AboutKelly Expertise I am able to answer questions from pet owners and breeders alike.
I will answer questions about: General pet care, housing, diet, health, breeding, pregnancy, showing, etc.
I will not answer questions about: Litterbox training, bonding or wild rabbits. I am not an expert in those areas.
About Me:
I have raised rabbits for show competitions for over 15 years. I was a tenure 4-H member and competed in the Rabbit Royalty Contest for many years.
My rabbitry is registered with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and I show at the local, state and national level.
Over the years I have raised several breeds. I currently raise Tans and have done do for about 10 years now. I am currently the District 8 Director of the American Tan Rabbit Specialty Club (http://www.atrsc.org).
I am also a licensed Registrar with the ARBA. A Registrar is a trained individual that physically examines rabbits to determine if they are eligible for registration with the ARBA.
Due to my experience as both a Registrar and breeder, I am able to answer most question regarding difference breeds of rabbits. As mentioned, I have raised several breeds personally and have worked with nearly all others at some point in the capacity as a Registrar.
While I raise my rabbits for show purposes, I believe very strongely that every animal should be treated with dignity and respect. My rabbits are handled from birth and are well cared for.
I recommend the following sources:
http://www.arba.net (Membership is not just for breeders, many pet owners join as well. With membership you get a great guidebook and a bi-monthly magazine)
http://www.blueribbonrabbitry.com
Experience I am a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association. I am also a member and director with the National Specialty Club for the breed I raise.
I have raised rabbits for about 15 years at the local, state and even national level. I was a 10 year 4-H member and competed in many of the educational contests (judging, royalty, etc.)
Question I understand that the needs of a rabbit can be expensive but are they fairly easy to take care of?
Answer Hi, Sawyer.
Although some may disagree, I believe rabbits are fairly easy to take care of. Rabbits do require daily attention as would any animal. Their cage and equipment must be cleaned, and they must be fed and watered. You must also be prepared to handle any health emergencies that may arise by taking the animal to a veterinarian for care.
Although care is pretty easy, many are disappointed to find out that rabbits are not cuddly, lap pets. Rabbits are territorial and independent by nature. Although they are very different than cats, much like cats they can be extremely social, but only on their terms.
The best thing you can do before getting a rabbit is to learn about them beforehand. I would highly recommend joining the American Rabbit Breeders Association. You do not need to be a breeder to join. In fact, many pet owners are members. With membership you will get a guidebook to raising rabbits. This guidebook even has a section devoted to pet rabbits.
When you are ready to get a pet I would recommend getting a pet from a local shelter if there are any available. There are many rabbits in need of good homes. Be cautious though, although most shelters are great places I have had countless people to come to be with serious health problems with rabbits rescued from shelters. I like to think this is the exception not the norm, but I have seen it often.
My next suggestion would be to buy from a responsible breeder in your area. In most cases this will be where you will find the lowest cost (pet stores sell pet quality rabbits at show quality prices, which is horrible). You can find a breeder by visiting: http://www.rabbitandcavydirectory.com/
I would never recommend buying from a pet store. First, I have seen too many pet store rabbits with health problems. Secondly, I do not believe in supporting those that raise mixed, poor quality rabbits in their backyard just to sell them to a pet store and make money.
