Thinking of getting rabbits! Talk to me about keeping them

[Dontcomeinmygarden]

Ds really wants a rabbit and I’ve always wanted one too. So we would get two. Our garden is small but has grass and there is certainly enough room for a run etc. We wouldn’t ever be able to bring them indoors during the winter though- is that a problem?

We would be looking at getting a decent size two tier hutch so they have enough room.

Realistically, how much do you end up paying in vets bills for rabbits?

What should I know before embarking on this?!

Unfortunately rabbits need far, far more space than the pet shops would have you believe. Hutches were a Victorian invention used to keep rabbits for a few days before they ended up in the pot - not their whole lives!

rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-housing/

They also don't make great pets to be honest - they're essentially still wild prey animals. rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/think-you-want-a-rabbit/

If you must get rabbits, get them from a rescue - they're always overflowing with rabbits that children have got bored with.

I've never kept them, but lots of people on MN seem to rate Guinea Pigs? They still need much more space than a hutch and most people keep them indoors, but from what I gather they make better pets.

Guinea pigs make far better pets. Rabbits need tons of space, opportunities to dig and activities. They're prone to dental and gut problems. Some can be aggressive and they always seem to be perpetually terrified.

Don’t.
I had four house rabbits. They destroyed my home.
You can’t go away- even an overnight will have you worrying yourself to death.
They die at the drop of a hat, become ill if your back’s turned for a moment. They are ‘exotics’ so your vet bills will be extortionate.
They don’t usually want cuddles. The odd one will but you can’t guarantee it.
I’ve been rabbit-free for three years. Mine didn’t live in full luxury but they cost me around £80 a month.
They live long. Mine were all nine years old when they wore out but I’ve known rabbits live seventeen years. Large ones have shorter lives.
They scratch and bite. Badly. You, or your children if you have them, will be surprised at how fast they are and how much pain they can cause.
Don’t do it.

If you must, go to Rabbits United. All the information you need is there.

We just had our 10 year old rabbit put to sleep and that was our last one after keeping house rabbits over the last 15 years.

You cannot keep It in a hutch. It is cruel it will need a run all the time. I think it is too cold to keep them outside in all weathers.

Rabbits are not generally cuddly. They don’t tend to like being held and can bite and scratch with powerful claws and back feet can cause damage to a child.

I insured mine early on. Even so vaccinations are not covered and there is normally an excess. Also need to spay or neuter (or likely the rabbit will develop cancer relatively young). As they get older in our experience you cannot insure them. Our old rabbit died last year after incurring over one thousand pounds in bills in his last 10 days. Our last rabbit who died recently had a very expensive op a couple of years ago.

As the adult you are the one who is the main carer. It can be a 10 year commitment even more. Frankly if just for your son, I would advise a guinea pig instead. Lovely gentle creatures and great company.

Rabbits are much higher maintenance than you might think. I'd definitely look into guinea pigs instead if you haven't already.

Rabbits are the most neglected pets in Britain. They need lots of space, much more than you would think and shouldn’t be kept in hutches.

Guinea pigs are easier and nicer.

We got two rabbits about eight years ago. They had the entire run of our ground floor flat at the time, and a large outside enclosure for when it was nice. They wrecked the carpets and chewed furniture (as expected). One got ill quite early on, and it turned out to be a common congenital dental issue. It cost nearly £350 to have her teeth surgically corrected, and then they regrew in the same way. Rabbits don’t cope well with anaesthesia and she died shortly after the second procedure.

We still have the other rabbit, who now has a huge run in our garden and the freedom of our whol conservatory the rest of the time. He is exceptionally friendly, and easy to handle, but has always been handled lots. Rabbits do need a lot of attention to keep them friendly. The rabbit hadn’t cost us much until last year when he somehow got fly strike, despite preventative treatment. The vet bill for that eventually crept over £400 due to two-daily follow-up visits, but you need to budget a few hundred for any animal really.

Although we have lived having our bunny, we won’t be replacing him. He wasn’t happy when we tried to repair him a few years ago, and he has had a very long life in his own.

Mine are outside all year but they have a heater and a light in their shed. They are shut in to their shed overnight, for about 8 hours, then have access to their own during the day.

I spent a grand on two of them last winter as they came down with something. Saw the vets, none could figure out what it was. Another one died, two others fine.

I spend less per animal on food than the guineas, who get two bowls of fresh fruit and veg a day, but on the other hand they don't need vaccinations.

Don't let a child pick up a rabbit, if they aren't held securely they can break their spine by kicking trying to get away.

They are fab critters but not easy.

They need to be able to do at least three full bunny hops in any direction within their run, to give you an idea of the space requirement. And they should be able to dig too- obviously keep an eye on them.

8’ x 6’ run permanently connected to a 6’ x2’ hutch considered the minimum Neutering insurance bedding vaccinations - if the fall out - need the same amount of space each for a pair as you do a single.

