Should Your Family Adopt a Rabbit?

There's no question that rabbits are cute, soft and fuzzy, but is a rabbit the best pet for your family? People are drawn to rabbits because they are quiet and don't need as much space as other pets.

While most are relatively easy to care for, rabbits do have specific housing and health needs. There are a variety of breeds that tend to have different temperaments, so it is important that you choose one that will get along well with your family.

As you consider adopting a rabbit there is a lot to think about, both for your family and to make sure your new friend has what he needs to be healthy and happy.

What is Your Family Like?

First, consider your family. What are the ages of your family members and what kind of lifestyle do they lead? Rabbits can be good pets for children, but if you have a toddler be ready to supervise her interaction with the new pet. Toddlers are tempted to tightly hold and snuggle rabbits, which can make them feel uncomfortable and scared, which isn't a good scenario for the pet or the child.

Rabbits need to be handled gently and should never be chased or handled roughly. Some rabbits don't enjoy being picked up and may kick, bite or scratch if they are frightened. When a rabbit is scared or doesn't like how he is being handled, he may struggle or try to jump away, which could cause him to hurt the person holding him or himself.

Another thing to think about is what kind of lifestyle your family has. Rabbits need regular exercise, and most of the time someone will need to supervise exercise time to make sure the rabbit is safe. It is not a good idea to adopt a rabbit if no one will be able to help him get some exercise and care for him throughout the day.

If your family is looking for a quiet pet that enjoys companionship, and will be with your family for several years, a rabbit may be a good fit.

Can You Provide a Good Home for a Rabbit?

Rabbits who have a good home and are well cared for can live for 10 to 12 years. As you consider adopting a rabbit, remember that he will need plenty of space, a clean environment and someone who can take responsibility for providing grooming, a proper diet and veterinary care.

Most rabbits are timid, and do best in a quiet home. They aren't able to tell the difference between loud noises that signal danger and happy sounds like laughter, so any kind of noise could frighten your new pet.

Your rabbit will need a safe, secure space in your home to call his own. Use a crate that is not made of wire and which is at least three or four feet long. This cage will need to be cleaned frequently and you should check it often to make sure it is not damaged in any way. Rabbits need ways to use their mind and stay busy, so provide toys like a cardboard box, towel or left over fabric. You can also purchase toys specially designed for rabbits at a pet store.

Ideally, you need to have space in your home where you can let your rabbit out of his pen to get some exercise. You can block off an area with a puppy play pen or you can let him roam around your home, as long as it is safe. Rabbits need to chew to keep their teeth in good health, so keep things like wires, plants, shoes, and anything else he might chew out of your rabbit's reach.

The best food for rabbits is fresh grass hay and dark green leafy vegetables. You can also feed your rabbit food from the pet store that is specially formulated to provide him with the nutrients and vitamins he needs.

What Kind of Rabbit Should You Adopt?

Each and every rabbit is different with a different personality and temperament. To choose the right rabbit for your family, see if you can spend some time with a few different rabbits so you can get a good idea of what their temperaments are like before you choose one to adopt. There are a few different breeds that tend to have characteristics that are good for families and children.

Sussex Rabbit

Sussex rabbits have short fur so they are easy to groom. They are usually friendly and are a good choice for families. They tend to have a large appetite, so with this breed you will need to help him maintain a proper diet.

Californian Rabbit
These rabbits are white with black ears, paws and sometimes face. If you are looking for a rabbit that can live outside, this is an excellent option. They also groom themselves frequently, so young children may enjoy watching them.

Chinchilla Rabbit

Chinchilla rabbits are usually larger and are calm and enjoy being held, so they get along well with children.

Flemish Giant Rabbit

This breed can grow as large as 10 kilograms so they need a lot of space. But, they are very gentle and are also easy to handle and hold. They have a good temperament, so they are good with children.

Dwarf Lop Rabbit

These rabbits need a lot of space and also do well outdoors. They are good for older children and do require frequent grooming. They have friendly personalities so they make good family pets.

Each of these breeds has something to offer, and spending some time with rabbits of different breeds and personalities can help you decide which is best for your family.

Rabbits make excellent pets because they are quiet, fun to watch and enjoy companionship. If your family can provide a proper home, space for exercise, and things like a good diet and regular veterinary care, adopting a rabbit will be very rewarding.