Before You Buy Your Bunny

1. Join the ARBA, you will recieve a guide book that has a great deal of helpful information, about breeds, care, health, etc. You will also recieve a Yearbook with the names and contact info for all current members and the show rules if you ever decide to show your bunny. If you prefer not to join the ARBA, go to your local library and do some research on care and what you will need for the bunny. You should be able to find pictures and descriptions of the different breeds to help you decide the right one for you. Search the internet. There are many helpful sites about health, care, different breeds, etc.
2. Ask anyone you know who has rabbits who a reputable breeder may be in your area. Attend a local rabbit show, you will be able to see the rabbits in person and ask questions. If you think you may want to show your bunny someday, ask to feel some good bunnies and ask what to look for in a good show bunny. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to different breeders at the show, most will try to be helpful in any way they can.
3. After you've done your research, decide which breed will be right for you. You need to think about how much time you have to offer, if you want the bunny to be a house bunny or barn bunny, and exactly what you expect from having a bunny.
4. Purchase the supplies you will need to care for your bunny. You will need a cage to fit the adult size of the bunny you have decided on. A large bunny needs a large cage, they grow very quickly. You will need a crock or feeder for the rabbit pellets that are the main diet of domestic rabbits. You will need a crock or water bottle for fresh water daily. If your cage has a tray, you need something to put in it to absorb the urine, such as wood chips or shredded newspaper. Go to a feed store and purchase a good quality rabbit pellet. The pellets they sell in the pet stores are pretty but have things in that are not good for your bunny. You will need grass hay to feed the bunny to keep his digestive tract healthy.

Buying your Bunny

1. Ask around and find a reputable breeder. Once you have found the breeder you have chosen to buy from, make an appointment to go visit the breeders rabbitry. Some breeders will allow this, some won't. If you are permitted, take a good look around. Things you would be looking for are: is there fresh, clean water available for each cage; are the rabbits active and healthy looking; is there plenty of feed available and is it stored in airtight containers; is there good ventilation in the building; are the cages clean looking or is there manure buildup.
2. Discuss with the breeder if he has a refund or replacement policy. Some breeders do, some don't, there is no set rule for this. The breeders who don't will not replace the bunny even if it dies on the way home. For the ones that do, you need to know what the restrictions are before anything happens.
3. Examine the rabbit very carefully. What you are looking for is any discharge from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth or genitals. Check that all toenails are there and that they are the correct color, check eye color. Check the belly area for any bumps that may indicate the rabbit has an absess. If any of these things are present, don't buy the bunny. It's a good idea to take someone along with more experience or have them show you how to examine a bunny for health.
4. Examine the pedigree if you are buying a bunny with a pedigree. The pedigree must include the name, ear number, weight, and color for each rabbit for 3 generations. If any of this information is missing, you will not be able to register the bunny if you choose to do so in the future.
5. Be prepared with cash in the correct amount if you can. Many breeders will not accept personal checks and change may not be readily available.
6. Ask the breeder for some of his feed to make the transition to the feed your purchased. You will need to mix their feed half and half with your feed for about a week so the bunny's digestion is not upset by the change.
7. Be realistic. If you want to know what the bunny will look like as an adult, purchase an adult. Don't expect the breeder to know what the bunny will look like as an adult, that takes years of experience and even then is very difficult to judge.

Bringing You Bunny Home

1. You will need a carrying cage, cardboard box, or other container to bring the bunny home in. You want the cage to be just a little larger than the bunny to keep him secure and safe on the way home. If you use a cardboard box, remember the bunny is not potty trained and will go when he needs to. Straw in the bottom of the box and a piece of plastic under it will suffice.
2. When you get home, put the bunny in his cage with fresh water, some of the mixed pellets and some grass hay. Give him some time to get used to you and his new home.
3. Give the bunny good care with fresh food and water daily. Keep the cage clean and comfortable.
4. Enjoy your bunny!