Valley Veterinary Group

The domestic pet rabbit is available in many different breeds and colours ranging greatly in size. Rabbits are sociable pets appreciating the company of other rabbits and enjoy human companionship.Rabbits are very affectionate and enjoy human companionship but most often prefer to sit beside their owner to being handled. However, their playful and trainable nature means they also enjoy play.

Rabbits make ideal pets for those at work or school during the day as they are happily left alone during the day when they are least active provided they have the companionship of another rabbit. However, they are not a suitable pet for small children who may not be able to handle them easily and as a result get kicked or scratched by a rabbit's powerful hind legs.

Rabbits can be kept indoors or outdoors but require plenty of room and generally require more care than a small pet rodent and the equipment needed is more costly. However, they do have a longer lifespan, averaging between 5-10 years depending on the breed of rabbit

Rabbits are sociable although males (bucks) kept together will most often fight. However, neutered bucks will live happily together and females (does) will also live happily together if introduced at a young age or carefully introduced at an older age.

Although rabbits and guinea pigs will "accept" each other as companions, the habit of a rabbit to playfully jump when happy means that its powerful hind legs can cause unintentional serious internal injury to a guinea pig companion that could result in the death of the guinea pig. This is the case with even the smallest of rabbit breeds. Rabbits and guinea pigs also have different dietary requirements and different means of communicating. Therefore rabbits should not be housed with guinea pigs and the best and most natural companion for any pet rabbit is always another rabbit.

Rabbits are generally calm and enjoy human companionship making them a good pet. Although rarely aggressive, without the option to retreat and hide in a warren, they can display a degree of aggression when upset or threatened.

Rabbits