Buying your rabbit
Important Questions to Ask Your Breeder of Choice
(in no specific order)
Do you provide a health guarantee? Many breeders will offer a short period of time in which a rabbit they sell can be returned for an exchange, should it develop illness symptoms. This can range from as little as 24hrs, to as long as a month. Most rabbits will show symptoms of latent illness within 24-48hrs, so it is important to ensure they offer at least that long of a guarantee.
How long have you been breeding? While an inexperienced or newer breeder is not a bad thing, it is important to make sure that your breeder of choice knows what they are doing. This question will weed out people who have had accidental litters, or who simply bred their pet rabbits trying to make a quick buck. While you might end up with a great pet from one of those situations, they will not have a focus on health or attitude, and you are just as likely to end up with a sickly or cranky rabbit because of it.
Why did you start breeding? Some people breed for show, others simply for pets, and still more are trying to make a profit off their rabbits. An ethical breeder will be open to telling you how and why they began breeding, while an unethical one may ignore the question or try to fluff you with what they think you want to hear.
What are your breeding goals and focuses? Ethical breeders will respond to this question with a variety of answers, and though none of them will be wrong, some of them might indicate that the rabbits are not ideal for pet. A breeder who breeds primarily for show might not have a focus on a good attitude, and one who breeds primarily for meat might not have socialized the babies as thoroughly as a show or pet breeder. It is important that your breeder be focused on breeding rabbits for hearty constitutions and good attitudes.
Do you provide additional support once you've sold a rabbit? An ethical breeder will respond to this with a resounding yes, as they want to see their rabbits in a good home, and are happy to offer all the information they have or can obtain. Many ethical breeders will have spent the time to develop an information packet or website to cover the basics, and are happy to share that with you.
Do you require a contract? Another one of those questions that can go either way. Some ethical breeders require a signed contract, while others do not. It is important, however, to find out if there will be a contract, and to read it over before committing to buying a rabbit.
Do you operate a closed rabbitry, and if so, is it possible to see the parents of my chosen rabbit? Many rabbitries are closed to the public, but often the breeders will bring out the parents of the rabbit you are interested in. Others may be more cautious and provide you with photos of the parents. You may alternately ask to see a full grown rabbit of your breed of choice when visiting the breeder, so you know what you are getting into. It can be difficult to estimate the size of a rabbit simply by being told weights.
Are you able to refer me to another breeder, if you don't have the (breed/colour/gender) I am looking for? Ethical breeders will refer you to another breeder with no issues, should you be looking for something they are unable to provide. It is fairly easy for a breeder to make contacts with other breeders, especially of the popular breeds. An unethical breeder may try to convince you that another breed is right for you, or may "happen to have" that exact breed/colour/gender, which for some reason they did not advertise, and give you an alternate breed/colour/gender instead, in an effort to make the sale, rather than find a good home for a rabbit they produced.
Are there any questions you would like to ask me, or information I should know about the breed or your rabbits? Quite honestly, I am not asked this question enough, and whenever I am asked it, it makes me want to jump for joy. Just as a breeder should be open to answering questions and providing transparency, so should a buyer be willing to answer questions. If I have two people interested in the same rabbit, I am more inclined to sell it to the person who actively inquires about information I need, rather than the one who I have to fight tooth and nail for any information I'd like.
These questions are by no means complete or inclusive, and you should always feel free to ask your breeder any question that pops into mind, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you. Asking questions shows the breeder you are truly interested and willing to learn about rabbits in general. Alternately, the breeder should make you feel welcome to ask these questions, and not like they are doing you a service for answering them. An ethical breeder will be willing to answer questions, take the time to get to know you, and fit you with a proper rabbit that will be a pleasure to have in your family for years to come.
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the world, after cats and dogs, and no wonder. With the variety of sizes, hair, body and ear type, they are fun to look at and pet, but they are also full of personality. Different breeds have different attitudes, and even within a breed, rabbits can range from playful and goofy to sullen and antisocial. That is why it is important to ensure you are buying the right rabbit for you, and a good breeder will be happy to work with you to ensure that you are going to be satisfied with your new pet.
There are many things important in the process of buying a rabbit. First and foremost is breed selection. With 48 breeds of rabbit accepted by the ARBA, there is a fair number of choices. Someone who does not enjoy spending a lot of time grooming would need to stay away from the wooled breeds, while someone who has the time and would enjoy the experience could do well with a Lionhead, Jersey Wooly or Angora rabbit. When deciding on your breed of choice, you should consider the time you have to devote to the rabbit, the space you have available, if you would prefer a rabbit who seeks out your attention or one who's more happy to roam free with their own agenda, and how much money you are willing to spend on the rabbit itself. A rare breed such as the Britannia Petite would prove much more costly and hard to find than the more common Netherlands Dwarf, and both are the same size of rabbit.
