Rabbits by Nanda Wait

Thinking about a new pet? How about a rabbit? Rabbits are fun, responsive, easy to care for, and, depending on the breed, don't take up much space. But, before you haul off to the pet store, there are some things you should know. First, you should go to the library. The more you know, the more your parents will work with you. Read everything you can find. Call your local pet shop. They may have information on a particular breed.

Also, there is good information available on the world wide web. Finally, you should contact a local breeder. Ask your pet shop or vet for some breeders in your area.

Once you have chosen a breed and learned all you can, think about where you will keep your bunny. Most rabbits live up to six or seven years, so this is a big commitment. You should first decide where to keep your pet. I keep my pet bunny in my basement. That way, it doesn't smell and they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Many people keep rabbits outside. This can be difficult because of predators who can hurt your bunny even through the wires of your cage. Weather has to be considered too. In the winter your rabbit needs a shelter with hay to stay warm. In the hot summer, you have to worry about keeping your pet cool. Rabbits can't sweat to cool themselves, so we freeze two-liter pop bottles filled with water and on hot days the bunnies lay against them to keep cool.

Outside bunnies need their food dumped every day and to be refilled with fresh food because flies can lay eggs in the food that can make your rabbit sick. You should ask the breeder you are dealing with what size cage your rabbit will need.

As silly as this may sound, rabbits eat rabbit food! This is available at pet stores, some grocery stores, and at the pet department at places like K-mart and Walmart. For special treats, you can give them carrots, apples, and raisons, but not too many because they can get diarrhea. If this happens, give your pet a half piece of bread and they will recover quickly! Make sure he has water all of the time! Rabbits cannot live without water!

I have had rabbits for four years now and can't think of a better pet! I love to go downstairs and know that he is happy to see me. He cuddles when I need it and plays on my bedroom floor and makes me laugh! Rabbits rule!