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How to Raise Rabbits - What Rabbit Owners Need to Know

When it comes to getting a new pet, it would always be helpful if you had some background info about what it takes to raise them. This is especially true in the case of rabbits because they can be quite fragile and as such, knowing just how to raise rabbits would definitely help make everything easier for you and your new pet. There are many things to consider when it comes to raising these cute little creatures and it begins with choosing the right rabbit breed for you.

The different kinds of rabbit breeds all differ from each other in terms of size and temperament so it's quite important for you to find the right one for you. How to raise rabbits properly also depends on how well you can handle a certain breed so choosing the right one is important. When it comes to size, there are rabbits that can be quite small and weigh around 2-4 pounds. The medium ones would probably weight double that and the larger ones would weigh in at about 8 pounds and up. So consider the space that you have at home and the size of the rabbit you want. They should have enough room to run around.

Of course, the basics of how to raise rabbits properly also include the right kind of food to give your beloved pet. Pellets are the best food to feed your rabbit because it contains most, if not all, of the different nutrients that your pet needs in order to stay healthy. If you aren't sure about which brand to choose, seeing that there are plenty of different brands available, it would help a lot if you ask a pet shop employee about what they would recommend. After all, these people would know.

Other things you should know when it comes to how to raise rabbits properly also include looking out for the smallest things molds in the pellets because they do go bad after a while and they can make your rabbit sick. You should also carefully measure the amount of feed that you're giving to your rabbit. The amount would depend on your pet's size. You should also add some kind of supplement to their diet such as hay or alfalfa. Remember that the supplements should be given moderately. Don't forget to put water in their trays and make sure that they're clean. There you have it; hopefully this gave you an idea on how to raise rabbits properly.

About the Author

Learn step by step the right way on how to raise rabbits the first time and avoid having to make painful mistakes that beginner rabbit owner's are prone too. Separate yourself from the average rabbit owner who will end up harming their rabbits without knowing it and you could learn more tips on how to raise rabbits from the guide here: http://www.howtoraiserabbits.com

Talk me out of getting one of these pets?

I cannot decide which pet to choose: guinea pigs or rabbits.
Please give me factual information on either of these animals (good or bad) that will persuade me into choosing only one. Have had guinea pigs before and I adored them. Couldn't really play with them though. Would like some basic care info on rabbits.

Either animal can be a good pet depending on your expectations and how much care/cleaning you want to put in.

In my experience guinea pigs soil their litter very quickly so it needs to be changed often. Mine also urinated all over the litter and didn't select a particular corner, so the whole pan needed to be dumped rather than just scooping out the wet litter from the corners. I've heard this varies and some guinea pigs can be litter trained, but I wouldn't count on it.

Rabbits can be litter trained. Most rabbits will only use a corner of the cage for urinating. You can use a rabbit litter box from the pet store in the corner where the rabbit likes to urinate and it will make the cleanup much easier. I put a different kind of litter in the litter box than I use for their bedding. Then they know to soil only on a certain kind of litter, which is used only for that purpose. It's easier to get them to use other litter boxes when outside the cage if you do this.

Rabbits do poop throughout the bedding and on the floor when you let them out, but the feces are hard and don't smell bad as long as your rabbit is healthy. They're very easy to pick up.

As far as feeding, they eat very similar foods, but a guinea pig absolutely requires fresh vegetables containing vitamin C to stay healthy. Again this requires more upkeep. Rabbits can eat vegetables but they are not required for the rabbit's health. Many do quite well eating just pelleted food and timothy hay.

I personally think a rabbit usually makes a better pet than a guinea pig. Both can be nice animals, but guinea pigs are more work and, in my experience anyway, are more likely to be inconsolably terrified of being handled. Rabbits are also a lot quieter and a little smarter, or at least more amenable to training. But they need more human interaction than guinea pigs do in order to really blossom. They can get neurotic if they don't have a cagemate (male/female couples are best--with at least one of them spayed/neutered of course) and you don't spend enough time with them.

It all comes down to what you want in a pet. If you just want something in a cage to watch and hold now and then, and you don't mind the extra effort, a pair of guinea pigs are probably better for you. If you want something capable of being almost like a dog or cat, a rabbit is a better choice. Good luck!

EDIT: An aside about rabbits: breed matters. Large breed rabbits are usually calmer as long as you handle them properly. I do NOT recommend getting dwarfs as your first rabbits. They tend to have "wilder" temperaments, especially the tiniest dwarfs.

Guinea Pig & Rabbit Care : How to Bond With Your Rabbit