Also, you must consider who will be handling the rabbit. While many are inclined to simply buy a small breed rabbit, that may not be your best choice. If you have small children, someone with disabilities, or an elderly family member, you may want to avoid the smaller and more fragile dwarf rabbits, in favour of a larger rabbit who would be better able to stand up to the smaller or less steady hands. Larger rabbits tend to be more docile as well, and are usually less likely to reprimand a hand for invading territory or startling it. While it is easy to get caught up in "oh my gosh it's so small and cute!!!", small and cute might not be the best for your family.
Then there is deciding whom to buy from. Pet stores are an easy choice, however almost never the best one. When purchasing from the pet store, you will usually pay more than you would from a breeder, with less information about the rabbits, and no chance to see the parents. Rescues are always an option, however these are usually older rabbits, who may or may not be used to certain behaviours, types of people or other animals. They can also have bad habits already developed, which can be discouraging to first time owners. A good rescue will, of course, try to match a rabbit with the right home, however rabbits often act differently in every situation, and they may not be able to accurately judge the rabbit's personality due to the shelter environment. A breeder can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. It is important to ensure you are supporting an ethical breeder, should you decide to go that route.
There can be difficulty in finding an ethical breeder, especially in this day and age, with the internet being a primary source of advertising, research and communication. It is easy for an unethical breeder to pull the wool over someone's eyes, and convince them that they are selling you what you want, when it could be the last thing from that. Often, unethical breeders will sell large breed kits as small breed, often selling them underage as older babies. This unfortunate behaviour results in many unwanted large rabbits, as the owner thought they were getting one thing, and ended up with another. Unethical breeders may also have rabbits who have health difficulties or illnesses, due to unsanitary conditions and lax procedures.
Although an unethical breeder will refuse you entrance to their rabbitry, or refuse to show you their adult stock, many ethical breeders have the same policies for different reasons. With animal rights activists being sneaky and underhanded, using the ruse of buying a rabbit to scope out a location, or to try and find a flaw so they can report the breeder, ethical breeders are generally cautious about allowing breeders to their home or into their rabbitry. There are also biological concerns as well, as visitors can carry in diseases and parasites without knowing it, especially if they have been to a pet store, a rescue or shelter, or been to visit other rabbitries recently. Many ethical breeders will allow you to view the parents, should you ask, and will honestly answer any rabbit related questions, to ensure you are provided with all the information needed to make your decision. An ethical breeder will be knowledgable about their stock, breed(s) of choice, and hobby, and will be happy to share any information you may request, within reason.
Next - Feeding your Rabbit
(in no specific order)
Do you provide a health guarantee? Many breeders will offer a short period of time in which a rabbit they sell can be returned for an exchange, should it develop illness symptoms. This can range from as little as 24hrs, to as long as a month. Most rabbits will show symptoms of latent illness within 24-48hrs, so it is important to ensure they offer at least that long of a guarantee.
How long have you been breeding? While an inexperienced or newer breeder is not a bad thing, it is important to make sure that your breeder of choice knows what they are doing. This question will weed out people who have had accidental litters, or who simply bred their pet rabbits trying to make a quick buck. While you might end up with a great pet from one of those situations, they will not have a focus on health or attitude, and you are just as likely to end up with a sickly or cranky rabbit because of it.
Why did you start breeding? Some people breed for show, others simply for pets, and still more are trying to make a profit off their rabbits. An ethical breeder will be open to telling you how and why they began breeding, while an unethical one may ignore the question or try to fluff you with what they think you want to hear.
What are your breeding goals and focuses? Ethical breeders will respond to this question with a variety of answers, and though none of them will be wrong, some of them might indicate that the rabbits are not ideal for pet. A breeder who breeds primarily for show might not have a focus on a good attitude, and one who breeds primarily for meat might not have socialized the babies as thoroughly as a show or pet breeder. It is important that your breeder be focused on breeding rabbits for hearty constitutions and good attitudes.
Do you provide additional support once you've sold a rabbit? An ethical breeder will respond to this with a resounding yes, as they want to see their rabbits in a good home, and are happy to offer all the information they have or can obtain. Many ethical breeders will have spent the time to develop an information packet or website to cover the basics, and are happy to share that with you.
Do you require a contract? Another one of those questions that can go either way. Some ethical breeders require a signed contract, while others do not. It is important, however, to find out if there will be a contract, and to read it over before committing to buying a rabbit.
Do you operate a closed rabbitry, and if so, is it possible to see the parents of my chosen rabbit? Many rabbitries are closed to the public, but often the breeders will bring out the parents of the rabbit you are interested in. Others may be more cautious and provide you with photos of the parents. You may alternately ask to see a full grown rabbit of your breed of choice when visiting the breeder, so you know what you are getting into. It can be difficult to estimate the size of a rabbit simply by being told weights.
