*** should I get a rabbit ? *****

Z

Zara savage

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Hi ,
I’ve just lost my hamster a while back and even though I couldn’t ever replace him I’ve been looking into animals that could kinda fill the hole . I looked at guinea pigs and now I’m looking at rabbits . I’m not sure what small animal to get but I’m really concerned on how much rabbits cost . Got any advice or tips ?
 
I really like rabbits. I think I like the one I have because he has a lot of personality. I'd really recommend one. People say they need a companion, but I personally think they don't need one as much as guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are herd animals while rabbits are not. Also, my rabbit gets out to hang out with me and exercise 4-5 hours a day and his cage is a bit too small for two rabbits as it's only about 10 square feet. People will disagree with me, but whatever.
 
Rabbits are an amazing choice but there care does differ from those of hamsters and guinea pigs. Rabbits do need more space though then a small animal like a Guinea Pig or Hamster. I would recommend 2 rabbits so it can settle quicker as they have each other we own rabbits but they live a specialized shed outside. As for that information that's all I know my parents are the ones that love Rabbits!
 
Rabbits make wonderful pets, but really do need to be kept in pairs. Anyone who has ever seen two rabbits lay together grooming each otehr will understand why. Like all animals that would naturally live in a herd, human companionship can never replace that of a member of their own species.
Rabbits are hugely entertaining and very energetic (when the mood takes them).
Our 1 year old female is constantly on the move, exploring, running and destroying things. Our 4 year old male is calmer, but still enjoys a good run at the right time of day.
Rabbits require a huge amount of space, can be very destructive and are certainly not 'cuddly' lap pets. Many do become very tame and will happily wander over to you for a cuddle, but they shouldn't really be picked up on a regular basis.
Rabbits can be toilet trained which makes caring for them easier, but not all rabbits are trainable and they are masters of spraying pee everywhere!
Rabbits really need to be spayed or neutered.
Like any pet they can cost a little or a lot, but I would recommend joining a good rabbit forum to get more information before you make a decision.
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I kept bunnies up until my last one passed away 3 years ago.

Most do better in a male female pairing. Both need to be neutered. They also require annual vaccinations against Myxomatosis and VHD.

Most hutches are far too small for animals that need space to show their natural needs are being met. They love running at full pelt and leaping (binkying) around.

I kept my rabbits freeranging in the house, they can usually be fully littertrained. They also had daily supervised freerange access to my garden.

They are classed as exotics so an experienced Vet is a must for a bunnies care.

An excellent, fast moving forum to give you loads more information :-

Rabbits United Forum
 
I agree with @Swissgreys and @*kate* rabbits are amazing but they are not 'easy' pets. It's a steep learning curve!
They need lots of space a companion and a specialised diet (Hay hay and more hay)to avoid dental and gut problems. They need neutering, vaccinating, insuring and regular checks by the vet.
I volunteer with a rabbit rescue and all our rabbits are neutered, vaccinated and health checked. We never rehome rabbits to live alone although sometimes if a rabbit is difficult to bond we will rehome them as a house rabbit. There are thousands of rabbits in rescues needing good homes. But they are not cheap and need a lifetime of care. My last rabbit lived to 10 years old and the ones l have are 7, 8 and 9 years old currently.
This month l have spent over £600 on my rabbits vet bills. For dental work (a rabbit l adopted with dental issues) an admission to hospital with gut stasis due to moulting and the weather change, and 3 lots of vaccinations. I have 5 rabbits.
 
I have 6 rabbits. 4 outdoors (shed and run) and 2 indoors, in the guinea pig room but not interacting with the piggies. Rabbits value the companionship of other rabbits as highly as they value food. Mine are rarely apart and spend a LOT of time cuddled together.

Guinea pigs are simpler in that they do not require vaccinations and are less destructive chewing wise. I love rabbits but I am aware that they can cost a lot and are likely to live as long as a dog.

Good luck with your decision. Very wise to be asking around before committing to a new pet.
 
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