Health & Fitness
Exotic Pets Perfect for City Life, Part 3: Rabbits
In the final part of our three part series about exotic pets that are great for city life we talk about popular types of rabbits. Learn what bunny might be the perfect match for you!
In the first two installments of this series, we discussed fish and birds as exotic pets that are perfect for city life. In this final post, we'll talk about rabbits.
Rabbits are some of the cutest pets on the planet, and they are interactive and smart. They can be litter box trained and learn to come when they hear their name. Depending on individual temperament, you can even teach your rabbit to play games with you. There are some 60 breeds of domestic rabbits, so there's bound to be a breed that tickles your fancy, too. You can find tiny 2-pound bunnies or gigantic 13-pound rabbits – the type of rabbit you buy depends on what's available in the area, your budget, your lifestyle and your living space.
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Rabbits are very social and do best when they are interacted with regularly and kept in the presence of people. They do require fairly large cages to allow them to have decent exercise. They need plenty of toys, particularly toys that they can destroy – even something as simple as a telephone book can keep your rabbit entertained for some time. Because they breed easily, it's best to only keep rabbits in groups if they've been spayed or neutered. They are amazing diggers, so never let your rabbit outdoors unsupervised. They will dig under most fencing and disappear if not watched, and predators can appear at any time.
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Common types of pet rabbits include:
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Fuzzy Lop: Fuzzy Lop rabbits are common sights in pet stores. They are floppy-eared rabbits with wonderful personalities that really enjoy being petted and cuddled. They are generally considered a good “starter rabbit”, although this type of rabbit has a long coat that requires regular grooming. Fuzzy Lops typically weigh a maximum of 4 pounds. Learn more at the American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit Club.
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Angora: Another soft, long-haired rabbit is the Angora. Angora rabbits require more work than a Fuzzy Lop, however. They too need regular grooming but they also need special diets to prevent hairballs. They also shed a great deal. Certain types of Angora rabbits, like the English Angora, are so fluffy they look just like round balls of fur. Angora bunnies are very curious and have gentle dispositions. Find out more at AngoraRabbit.com.
Rex: Rex rabbits are another common pet store find. They are what most people think of when they think of domestic bunnies – short hair, perky ears and playful personalities. They are fairly small, with the Mini Rex variety only growing to about 4 ½ pounds. They are also known for their velvety soft fur. They are only moderately active, so they are equally happy playing and relaxing. Learn more at the National Rex Rabbit Club.
Dutch: If you've ever seen a rabbit that sounds like it could be a Rex, but has distinctive white markings on its fur, like a blaze on its face and a white collar, it may be a Dutch rabbit. These small rabbits also only reach about 4 ½ pounds. They are very easygoing as well as affectionate, so they make ideal pets. Find out more at the American Dutch Rabbit Club.
Whatever pet you choose, be sure to do thorough research before you commit. Pets are forever, and for some, their lives are very long indeed. By being informed about all aspects of caring for your pet before you bring it home, you'll save yourself time, worry and in some cases even money, as you'll know exactly what you need to give your pet the best possible quality of life.
Wishing you good luck with your new exotic pet!