The replies have all been a bit doom and gloom OP, but a dose of realism is good to help you decide I guess! We got our rabbit 9 months ago as a youngster (he was a - pretty irresponsible and not from us - surprise gift for our daughter). He has been an absolute delight and we love him to bits. He has a run in in the garden, a yard to destroy, the freedom of our living room (sofas have been undamaged) and an indoor and outdoor hutch. Even that doesn’t seem enough space though.

As we had to have him neutered ourselves, it was an expense - around £200 for the procedure plus the follow ups when he stopped eating (this kills them fast: their digestive system needs to keep moving) and we thought he wouldn’t survive (turns out vet 1 had him on opiate painkillers, an appetite suppressant ). Any medical procedure will run this risk for them - you could get deeply attached but lose them very quickly.

A decent sized hutch is EXPENSIVE and we bought 2 - food and hay less so. But as much as he loves us (lots of hand licks and nuzzles and snuggling up next to feet and legs -we don’t pick him up and cuddle him, he is and will remain a prey animal with a fear response to that) he needs a companion really. So that will increase the expense!

Believe it or not, there are plenty of B&Bs etc around the country that will let you bring small animals along, although you have car journeys to contend with. We have a lovely place we stay at for special occasions that does bunny B&B!

We don’t regret having him, but DH often thinks it’s a cruelty to have him in our space, alone - my own mum always refused to let me have small pets kept in cages as she felt it was wrong. But we’ve found that rabbits are not as boring as we thought - he’s a fascinating and characterful little creature! Just one that we won’t replace....

I think PP have done a good job of putting you off

I have three rabbits who live indoors (currently playing outside) and have now been a rabbit owner for nearly 15 years. They are a LOT of work in some ways, but also an absolute delight. Personally I think they are as much 'hard work' as dogs, just different 'hard work'.

Food is the easiest bit. I bulk-buy hay off the Internet (cheaper and better quality). £60 to £80 every 6 weeks. Dried food isn't that expensive, £5 a bag that lasts several weeks. Veg can be your leftovers (check it's suitable, not all veg is rabbit safe) although I do buy specially for my three.

Space is massively important. Two of mine have just lapped the (small) garden with detours into the house. They sleep during the day but like the option of being nearby but separate or together.

Company is essential. One of mine goes into a deep depression when he's an only bun. Neutered male and female is the best combination , followed by neutered females. Neutered males can be tricky. It is notoriously difficult to sex rabbits. Get a vet to do it. Never ever trust a pet shop to do it.

Neutering is essential, even with two females as 80% of unneutered females get womb cancer within five years. Males need it for behavioural reasons. Costs £70 to £120 as an estimate.

Vets are expensive even with insurance. All three of mine need regular dentals which aren't covered by insurance. Around £60 each if no complications. Insurance is around £15 to £20 pcm, excess is £50 pa. You also need an 'exotic' vet as apparently rabbits are 'exotic' Two vaccinations annually, one for myxi/VHD1 and one for VHD2; approx £20 each, must be given two weeks apart (so two vet trips) .

Adopt, don't buy. And donate more than they ask for - you'll still be getting an absolute bargain as rabbit will have been vaccinated and neutered, possibly microchipped. The rescue will be able to guide you about the rabbit's personality and find the best 'fit' for you.

Mine are an absolute delight, they are such different little characters with funny little ways. It's very satisfying to see how happy they are (rabbits are very good at being happy, just provide the right environment). My three have only been a three for a year and the group dynamics have been evolving, as has each 1:1 relationship.

I need to empty the litter trays though...

they're essentially still wild prey animal

This is very important. They have such a different mindset to dogs and cats, and you cannot change it. You can't coerce a rabbit (although you can train them ), so your interactions with them are completely different as you have to go at their pace.

This has all been very interesting and helpful, so thank you. I’m erring towards us not doing this after all having read all this and I’m grateful for the advice even if it’s led to what could be seen as a disappointing outcome- I’d rather know if it’s hard work! And ££££.

Thing also is that I have an illness which means doing things like bending etc can be painful and therefore cleaning them out might be tricky for me.

Not saying I wouldn’t have cleaned them out! I’d have had to get dh to help. But if they’re already pricey and tricky then the cleaning out issue just adds to the stress.

Cleaning out isn't that bad - indoors or out, just give them a litter tray. Makes life a lot easier.

Bending is an inevitable part of rabbits though - they like to keep all four paws on the ground and they are a long way down! I have a bad back (so the bending is good for me, even though not easy). My knees suffer more, especially if one's ill. I have promised myself a giraffe next time

I'm sorry we've put you off, I really do find rabbits rewarding and interesting, but yes it's better to be informed.

A fox got Into their run and killed them. We used to let them have the run of our large garden when we were home but it was a nightmare getting into the hutch at night.

My daughter's MiL has a house rabbit and doesn't seem to have any problems with it.

