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| | | There are many sources for free or low-cost rabbits, so the biggest cost variable other than breed in keeping one as a pet is its upkeep. Anyone thinking of a rabbit as a springtime surprise should multiply by about 10 since the average lifespan of a rabbit is 7-12 years. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Among the many distinct breeds of rabbits, common pets include Lops (droopy-eared bunnies) that cost $15 -$60, Dwarfs (weighing only 1-3 pounds) priced $25 -$40 and Mini Rex (gentle and intelligent creatures with alert pointy ears) for $10 -$50. The higher prices tend to be for animals with distinct markings or unusual colors.
- More unusual rabbits include Angoras, known for soft fur which can require daily grooming, which run $25 -$50; Flemish Giants for $45 -$100, and Lionheads for $20 -$50.
- Cages have removable trays for litter cleaning and are priced around $35 for a small 25x16x9-inch unit, up to about $120 for a 42-inch one with wheels. Cages should be long enough so that the rabbit can stretch three lengths and tall enough so he can stand on hind legs, according to KindPlanet.org. The basic rule is the more time spent in the cage, the larger it should be.
- Hutches stand on four legs and allow the droppings to fall to the ground. A 3-foot wide hutch costs around $100, a 4-foot one, $110 -$160.
- House rabbits require bedding for a safe enclosed hideaway which could mean a cage with a synthetic sheepskin rug in one corner for about $10. A litter box runs $3 -$10 and litter (made of recycled paper pellets) costs around $9 per bag. Rabbits are curious and love to chew, so a home needs to be bunny-proofed by keeping electrical cords up or hidden, according to Rabbit.org.
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| What should be included: | - Purebred rabbits should come with a pedigree listing their breeder and parentage. Some sellers will include a health certificate.
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| Additional costs: | - Rabbit digestive systems need continuous access to food which runs about $5 per 3-pound bag of pellets. Rabbits eat about one ounce of feed for every pound of body weight, so a 5-pound pet will consume about 9 pounds per month, or $15 worth of pellets. Rabbits like to investigate everything, so a water bottle costing $3 -$6 mounted on the cage or hutch wall fares better than a dish that can be tipped over.
- Rabbits shed continually. A regular brushing helps collect some of the loose hair and helps prevent hairballs. Many rabbits enjoy the grooming time. Brushes cost $4 -$8, nail clippers under $10 and shampoos around $4.
- Spaying or neutering ranges from $50 to $150.
- Carriers for veterinary trips and outings run $18 -$30. Harnesses for walking outside, $3 -$6.
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| Discounts: | - There are many different rabbit rescue organizations found all over the country that offer spayed or neutered bunnies for adoption for $45 -$65, which includes a health certificate.
- Breeders may offer common rabbits starting at $5. Check the local classified ads for rabbits and cages being given away for free or at a low cost.
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| Shopping for a rabbit: | - The House Rabbit Society offers a state-by-state listing of adoptable rabbits.
- Animal Network.com offers a Critter Library that explains what to expect when buying from a pet shop, breeder or rescue center.
- The American Rabbit Breeders' Association has an online listing of chartered clubs by state, which either sell bunnies, or can direct you to a breeder who does. Local 4H Clubs also raise and sell rabbits. 4HUSA.org offers an online listing of clubs by state.
- Petland carries bunnies at several store locations. Call ahead to find out whether they carry rabbits and if so, which breeds.
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Article updated September 2007 |
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