Choosing a Pet Rabbit - Which Age is the Best?
I don't think there is
really an 'ideal age' for a pet rabbit. Rabbits of all different ages are capable of making wonderful pets.
Many prospective buyers want a
'baby' rabbit or want to pick their pet 'right from the nest-box' A
common belief is that only a younger rabbit is capable of adjusting or
bonding to a new family, but I have known rabbits of all ages, even very
old ones, who have made this same transition just fine, and went on to
become their families' treasured pets!
Buying a pet rabbit from any age group is going entail a period of
adjustment for both the new pet and the new owner - anywhere from a few
weeks to a few months before you will reach a comfortable routine
together. Below are some of our thoughts on the different age groups:
 Choosing a baby pet
rabbit (rabbit under 3 months old) Of course, cute furry baby bunnies are irresistible,
but this is one of the riskiest age categories to choose from.
Weaning alone can cause a fair amount of stress for these youngsters, then add
moving to a brand new home away from familiar surroundings - this can be a
recipe for disaster resulting in stress-induced illness and even death for a
baby, whose delicate digestive system is not yet ready to process an adult diet
or deal with the extreme stress of moving to a new home!
Our baby bunnies are fully weaned, eating and thriving well on a diet of pellets and
hay, and have adjusted to their new cage and independence, before we
offer them for sale - this means they are usually over 10 or 12 weeks old before
they are ready to go to a new home.
We want all our pet rabbits to enjoy a long,
healthy and happy life, and we know it is important to start this journey with a
good, solid foundation - so please, be patient, and let us decide when
our babies are ready for the next step!
Choosing an adolescent-aged rabbit
(rabbit 3 to 8 months old): This is a very active
and funny age, where many of their personality traits become evident.
It is also a time of raging
hormones for rabbits. Adolescent rabbits may exhibit some
annoying behaviors during this time in their life. Some males will begin
spraying urine to mark every object of their affection (you included) and some
females do this also. They may act aggressively or territorial, and may
seem distracted when you are trying to give them attention, - intent on smelling
and 'chinning' everything in their path. This behavior is a prime reason
why rabbits are dumped at rescues and shelters!
Take heart, most of these irritating habits diminish with age, or when you have
your pet spayed or neutered at the appropriate age.
I hesitate to automatically recommend spaying and
neutering rabbits - this will be your personal choice, perhaps decided by your
tolerance of your pet's hormonal behavior, or by your goal to bond your pet with
another. If you do decide to spay or neuter your rabbit - be sure to find
a rabbit vet to perform the procedure; rabbits have unique respiratory needs
during surgery and you'll want a vet experienced in rabbit surgery.
Choosing an adult rabbit
(rabbit 7+ months and over): Choosing an adult rabbit
is often a rewarding experience for new owners. The pet has usually
already gone thru most of the adolescent stage, and his or her personality has
formed and is quite apparent, allowing you to choose a pet bunny with a predictable
traits and temperament.
By this age, most rabbits
with any health or behavior problems are readily identified and therefore not
offered for sale as pets, saving the pet owner heartbreak over adopting a
youngster with an unknown health problem that emerges later or one who's
personality transforms from that cute young bunny into an adult sabre-toothed
devil!
Many are concerned with the
litter-box training ability of adult rabbits - but we have sold several adult
rabbits who had been raised in cages without litter-boxes, and we've heard back
from all these new owners that they've been successful at litter training their
new adult house rabbit!
Adopting an adult or older adult
rabbit also gives the new owner the opportunity for a shorter-term commitment
instead of the lengthy 7 to 10 years most rabbits live.
Choosing the retired or older adult rabbit
(rabbits generally over 4 years old): This is a
great age group to choose from especially if you are concerned about the length
of commitment, or you want to 'test out' having a rabbit as a pet
before you invest your time in a younger one.
Rabbits of this age are quite
reliable in their behaviors and habits, making them an ideal pet for a person or
family not wanting to work through 'issues' with a younger pet. Be prepared to
enjoy some cuddling from these older sweeties! |
