| So you have decided to purchase a pet rabbit, and | | | | will also need to put the cage in an area that can be |
| now you are wondering how do I pick out the right | | | | bunny-proofed. (more on that later...) |
| one? | | | | Your Time Investment |
| Well, aside from appearance, there are a number of | | | | A lot of people seem to think that because rabbits |
| important considerations that you will have to make | | | | are relatively small and spend a good deal of time in |
| when you pick out your pet bunny rabbit at the local | | | | their cages that they're easy to take care of. Well, |
| pet store or other venue. This is important both to | | | | that may be true in some sense, but it's foolish to |
| ensure that you choose a healthy pet rabbit, and to | | | | bring home a rabbit thinking that it's not going to be |
| make sure that you and he are compatible! | | | | much of a time commitment. If you are not willing to |
| Now I'll explain what you'll need to think about before | | | | spend time with your pet rabbit, then you probably |
| heading out to buy your pet rabbit, and what to look | | | | should not get him. This, of course, applies to all pet |
| for when you're actually selecting an animal from a | | | | animals! |
| local breeder, adoption center or pet store. | | | | Well, here's what to expect. You should ensure that |
| Housing: Do You Have Enough Space for a Pet | | | | you have plenty of time for all the initial and |
| Rabbit? | | | | intermediate stages of pet care, which include: |
| When it comes to tame pet bunny rabbits, they do | | | | - Rabbit-proofing your house to make sure the little |
| much better indoors than outdoors. Living indoors will | | | | guy won't get hurt |
| ensure that your pet bunny rabbit stays healthy and | | | | - Litter box training |
| safe and gets to know the members of your family. | | | | - Cleaning up after the inevitable accidents |
| Rabbits kept in outdoor cages are at risk of being | | | | - Spaying/neutering |
| threatened by other animals; foxes, dogs, and | | | | You will also need to devote a good deal of time to |
| raccoons have been known to open cage doors. | | | | your rabbit well after you bring him home for the |
| Therefore, before you decide to bring home a pet | | | | first time. You must: |
| rabbit, make sure that you have plenty of space | | | | - Give him exercise (at least a few hours per day out |
| inside your house for your new animal friend. For | | | | of the cage) |
| most rabbits, plan on buying a cage that is either 30 | | | | - Give him attention (just like any pet or child, rabbits |
| inches square, or 2 feet by 3 feet. You will also need | | | | need to feel love!) |
| to make sure that you have enough room inside | | | | - Buy and provide rabbit toys |
| your home to fit a cage of this size. If you don't | | | | - Administer feedings |
| have space for a cage, you will not be able to | | | | - Take him to the vet if necessary and for |
| provide a rabbit with an adequate living situation. | | | | check-ups |
| Keep in mind that the cage should not just be placed | | | | Above all, just keep in mind that bringing home a |
| in any old spot, but should put somewhere where | | | | new pet bunny rabbit is not so different from |
| the rabbit can feel connected and close to the family. | | | | bringing home a new infant. You will need to spend |
| At the same time, the rabbit cage should be away | | | | adequate time preparing for the arrival, as well as |
| from heaters, air conditions, loud objects like TVs or | | | | adjusting to life with the newcomer. Setting aside |
| radios, and not in direct sunlight. Since you will be | | | | time for all these necessities will make for a happy, |
| letting your rabbit out of his cage for exercise, you | | | | comfortable situation for everyone involved. |