Is a rabbit the right pet for me?

Before you get any pet, it is obviously important to carefully consider whether they are the right pet for you. The key questions to ask yourself before buying a rabbit include those of upkeep costs, how long he will live, vet's bills, and the suitability of your social situation (i.e. where you live, how much spare time you have, whether you have children, how stable your income is etc.).

If you have young children and are thinking about buying them a rabbit, I would advise you to think again. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not actually particularly suitable for children - they are not keen on being picked up and handled all the time, they have a very powerful kick when startled, and can bite if extremely frustrated from excessive or rough play. So, despite a rabbit's normally wonderful temperament, children may not be able to read the signs of a distressed or upset bunny, and someone could easily get hurt. A more suitable and very similar pet may be a pair (yes, always a pair, and best to have females) of guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are really outdoor animals (but please bring them in during cold weather) and relish a large hutch and run. They love being gently handled (as long as they have been handled regularly from a young age), and with careful supervision your children will gain immense benefit from learning to take responsibility for such lovely animals. Just make sure that if your children do lose interest in them that you are prepared to take responsibility for them instead - it's not the guinea pig's fault!

So, to summarise, before buying a rabbit you should consider the following:

·                    Can you afford the upkeep costs and vet's bills?

·                    Can you offer the right level of care and attention?

·                    Can you care for him for his entire life?

·                    Do you have children?

·                    Is your income stable?