Who doesn't want to own a cute rabbit like the ones that run around cutely in cartoons and in our minds. The big eyed little creatures, they are so cheap at the pet store - how can you resist? I'll tell you how in this blog.
Neutering + Spaying
At the petstore rabbits can cost between $15-$30, and are not neutered or spayed. If you purchase an un-neutered rabbit, you will have to deal with territory marking of urine, pooping in places they shouldn't, and a bit of destructive behavior & possible dry humping. If you purchase an un-spayed female you might deal with territorial unfriendly grunts, nipping & pooping in areas they shouldn't.
Well how much does it cost to get a rabbit neutered? It varies, but is over the $120 mark, plus additional costs for aftercare. Some people have even payed several hundred dollars.
Responsibilities
Food:
Rabbits need a mixture of food, this includes vegetables, some pellets & timothy hay.
Timothy hay at grocery store costs: $5
Bag of pellets cost: $3-$8
Romaine Lettuce (best vegetable to give): $2
Poop:
You can train a rabbit to use a litter box or container with non-cat litter in it. This takes time, patience & effort, in the end they might not use it 100% of the pooping time.
Poop needs to be cleaned out everyday, get yourself a dust pan and brush. They shouldn't smell if you clean their cages! I personally use, a litter brand called 'yesterdays news' which costs about $6-$7 a bag.
Cuddling and Their behavior
Rabbits are not cuddle creatures, not like a cat, not like a dog. They dislike being picked up, and will use their legs to escape. You will most likely get a lot of painful scratches on your arms. You can definitely say that they are not child proof. Not little scratches, large painful scratches. They will cuddle YOU don't you try to cuddle them!
Here is some things to remember.
- Rabbits are exotic animals, their vet bills are much higher then average pet
- If you have cables around, protect them, because they will most likely chew through them
- Protect anything that rabbits can chew, they will chew fast in the blink of an eye
- Rabbit cages are pricey, they cost about $50-$180
- Food can cost between $10-$20 a week for a rabbit
- Neutering & Spaying costs over $120
- Rabbits can be litter trained
- Plenty of rabbits are adoptable from shelters
- They kick and scratch real bad
- You need RESPONSIBILITY! You have to have a heart and patience
- Rabbit pellets should not be main food source
- THEY NEED EXCERCISE, SO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PLAY AREA SET UP.
You really need to understand rabbits & rabbit behaviors, i mean put in the effort to google how to look after rabbit. They are precious animals that need a responsible owner, not one who will put it on craiglist when they can't handle their needs. This is not something to be light hearted about.
Once you come to the terms with all of the above and are ready, then you can then truly love and enjoy the companionship of a rabbit. They are goofy, playful animals, that love to be petted and be your friend.
These are my bunnies.
There are great websites i hang out on
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/
Great forum to check out, so informative and great clean environment.
Check out their RESCUE ME! sub-forum.
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_forum.php?id=7
