In general, male rabbits are touted as being easier pets for rabbit beginners. They will usually get into less trouble and show fewer aggressive tendencies than female rabbits. This is especially true of rabbits who have been neutered. This doesn't mean that having a male rabbit will be a walk in the park.
A female rabbit is called a doe. A male rabbit is called a buck. A baby rabbit is called a kit.
Mixed-sex pairs usually work best, so if you are thinking of getting rabbits for the first time, it's advisable to get a male and female, although same-sex pairs are not uncommon. Obviously, if you take on an already bonded pair, then it's all been done for you!
#1 Lionhead
You see, the Lionhead is commonly described as one of the most easy-going rabbit breeds you're ever likely to meet. These bunnies are friendly, affectionate, and generally quite happy to be handled. And with their playful nature and small size, Lionheads are very easy to fall in love with.
If you're watching a group of rabbits, you should be able to tell which is the dominant male – he's the one who is constantly patrolling his territory. You'll also notice that subordinates tend to move away when he approaches.
Other popular breeds for beginner pet rabbit owners are the Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Dutch and Polish. All four are small breeds that have reputations of being gentle. That being said, all types of domestic rabbits have the potential of being good pets.
Dwarf Lop/Mini Lop Rabbit
These adorable bunnies are easy to handle and robust, they tend to get along well with other pets and children, and are happy to be held. This makes them a perfect candidate for a family pet.
What should you look for in a healthy rabbit? When choosing a rabbit, it is always best to see all the rabbits in the litter, if possible. Each animal should be bright, alert, and active. They should all have shiny, lush fur and be plump and well-fed.
Both male and female rabbits can urine spray. But it is most common in unneutered rabbits, especially males, from puberty onwards. Rabbits will spray urine around their territory as a way of communicating their boundaries to other nearby rabbits.
In general, living in a bonded pair as free range house rabbits is probably the most ideal way for rabbits to live as they have companionship both from you and from another rabbit. It takes more work than you might think as all rabbits are different and their relationships (like our humans ones!) are often complex.
Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
Rabbits are a social species and have evolved to live in groups. In the wild, rabbits do not live alone. Rabbits kept as companions are not biologically different from their wild counterparts and so their innate need to be kept in the company of other rabbits is just as strong.
Males tend to be more easy going and relaxed while females are usually "the boss" of any household. In the wild, rabbits pair up into couples with the female digging their burrow and the male defending her and the burrow against intruders.
Male rabbits tend to become more involved when owners look to interact with them, so you may find them more affectionate and less bothered about being picked up — although some breeds can be friendlier than others.
Rabbits are amazing, affectionate, and social pets. They can be great house pets if you take the time to socialize them and learn about their basic body language. However, rabbits require a lot more care than people typically expect, so it's important to be prepared before bringing home a new bunny.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not low-maintenance pets and need just as much care and attention — if not more — as cats and dogs do. Also, rabbits are not ideal pets for small children, as they are fragile and can bite. These bunnies cannot just be let loose outdoors as they will not survive.
Owning rabbits can be extremely rewarding. Rabbits come in a variety of breeds, shapes and sizes, and each bunny has their own unique personality. They typically live for 8 to 12 years, but some may live for longer.
One or More Younger than 7 Years – Probably shouldn't get a rabbit. You are likely very busy with active children who need a lot of your attention which will probably leave you little time for managing a rabbit.
Netherland Dwarf (have had)
rabbits. Temperament: These little guys are energetic (so a slightly larger cage is recommended) but still have good temperaments for the most part. They are not naturally aggressive. They do make good pets for smaller spaces but still need room to move.
Neutered rabbits are easier to litter train and this operation can be done by six months of age. In this way, any hormonal or territorial behaviour will not become “learned”. Entire males can actually spray, which is extremely smelly and trust us, is not something you want happening in your home!
How many rabbits should you start with? Idealy start with a trio OR 5 unrelated rabbits. A trio is 1 buck (male rabbit) and 2 does (female rabbit). If you have the space and money to start with 5 then I would advise you to get 2 unrelated bucks and 3 does.
First, you'll want to make sure that both rabbits are spayed/ neutered prior to bonding as it will make the process easier. While female – male bonding tends to be easier, you can certainly bond two females or two males together.
1 - 3 years: Young Adulthood
They like to dig, chew and explore and for house rabbit owners this can be a trying time! Give them lots of attention, play with them and offer them plenty of toys, chewsticks, digging boxes and so on.