As someone who is infamous for being rabbit mad, and who has kept rabbits for as long as anyone can remember, I often get asked if rabbits make good pets. The answer to this isn't a straightforward "yes", or "no", however: it depends on certain circumstances, which I will explain, to try and answer the question once and for all.
How could anyone resist this fluffball?
There are several requirements that you'll need to be able to fulfil in order to give your rabbit a happy, healthy and safe life, and to get the most out of time spent with your bunny.
Space
It's unkind to keep a rabbit cooped up in a small hutch (indoor or outdoor) all the time, so think about whether you have the space for a small run outside or a pen inside, both to give your pet a change of scene and a chance to explore and stretch its little legs. It is important to note that rabbits can be as happy being "house rabbits" as they would be living in hutches and runs outside. Climate
If you live in a very cold area, be prepared to have living quarters for your rabbit indoors, as well as outdoors. Similarly, rabbits are also susceptible to hot weather, so make sure you can keep them well shaded (for example by a cover over their run), and possibly even a fan if it is above 35'C. Time
Although rabbits are a lot less effort to care for than a dog, they still thrive on love and attention and will become grumpy and possibly even bitey if left alone too often! Ensure you have at least 10 minutes to give to the rabbit every day. Alternatively, have two rabbits and keep them together (although they will need a bit more space than one will). Other Pets
Although many rabbits have been known to get on well with other animals, and can be kept with a guinea pig companion, you will have to be prepared to keep them separate from some other pets. This is especially the case if you have larger carnivores such as cats and dogs- you must make sure in this case that the rabbit's housing is very secure. Hygiene
This is perhaps less of a hassle than you might expect, because bunnies are very clean little animals. They tend to do their business in one corner of their enclosure/hutch, and can also be litter trained! That said, once they have spent a few days (3-5) in any confined space, you will need to change their bedding. Cost
This is a very important factor. I heard recently that the cost of keeping a rabbit over it's lifetime can run to about £4000. Vets bills, especially when bunny gets older, are certainly expensive, just as they are for a dog or a cat. The various structures required to house them are also not cheap. Children
Although rabbits are very rewarding, affectionate pets, you must think carefully before buying one for a child. You'll need to be prepared to care for the pet if the child won't do this! The rabbit will also need attention.
If a rabbit is nervous, and kicks its strong back legs a lot, it can be difficult for a child to handle. If you do decide to get a rabbit for your child therefore, it's best to find one of the smaller breeds, such as the Netherland Dwarf.
A little Netherland Dwarf may be the best breed to buy for a child.
If you think you can cope with all these factors, well, go for it! Rabbits make lovely companions if you can provide them with everything they need.
