CHOOSING A PET RABBIT THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

Choosing the right rabbit for you and your family can be a very exciting process. There are currently over 40 recognized breeds of rabbits. Many of the breeds have multiple varieties and colors. Rabbits range in size from 2 pounds to over 10 pounds. So, the choices are very abundant.

Many breeders give different answers regarding the preferred gender for a pet rabbit. The individual temperament of the rabbit compounds this. Often a doe (girl rabbit) not spayed can become territorial as she reaches maturity. She may nip at you when reaching for her or even her food or water dishes. Some will eliminate that aggression when a familiar face does the feeding daily. We've found some non-aggressive, yet others can become territorial towards everybody, but that is very rare. If you do not plan to breed your rabbit and want a doe, it is best to have her spayed to help reduce the chances of protecting her den.

Bucks present a different problem altogether. Bucks are generally not aggressive. However, spraying can be a problem. When the buck reaches maturity, he may start to spray his urine everywhere to let the world know he is ready for a mate. Again, not all bucks will do this, and typically the ones that do will only do so for a short period of time. This problem can be eliminated by having the buck neutered.

Grooming is another consideration. The wool breeds such as angoras and jersey woolies require extra work in grooming. All rabbits need a good grooming routine by their owner, but wool breeds require more time because of their fur type.

It's not recommended to buy a rabbit without first seeing it, nor purchasing a rabbit from a pet store. It would be in your best interest to find a breeder in your area of the breed you think you would like. Visit the breeder to see what the conditions are in the barn. Ask if you can hold a rabbit. Watch the rabbit's reaction to their cage being opened. Rabbits that love attention will immediately come to the door; some will even make happy grunting-type noises. Other rabbits will immediately go to the back of the cage. If a rabbit moves to the rear, it's probably not a good rabbit for you.

Most of all, have fun. Enjoy your search for that perfect rabbit. There are many sizes, colors, and choices, and finding the fit for you can be time-consuming but will be very rewarding in the end.