The rabbit on Easter morning makes such a cuddly and cute picture, many parents can not resist the urge to present their children with a rabbit as an Easter gift.  But many of these people do not research the care and love a rabbit deserves and needs before hand, and many do not buy from a responsible breeder who will take the time to teach the prospective pet owner about their rabbit.

So what can you do as a person looking to purchase a rabbit??

First, look into the care a rabbit needs.  Many great websites are available on my links page.  Visit your local library and they are sure to have several books on raising rabbits.

Next, find a responsible breeder that lives near you. 

A responsible breeder will:

~keep a clean and neat rabbitry

~have rabbits that have shiny eyes and coats and look active.  Rabbits will not show signs of dicharge from their nose and will not be sneezing.

~keep proper records on their rabbits (pedigrees, registrations, buck and doe production cards)

~have a guarantee and take-back policy for their rabbits (visit my Guarantee Page to see a copy of my French Lop Guarantee)

~take the time to explain the feeding and housing requirements of your breed, how to groom your rabbit and so on.  Many will often offer you a care guide they have written theselves or other literature.

~ advise you of other responsible breeders if they do not have what you are looking for.  A responsible breeder is more interested in the happiness of their rabbits and the satisfaction of new rabbit owners, than in making the sale.

What can you do as a breeder??

First, follow the guidelines above for a responsible breeder.

Realize that you do not have to sell a rabbit to every person that visits your rabbitry.  you shold be doing your part to stop "impulse" buying of rabbits.  If after talking to the prospective owner, you decide that they are not willing to provide the care a rabbit needs, suggest to them they think about the issue for several days and call you back.  You are not required to sell a rabbit to anyone!

Do your part to stop the "impulse" buying of rabbits, especially during the Easer season.

 

 

Make sure you do your part to educate potential buyers about rabbits.  Take the time to show them and hand out information that they can take home with them.  You can write your own, or visit and join the Rabbit Education Society, where you can access printable documents about litter-training, feeding and diet, caging and more.