Buy Rabbit - How to Buy A Pet Rabbit

Precious Pet Rabbits - Pet Rabbit Information And Rabbit Fun

How To Be A Considerate And Informed Pet Rabbit Buyer

The Do's And Don'ts Of Pet Rabbit Buying

Do research rabbit breeds in advance and know whether you are looking for a male rabbit (recommended) or a female (spaying is recommended).

When you inquire about pet rabbits via email, do include your location and what you are looking for. I live in Ararat, VA. I often get emails from folks in California who want a pet rabbit. If they tell me that from the beginning, I can point them in the right direction right away. Otherwise, I must write back and ask, and then answer their questions.

Since serious rabbit breeder-hobbyists also sell pedigreed rabbits, do tell them you are looking for a pet. Otherwise, they can spend an enormous amount of time photographing and describing pedigreed rabbits that cost hundreds of dollars when you are looking for a $40 pet.

Do read the information on the breeders' website. Much of your questions may already have been answered. Do take some time to look around the website before you ask your questions.

Do find out the price, payment policies, warranties, and return policies in advance. Most breeders post this information on their websites.

Do work with one breeder at a time. In the past, the same person has contacted me and several of my breeder friends all at the same time. Each of us answered questions, evaluated our herds to identify rabbits we could sell as pets, and so forth. Then all but one of us got an email saying that the person had already gotten a pet elsewhere. It's just inconsiderate.

Do make an appointment. Remember that selling pet rabbits is not a money-making business but rather a serious hobby. Rabbit breeders have jobs and families and other responsibilities competing for their time. When you make an appointment, you show your consideration for their schedules and you ensure that the breeder has the time you need to make your selection.

Do try to be on time. The breeder is stuck at home and unable to run errands or accept invitations while waiting for you to arrive. Be considerate of the breeder's time by being on time. If something happens on your way to the rabbitry, take the time to call.

While you are at the barn, do stick to the business at hand. While some breeders may allow you to tour the rabbitry (do not assume that is an automatic privilege), to look at a number of rabbits and to have a relaxed, unrushed visit, do not take up an inordinate amount of time chatting about the weather, politics, family or work problems, children, or other pets. While the trip to the rabbitry may be something you've never done before, the rabbitry may have visitors on a regular basis that take an inordinate amount of the breeder's time.

Do not bring rabbits or other pets to the rabbitry. Visiting rabbits pose a health risk to the rabbitry. Other animals may frighten the rabbits or cause other problems for the rabbitry, like exposing the rabbits to fleas.

Do not smoke in or near a rabbitry.

If you have young children, do make sure it is okay before you bring them to the rabbitry. Talk with them in advance about the behavior expected in a rabbitry. Do not touch rabbits without permission (pregnant rabbits, for example, may be very touchy). Do not put your fingers into cages (rabbits may think they are a treat and nibble them). Do not run or make loud noises in a rabbitry. Do not go into a different section of the rabbitry without permission.

If you can have another adult to supervise children while you pick out rabbits, do it! You will all have a better trip to the rabbitry.

Do conduct a thorough pre-purchase evaluation of the rabbit. It is in your best interest and the best interest of the rabbit breeder to talk about any concerns before you make your purchase.

Do ask questions. The rabbit breeder is a fount of pet rabbit information.

Do not allow a breeder to pressure you to take a pet rabbit you are not comfortable with.

Do bring an acceptable form of payment. After spending the time to pick out your rabbit is not the time to ask if your out-of-state check is acceptable.

Do bring a carrier or box to transport your rabbit in. Although many breeders try to keep boxes for pet rabbit sales, do not count on it. It is much better to be prepared. You will use the carrier again for traveling and for taking your pet rabbit to the vet, if needed.

This website is owned and maintained by Laurie Stroupe.

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