Sweet and lively by nature,
rabbits
are
popular
pets
for children.
Adopting a rabbit involves a number of responsibilities and things to know.
To best welcome your new pet, here are 5 things to know before you start.
To discover
September: what are the seasonal vegetables and fruits?
This month in the garden: what to plant, sow or harvest in September?
Why adopt a
rabbit?
Rabbits fall under the New Pets (NAC) category.
In this category, we also find the ferret, the hamster but also the snake and the bird.
Calm and discreet, rabbits are very popular pets for parents and children for their
easy going nature
.
This does not mean that rabbits require less attention than others.
The rabbit is an animal that requires
little space
.
However, this one must benefit from a living space adapted to its size and its needs.
In addition, it is recommended to let it wander from time to time out of its cage.
Finally, like the hen, the rabbit is a
very
“
green
”
animal
.
It feeds on your peels, vegetables, fruits and bread.
Be careful, however, the rabbit is a very greedy animal, it will be necessary to regulate its diet to avoid any risk of obesity.
Where to adopt a rabbit?
There are different methods to find the ideal rabbit:
In a shelter:
shelters accommodate abandoned rabbits, it is often rare to find young rabbits but it is possible.
Note that it is also possible to adopt rabbits of any age.
In a breeding
: they can breed several breeds and offer several litters each year.
In a pet store
: it is possible to find rabbits of different breeds that come from farms.
With a private individual:
in general, it is easy to find classified ads on the internet.
Be careful to take some precautions to ensure the good health of the rabbit.
Which breed of rabbit to choose?
Rabbits are pets classified according to
5 categories
recognized by the FFC (French Federation of Cuniculture).
Dwarf breeds:
very popular with children, they weigh between 800g to 1.7 kg.
Small breeds:
the weight of these rabbits varies from 2 to 3.5 kg.
There are currently 17 breeds recognized by the FFC.
Medium breeds:
their weight can reach up to 5.5 kg.
They are generally more resistant and stronger.
Large breeds:
considered the largest and largest, they can reach 11 kg on the scale for 80 cm in length.
Fur-bearing breeds
: This category includes breeds that were once bred for their fur.
4 dwarf breeds
The Ermine or the Pole
L'Hermine de Lutterbach
The ecru ash dwarf
Lion head rabbit
4 small breeds
The Perl Feh
The little Aries
The Dutch
The sable rabbit
4 medium breeds
The English Aries
The White Jars
Vienna Blue
The Fauve de Bourgogne
4 large breeds
The giant of Flanders
The French Aries
The white giant of Bouscat
The giant French butterfly
4 furry breeds
French Angora
The Rex
Fox
Satin
What are the costs for adopting a rabbit?
There is no real rule on the
price
of a pet rabbit.
It can vary from single to double depending on the place of adoption, the breed and the age of the rabbit.
Dwarf breeds are generally the most expensive.
If you want to do a good deed and pay the adoption costs more cheaply while being sure that your rabbit will be in good health, it is better to go to an association.
How to properly prepare for the arrival of a rabbit
?
In order to best accommodate your rabbit at home, you will need to
equip
yourself
.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of items to buy:
A cage, hutch or even rabbit park
: this must be well sized and adapted to the size of your rabbit.
Litter
: there are many types on the market.
You can opt for hemp, flax, straw or chips.
Food
: rabbits need suitable food, but they can also eat hay, vegetables, fruit and bread.
Toys
: these accessories will keep your rabbit from getting bored.
Adopting an animal commits you, it's a decision that you will have to think carefully. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the shelter closest to you before starting. They will be able to give you advice on which cat breed is best for you.