Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
You can buy rabbits from a number of sources: pet stores, newspaper ads, Craigslist
(
www.craigslist.org
), and flea markets, for example. However, if you are serious about breed-
ing rabbits, whether as pets or for meat or their pelts, it is usually best to purchase your rabbits
directly from another breeder. You can find rabbit breeders by checking the Internet on sites
such as The Nature Trail Rabbitry (
www.thenaturetrail.com/Local-Rabbit-Breeder.htm
)
,
Raising-Rabbits.com (
www.raising-rabbits.com/rabbits-for-sale.html
), and the American
Rabbit Breeders Association (
www.arba.net/Breeders.php
)
. You will have access to better
quality rabbits this way. You will be able to find a wider variety of breeds from which to
choose, and you can select exactly the kind of rabbits that suit your needs. Buying from a
good breeder will put you in touch with someone knowledgeable about rabbits. The breeder
can provide you with information about how to raise and care for rabbits, and the breeder can
answer specific questions about the breed that interests you. Let the breeder know that you are
looking for breeding quality rabbits. He or she can be a good contact for you in the future.
When purchasing rabbits, make sure you buy healthy stock. Check to make sure the rabbit's
eyes and nose are free of any discharge that could indicate illness. The ears should be clean
and free of wax or any crusting from fleas or mites. The rabbit's front paws should be clean.
Rabbits use their paws to clean themselves. If the paws are dirty with any discharge, it could
indicate that the animal has been sick. The rabbit's stomach and tail should be free of any
fecal matter, which could indicate gastrointestinal stasis or other stomach problems. Check the
rabbit's teeth to make sure there is no malocclusion or ulcers. The rabbit's coat should appear
healthy. Even if the rabbit has been shedding, the fur should be clean, and there should not be
any parasites.
Handling Rabbits
You should never pick a rabbit up by the ears. This can hurt their ears, and they will kick, po-
tentially injuring their backs, which may lead to paralysis or death. Instead, gently slide one
hand under its chest and the other underneath its rump. Lift the rabbit using the hand under
the chest while scooping with the hand under the rump. Pull the rabbit toward your body and
slide the rabbit along the arm supporting his chest. Gently press the rabbit against your body,
much like a football is held, with the arm supporting the body and the head tucked under the
elbow. Try to handle your rabbits frequently, at least two to three times a week, so they get
used to being held and so you can check their health. Their back feet are powerful, and if they
feel frightened or insecure in your grasp, they will kick.
