Are you thinking of keeping a pet rabbit? Or maybe you already have one. Either way you are one of the millions of pet lovers who think of rabbits as ideal pets. This is not surprising as they are endearing, affectionate animals that easily sway us with their charm. But just like any other pet, keeping a rabbit is a big commitment.

Bunny Basics Although they are different shapes, sizes and colours, pet rabbits are closely related to their wild cousins. Their basic nature and needs are the same as a wild rabbit.

* Rabbits are active!

They need plenty of space, a spacious run outdoors or freedom to run around the house for several hours every day.

* Rabbits are sociable!

Wild rabbits live in colonies, never on their own. Your pet will need plenty of company either from you, a bunny companion or preferably both.

Rabbits are naturally shy, quiet animals who hate being held above ground level. Gaining the trust of a rabbit takes time and effort.

A good home for a rabbit?

You’ll need to keep these basic facts about rabbit nature in mind when deciding how best to keep your pet. Keeping a rabbit alone in a hutch doesn’t meet many of the fundamental needs of the species and results in a bored and distressed pet. As a caring owner you’ll need to look at alternatives.

Outdoors

* Two or more rabbits(provided they are neutered to stop fighting and breeding) living in a permanent enclosure in the garden with suitable shelter.

* Two rabbits sharing a hutch at night with daily access to a large exercise run (or garden, if you don’t mind your plants being nibbled!) Remember, gardens and runs need to be secure against foxes, cats and dogs! Both these options offer a good quality of life. You would enjoy watching your rabbits behave in a natural way, but you would find that they won’t become particularly tame.

Indoors

* If you want a closer relationship with your bunny then why not keep him as a houserabbit? In recent years an increasing number of people have moved away from the idea of keeping a rabbit in a hutch outside. Instead they are keeping their rabbits in their homes. Before considering keeping a house rabbit it is essential that you get as much information as possible. Rabbits are easily house trained, once they are neutered. It is better to start with an indoor cage, place a litter box in the corner of it and as soon as your rabbit uses the box consistently, you can give him more freedom. It is natural for rabbits to chew on curtains, furniture, rugs and most importantly electrical wires. Therefore all wires must be concealed so that the rabbit cannot reach them. They can be encased in vinyl tubing by splitting the tube lengthways and pushing the wire inside. Give your rabbit plenty of attention, something safe to chew on and toys, so they are distracted from chewing furnishings

* Two rabbits will be very content if you lead a busy lifestyle with less time to devote to them. Many houserabbits will watch TV from the sofa, flop out in front of the fire and run to greet their owners when they come in from work! However, houserabbits are not suitable pets for everyone. Just like cats and dogs, they can be demanding and destructive, especially as youngsters. Even after thorough training and “bunnyproofing” some wear and tear on the furnishings as well as a bit of mess such as pet hair is inevitable.

* “For better, for worse” Your rabbit will be completely dependent on you. That means arranging holiday care if you want to go away. He will need affection and attention every day. Houserabbits are a bit like toddlers that never grow up. Can you cope?

* “In sickness and in health” Your rabbit will need to be neutered and to have annual vaccinations against VHD and Myxomatosis. Veterinary fees for a rabbit are very similar to those for a cat, so pet health insurancecover is strongly recommended in case of serious health problems.

* “Till death us do part” The average life span of a rabbit is 7-10 years. You are taking on your pet for around a decade. If the rabbit is for the children’ they may be gone before the bunny! Rabbits and children Rabbits can make good family pets if parents respect the needs of the rabbit and the limitations of the children. Adults need to accept all the responsibility of caring for the rabbit. Please do not buy a rabbit solely as a child’s pet.

* Small children with rabbits need supervision.

* Rabbits can scratch and bite if harassed. They do not like to be picked up and can easily injure their backs if they fall or are dropped.

* Children may not have the patience necessary to establish a relationship with a rabbit It’s a good idea to choose a large breed of rabbit if you have young children as they are generally quieter, sturdier and too large to be picked up.

Where to get a rabbit

* Why not adopt a rescue bunny? Britain is flooded with unwanted pet rabbits awaiting new homes in rescue centres and if you adopt an adult bunny you can be sure of its personality.

* Many pet shops sell young rabbits but if you want a particular breed or colour, locate a reputable breeder via the Pet Plan Rabbit List who will be able to give you advice about your rabbit and show you adult examples of the breed. Wherever you get your rabbit you can be sure that with care, love and respect your rabbit will become a faithful and entertaining friend and member of your family.