I may be lucky but my outdoor rabbits are no problem at all. I live in a town and we have had two male rabbits for five years. As both male neither are neutered. They have a two tier hutch 4x2, an attached run 4x6, and yet another attached run to that 4x4. They are out on grass all year but it means I have to move them around the garden every two to three weeks. I do not have a heater. They have never been to the vets. They are not very cuddly but my daughter sits in the run and they climb on her and she can stroke them. Food is bought in bulk and fresh veg tossed in for second feed. They are so low maintenance! Only real expense is kennelling them when we are away, though usually someone can pop in to feed them. Foxes not an issue - I’ve seen them walk right by the hutch not even look twice! Mind you I did find Fox poo on top of the hutch once but obviously they find plenty of easier meat. Frankly I’d rather have chickens for the eggs though.

I've kept them for years without a lot of the issues posted on this thread.

Hutch- most shop bought ones are not big enough for lops so I would get smaller species. Even then they aren't ideal. The hutches with doors at the bottom can be adapted by attaching a run on. Mine always had outside space and I put an old cold frame in there with a box of soil. They loved sitting in the soil and sunbathing. Hutches are my biggest bug for rabbits, they need space to hop. The biggest annoyance is people who sell guinea Pig hutches for rabbits, where they don't have room to hop.

Run- yes needed. A decent sized so they can run and jump. They do like to dig though so don't go out and leave them in it!

Get them neutered/spayed to improve health and temperament (around £80 per pet). I had a bastard of a rabbit years ago who was like a guard dog. He wasn't neutered...it really makes a difference when they are!! Makes sure you get them out every night for a cuddle to tame them.

Lots of straw and the plain nuggets to eat (used to buy huge bags etc so about £15 a month on food). Don't get the muesli as they tend to leave the bits that are good for them! Not too many carrots...carrots are a rare treat. I'm shocked at how much some posters spend on food on here! My rabbits had a bowl of nuggets between them a day and a tonne of straw and were perfect weight so I wasn't underfeeding them.

They don't need to come in over winter, just make sure you can cover windows etc. I used old carpet and shut them up at night. Hutch is somewhere sheltered in the garden. On really cold nights we would fill a bottle with warm water for them to cuddle up to. They mainly were ok as long as they had a huge amount of straw to snuggle into. I used to bring them into the house for a hop about in the winter too, just keep an eye on their chewing.

Vets bills - well, I wouldn't spend thousands. I am a realistic animal owner. As with any animal, you can spend thousands if you want. Rabbits can be sickly and have a fair bit wrong so you need to weigh that up. I'm sure many people will take issue with that but you need to know when to stop.

Vaccinations - about £80 a year each for them. Our vet used to do a health check and trim their nails etc. No issues with teeth. They need stuff to gnaw on.

Holidays: we used to put ours in our local pet hotel for £5 a night. No issues there.

Cleaning out- I had to do it every other day as they pooed a ridiculous amount.

My daughter absolutely adored our rabbits. They were amazing and lasted 7years. I was devastated when they died and haven't had rabbits for 2 years now. I really miss them though and am now weighing up buying some more. I need to buy a new hutch though as the last one was purpose built for them and it is hard to find anything that is as good for space.

One last thing - I always chose the rabbit who was the most inquisitive, regardless of colour. A rabbit should be curious and I believe it's a sign of their health! And I would never keep a rabbit alone. I tried to match our widowed male with a new lady friend and it didn't work out sadly. He was mourned the loss so very badly and went downhill quickly. So you have to be prepared for when one dies.

Adore rabbits! Not easy peasy pets but so rewarding.

Rabbits are wonderful animals. We had one that was more like a puppy really. He lived in the garden in a hutch for protection and warmth in the night, but with free access to the garden at all times. From spring to autumn I left the conservatory door and the door into the house open whenever we were home and he used to come in and out at will throughout the day. He never chewed a thing. In winter we brought him inside for at least a few hours every day, so he could have company. Rabbits are really social and need a lot of interaction with other rabbits or with people. When we had barbecues or ate in the garden in summer he would come and sit under one of the chairs to be with us. He was a great pet, and I miss him still.

They’re not great pets for young children, though.

(Just to be clear, I would lock the hutch last thing at night and open it in the day, just to be on the safe side).

I have two neutered female rabbits (please never ever keep just one it’s so sad for them), I would say they are not cuddly pets but lovely to watch and not children’s pets.

I pay £18 a month to cover vaccinations etc food, hay etc probably £30-40 a month. They have a big 6 foot hutch with large run attached. I have thermal covering around it and they have bunny snuggles in the winter (microwave heat pads).

In hindsight I wouldn’t have got them for the DC as I now look after them which I don’t mind, kittens would be much better IMO.

We got our first rabbit over Easter half term, he was adopted (9 weeks) and he's lovely! Despite what others have said, he let's us pick him up, will sit still for cuddles and so far is really friendly!

Initial set up was around £100, we had a voucher for first set of injections and neutering if we decide to do that. We also have a run which is quite large and needed so their nails are worn down as they run/dig etc.

We are cleaning out around every 4/5 days and it's been very quick. I think for winter you can get hutch covers too

We had two garden rabbits. I could see how much they run and how high they jump you in the wild and realised the pet shop guidance of what is a suitable run is far off what is really needed. I think they need loads of space.