Rabbits can be produced for many different markets: for breeding stock, as medical and educational lab animals, for pet food, as pet and show animals, and for their wool and skin. While these may be pursued as a secondary market for rabbit farmers, the focus of this article is on meat production.
PET RABBIT PROS
"Children aged six and older are generally able to take responsibility and show empathy, making the experience much more valuable." They don't need much room - unlike other pets, rabbits are happy in their cage during the day with a little roaming-around time at night.
Despite their reputation as low-maintenance starter pets, rabbits are actually better suited for older children that understand how to be responsible with the care of their pet. They are very social creatures that crave attention from their owners and will require a significant time and care commitment.
Rabbits typically live for around eight-12 years, though some may live for even longer. Life expectancy can be linked to size, with smaller rabbits tending to live for longer than larger ones. However, all rabbits age at different rates.
Himalayan rabbits are one of the best choices, of the breeds available, for children. They are renowned for being laid-back, gentle, friendly and curious. They are beautiful in appearance and love to cuddle, rarely ever known to bite or scratch.
The age of your children is one factor to consider when getting a pet. Generally, since many dog bite injuries happen to young children, it may be safest to wait until your child is older than age 4. But think about your children and their individual maturity levels, because each child develops differently.
Compared to dogs or cats, they're fairly low-maintenance. Bunnies don't need to go for walks, they don't need vaccines and they can be litter box trained. Although they do need to visit the vet for regular care and they are not a “starter pet” for children, they are pretty easy to care for!
Unlike a cat that purrs from its throat, a rabbit 'purrs' by very gently rubbing its teeth together. It's a lot quieter than a cat purr, but if you've got your rabbit on your lap and are gently stroking it, you'll hear it if they're feeling very contented.
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.
Some rabbits enjoy swimming and some don't. Rabbits can swim however that doesn't mean that they should always swim as rabbits tend to swim only when they are in danger. If your rabbit enjoys swimming, for their safety, we recommend not to make them swim in anything deeper than a foot of water.
Rabbits are known for their sociability, as well as their long life expectancy—they generate calm and are often used to help patients with mental health problems.
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.
The companionship that a pet offers is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. Pets such as rabbits can be a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners. In many ways they can help us to live mentally healthier lives.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
As a general rule, if your child is under 6 years old, it is usually best to adopt a dog over 2 years old. Many families picture a puppy and child growing up together, but there are a few things to consider before adopting a puppy (under 1 year of age) if you have a young child.
Grade-schoolers and pets
If you're thinking of getting a dog as a family pet, waiting until your youngest turns 5 is a good idea, according to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Kids between 5 and 10 do best with a small animal that doesn't require a lot of care, such as a goldfish or a gerbil, the ASPCA advises.
But there is one rabbit that is considered to be “scientifically cute” — the smallest rabbit in the world, the pygmy rabbit.
English Lop
You can easily recognize English Lops for its long, floppy ears. As one of the first domesticated rabbit breeds, English Lops are popular for their laidback and friendly temperament. In fact, these bunnies are so laidback that they're considered lazy by expert rabbit owners.
Contact your vet if your rabbit has developed a head tilt, and do so immediately if he/she has also lost their balance, seems distressed, is falling over, or has stopped eating. You know your rabbit - even if they don't have the exact symptoms listed above its best to contact your vet if you're concerned.
The first thing to do is to take your rabbit straight to a rabbit-savvy vet. Gut stasis is extremely painful and they will need pain relief in order to start to eat again. They will likely also need some gut stimulants, and some rabbits may need fluids.