I am 15 years old and i was...

Question
I am 15 years old and i was thinking about getting a rabbit and i was wondering if you could give me some information about owning one and the best place to buy one. I have only owned a hamster before, well actually i had two and at different times, but they both unfortunately died (not because of me though).

Answer
Dear Virginia,

If you have never had a rabbit before, you might want to get one from a breeder (try your local rabbit 4-H club, if one exists in your area), as pet stores do not always take very good care of their rabbits, and you might end up with a sick one. Of course, I am sure some pet stores are good about taking care of the rabbits, and some breeders might not be all that good. You could also try your local animal shelter.

Some things to look for when getting a new rabbit:
--Step back and watch the rabbit's activity, then ask to pet and hold the rabbit. If it has difficulty hopping around, or if it cowers in the corner all the time, laying down, or has trouble breething, it may be ill. Always reach in slowly and let the rabbit sniff your hand before trying to pet or lift it. If it snaps at you, or growls or lunges, it may be under a good deal of stress.
--check ears for black crusty things--a sign of ear mites
--check eyes for cloudiness or wateriness, or goopiness--signs of illness
--check teeth by holding the rabbit by the scruff of its neck (hopefully whoever is selling you the rabbit will be able to show you how to do this), tucking the rabbit's rear end under the arm that is holding the scruff, and gently pulling up the lips with the opposite hand. You are looking for teeth that are crooked, or bottom teeth that overlap the top ones, or teeth that sick out and are exceedingly long. Teeth like these need to be treated (probably trimmed, and possibly regularly) and if this is your first rabbit, you probably want to try to go as simple as possible until you get a little more experience.
--check the genitals (holding rabbit in same position as above) for any abnormalities such as bleeding, lumps, and the like. Ask the person there to tell you if it is male or female, if you do not already know how to tell.
--check the fur for condition. Sometimes poor fur condition means illness or lack of care. Of course, it could just be the rabbit's regular molt, so don't rely too much on this one.


Before getting the rabbit, I would get a cage setup with a water bottle and food bowl, and buy some rabbit pellet food, so it will be all ready when your new furry friend comes. Get a rabbit cage with a tray in the bottom if you can--it is more sanitary than one in which the rabbit sits in the litter. Sanitation is one of the best preventions of disease, so keep that cage clean!


I hope this was not to long for you, and I hope you get a very nice bunny!
God Bless
AEJ