Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Most people who buy rabbits as pets have not had any experience with rabbits before. You
should provide them with some information about caring for rabbits and encourage them to
have a cage and other equipment set up for their rabbit before they take it home. Instruct them
on what to feed their rabbit and other basics. You should warn them that rabbits do chew. Let
them know that rabbits are not cats or dogs, and make sure your buyers have the correct ex-
pectations about owning a rabbit.
You also should help your buyers select an appropriate rabbit for their situation. Do not sell
them rabbits that are too young to take home. Sell only healthy, happy rabbits to your custom-
ers. Make sure you are being an ethical breeder and seller.
Where to sell
When it comes to selling pet rabbits, most people who are not commercial breeders sell from
their own homes or farms. It is up to you if you would like to allow buyers to visit your home
or farm in order to select their own rabbit. You also may be able to sell rabbits at a farmers
market or flea market depending on the regulations in your state and city or county. You will
need to check the laws in your area to find out if it is legal to sell rabbits in these places. You
also can sell rabbits to local pet stores. There are people and organizations opposed to any
stores that sell live animals, but pet stores usually are inspected by local animal control and
state agencies to make sure they are treating animals properly.
However, if you sell your rabbits to pet brokers or if you sell your rabbits wholesale, you will
need to become licensed as a commercial rabbit breeder. This will entail having your facilities
inspected by the USDA and following Animal Welfare Act guidelines. You probably will not
be able to raise your rabbits in your home, and you will need separate outdoor facilities for
them. Most people who are commercial rabbit breeders raise rabbits full time and rely on this
business for their income.
Pricing your rabbits
Depending on the breed, pet rabbits usually cost between $15 and $100. Lops, or rabbits with
droopy ears, may cost $15 to $60. Dwarf rabbits may be $25 to $40. Mini Rex rabbits, anoth-
er breed, may be $10 to $50. Rabbits with unusual colors or markings may cost more. Angor-
as may be $25 to $50. Flemish Giants may be $45 to $100. Lionheads may be $20 to $50.
These prices will depend on how much rabbits usually cost in your area, too. If someone in
your area breeds Angoras constantly, you can expect the price to be low.