Are you able to refer me to another breeder, if you don't have the (breed/colour/gender) I am looking for? Ethical breeders will refer you to another breeder with no issues, should you be looking for something they are unable to provide. It is fairly easy for a breeder to make contacts with other breeders, especially of the popular breeds. An unethical breeder may try to convince you that another breed is right for you, or may "happen to have" that exact breed/colour/gender, which for some reason they did not advertise, and give you an alternate breed/colour/gender instead, in an effort to make the sale, rather than find a good home for a rabbit they produced.
Are there any questions you would like to ask me, or information I should know about the breed or your rabbits? Quite honestly, I am not asked this question enough, and whenever I am asked it, it makes me want to jump for joy. Just as a breeder should be open to answering questions and providing transparency, so should a buyer be willing to answer questions. If I have two people interested in the same rabbit, I am more inclined to sell it to the person who actively inquires about information I need, rather than the one who I have to fight tooth and nail for any information I'd like.
These questions are by no means complete or inclusive, and you should always feel free to ask your breeder any question that pops into mind, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you. Asking questions shows the breeder you are truly interested and willing to learn about rabbits in general. Alternately, the breeder should make you feel welcome to ask these questions, and not like they are doing you a service for answering them. An ethical breeder will be willing to answer questions, take the time to get to know you, and fit you with a proper rabbit that will be a pleasure to have in your family for years to come.
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the world, after cats and dogs, and no wonder. With the variety of sizes, hair, body and ear type, they are fun to look at and pet, but they are also full of personality. Different breeds have different attitudes, and even within a breed, rabbits can range from playful and goofy to sullen and antisocial. That is why it is important to ensure you are buying the right rabbit for you, and a good breeder will be happy to work with you to ensure that you are going to be satisfied with your new pet.
There are many things important in the process of buying a rabbit. First and foremost is breed selection. With 48 breeds of rabbit accepted by the ARBA, there is a fair number of choices. Someone who does not enjoy spending a lot of time grooming would need to stay away from the wooled breeds, while someone who has the time and would enjoy the experience could do well with a Lionhead, Jersey Wooly or Angora rabbit. When deciding on your breed of choice, you should consider the time you have to devote to the rabbit, the space you have available, if you would prefer a rabbit who seeks out your attention or one who's more happy to roam free with their own agenda, and how much money you are willing to spend on the rabbit itself. A rare breed such as the Britannia Petite would prove much more costly and hard to find than the more common Netherlands Dwarf, and both are the same size of rabbit.
Also, you must consider who will be handling the rabbit. While many are inclined to simply buy a small breed rabbit, that may not be your best choice. If you have small children, someone with disabilities, or an elderly family member, you may want to avoid the smaller and more fragile dwarf rabbits, in favour of a larger rabbit who would be better able to stand up to the smaller or less steady hands. Larger rabbits tend to be more docile as well, and are usually less likely to reprimand a hand for invading territory or startling it. While it is easy to get caught up in "oh my gosh it's so small and cute!!!", small and cute might not be the best for your family.
Then there is deciding whom to buy from. Pet stores are an easy choice, however almost never the best one. When purchasing from the pet store, you will usually pay more than you would from a breeder, with less information about the rabbits, and no chance to see the parents. Rescues are always an option, however these are usually older rabbits, who may or may not be used to certain behaviours, types of people or other animals. They can also have bad habits already developed, which can be discouraging to first time owners. A good rescue will, of course, try to match a rabbit with the right home, however rabbits often act differently in every situation, and they may not be able to accurately judge the rabbit's personality due to the shelter environment. A breeder can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. It is important to ensure you are supporting an ethical breeder, should you decide to go that route.
There can be difficulty in finding an ethical breeder, especially in this day and age, with the internet being a primary source of advertising, research and communication. It is easy for an unethical breeder to pull the wool over someone's eyes, and convince them that they are selling you what you want, when it could be the last thing from that. Often, unethical breeders will sell large breed kits as small breed, often selling them underage as older babies. This unfortunate behaviour results in many unwanted large rabbits, as the owner thought they were getting one thing, and ended up with another. Unethical breeders may also have rabbits who have health difficulties or illnesses, due to unsanitary conditions and lax procedures.
Although an unethical breeder will refuse you entrance to their rabbitry, or refuse to show you their adult stock, many ethical breeders have the same policies for different reasons. With animal rights activists being sneaky and underhanded, using the ruse of buying a rabbit to scope out a location, or to try and find a flaw so they can report the breeder, ethical breeders are generally cautious about allowing breeders to their home or into their rabbitry. There are also biological concerns as well, as visitors can carry in diseases and parasites without knowing it, especially if they have been to a pet store, a rescue or shelter, or been to visit other rabbitries recently. Many ethical breeders will allow you to view the parents, should you ask, and will honestly answer any rabbit related questions, to ensure you are provided with all the information needed to make your decision. An ethical breeder will be knowledgable about their stock, breed(s) of choice, and hobby, and will be happy to share any information you may request, within reason.
Next - Feeding your Rabbit