayed female constantly. If your family is able to give your rabbit plenty of attention and affection then it should be fine alone.

If you absolutely must have 2 rabbits because of the size of your family, we recommend getting 2 young females from the same litter or 2 young males that will be neutered when they are old enough. There is always a change you may have 2 cages to house your rabbits separately ‘but together’.

We highly recommend spaying and neutering pet rabbits. Your rabbit will live longer and show fewer “hormonal” behaviors if it is altered. All male pet rabbits will be neutered before leaving Bella’s Bunnies at 4 months.

Unacquainted rabbits can be introduced to one another in a strictly supervised, neutral area. Keep the visits short at first and watch their behavior. Separate them immediately if one or both become aggressive. With patience, females and neutered male rabbits will learn to tolerate, and even bond with one another.

We don’t recommend a very young or small rabbit for a child less than 7 years old. Rabbits have fragile bones, delicate digestive and immune systems, and can be frightened easily. Many more things can go wrong in the first few months of a rabbits life. Older rabbits are somewhat “tougher”. Young children (under 10) should not be allowed to handle the rabbit unsupervised. A mishandled rabbit can easily harm itself and its handler. The majority of rabbits do not prefer being picked up. If a rabbit has been properly socialized it will love to sit next to you to be petted and cuddled. Parents of young children should realize they will have to be the ones to instruct the child on its care, trim its toenails, feed it, and change its bedding if necessary.