Rabbit Owners - Which Breed is best for a pet?

[Larry Waughon]

There are many great types of bunny's that would work out great. I had the best luck with the Dutch bunnies when I ran a petting zoo. They were gentle and were great with kids of all ages. Let us know what you pick.

 

[destiny_56085]

We used to raise lionhead and jersey woolies for quite a few years. They are both nice docile breeds. I don't think they shed near as bad as the short haired breeds. Al least the longer hair sits on top of clothing, furniture, carpet, etc. The short stuff seems to embed itself into the fabric. I do know that they were far better on my allergies. We had 57 of them at our highest point and none of those seemed to bother me too bad. I walk in my friend's barnt hat has minilops and rex and I immediately start to sneeze and my eyes swell up. The maintenance isn't near as bad as these people claim. Every couple of weeks just run a stiff comb through them and cut out any mats. On the woolies, it never hurt to trim the hair by the butt too so feces didn't get stuck in there.

 

[chinbunny1]

Most rabbits are kept outside in cages and they are just as happy as those kept inside in the house. So to say you shouldn't have one if its going to be kept in a cage is incorrect.

As far as pets go, I standard chinchilla rabbits make very good pets. But I think you should go to a rabbit show and see what breeds you like. And pick one that works best for you.

 

[NU CHICKS]

I would recommend either Holland lops or mini rex. I raised them for years for 4H. Because of their small size and docile personalities I feel that they make great indoor/outdoor pets.

 

[granmahen]

Quote:
We found temperment of bunnies depends mostly on how they are treated as babies. More important to know is that while we've found males to be "sweeter" they also spray, so that might make a difference to you. Enjoy your bunny.

 

[gypsy2621]

Quote:
We found temperment of bunnies depends mostly on how they are treated as babies. More important to know is that while we've found males to be "sweeter" they also spray, so that might make a difference to you. Enjoy your bunny.

Not so much as treated but handled.
A lot of times rabbits that were not handled much as babies tend to be more stand offish, scratch more, bite more.
Too many times I have heard " I cant hold this rabbit because, it either bites or scratches some one up".
I am a firm believer of handling the babies the minute they are born even if the mother objects and sometimes they certainly do.
Its false that you can not handle babies when they are first born or the mother will kill them.

 

[hen-thusiast]

Quote:
Ditto. I know that you are looking for a certain breed, but you might also want to consider looking at a place that rescues bunnies. They are third on the list of animals dropped off at shelters. Unfortunately people get them for Easter and when they realize they aren't the greatest with kids they abandon them. The lucky ones end up at shelters and the unlucky ones (like the ones we found and rehomed) are dropped off in the "wild".

By the way - ours are litter boxed trained and have a room that is all theirs, with no electrical cords or houseplants.

Good luck in your

hunt

 

[Tweeza]

The rabbit you choose really should depend on how much your children are going to interact with it. I agree with rabbitmage, Himalayans are better for young children.

One breed I would not recomend is Britannia Petite, they are very high-strung and are biters.

Another good breed is the Lilacs. They are very sweet and loving. They almost look purple in certain lights.

ETA: the pic of Lilacs on ARBA.net does not do it justice, they look better in real life.