Buying Rabbits

Buying Rabbits 

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 breeding 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), RaisingRabbits.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.