Comparison of
Bunnies Reared
by Different Sources:
| Commercially-bred bunnies | 'Back-garden' litters | Bunnies from a caring, reputable breeder |
| Likely price: £15-50 | Likely price: free- £15 | Likely price: £20-65 |
| Bred solely for profit | Often bred by accident or for 'fun' by children in a family household. | Usually bred from quality parents as part of planned breeding programme |
| Possibly carrying defects. Are less likely to be thoroughly examined or their long-term future known. | May be carrying genetic faults which an average pet owner might have missed - or problems may show up later (eg maloccluded jaws) | Considerably less risk of defects as breeders tend to focus on breeding from their best lines |
| Breeder will probably have little, if any, involvement in the litter | Owner will probably be involved with the litter | Owner will probably spend much time observing and interacting with the litter and regularly handling and examining the babies. |
|
Babies are taken from parents to
warehouse/depot for distribution to pet stores
Within the pet store, many breeds may be mixed together to offer choice to shop customer Rabbits from different breeders might be mixed together - thus increasing risks of cross-infections From depot, rabbits are transported to stores Rabbits live in stores, often in a tiny cage/pen until bought Rabbit moves into new home and receives first handling, cuddles, fuss and attention - but there's a high probability the bunny is unsocialised and doesn't enjoy this or know how to respond. Inexperienced pet owner will probably find the bunny is not the snuggly pet they hoped for. The novelty could wear off as bunny is too timid to be handled and eventually is taken to a rescue centre. Every stage of the above scenario is potentially very stressful to the young rabbit who could experience 3-4 changes of environment and diet within less than 2 weeks. This stress can manifest itself in illness or dietary upset - and this can be fatal. If not, the bunny is unlikely to be the happiest, most-relaxed bunny.
|
Babies remain with mother until
moving to a new home.
Often they will have been regularly handled, particularly if there are children in the household and they have been involved in watching he litter grow and progress - and handled them gently. |
Babies remain with mother until
weaned then mother is usually removed from the litter to allow them to
be observed eating and drinking without suckling from her. Only
when the breeder is happy that the youngsters are a good size, weight
and are feeding well will the baby be allowed to move into his/her new
home.
|
| Sexing is not always accurate. Some pet shop staff haven't a clue how to sex a young rabbit! | Sexing is often inaccurate | Sexing is normally
accurate.
A good breeder will also show you how to sex rabbits correctly - which can be done from birth. |
| Staff will seldom advise on different breeds or try to ensure you're buying the size/breed of bunny you prefer. | Often just one litter to choose from. If you visit the owner's home having seen a 'small ad' then you might feel pressurised or obliged to adopt. | A good breeder will take
the time to help you choose a breed of rabbit who will match your
preferences and lifestyle.
Some breeders specialise in just one breed but others will have a few breeds. Most dedicated hobbyists will have no more than 3 main breeds - excluding their 'old favourites', ie their retirees and non-breeding buns. |
| Little advice can be given by shop staff re bunny's characters - as they will know little of this or the bunny's background. | Immediate ancestry will be known - although it's probable that the litter might not be the best quality. | Can advise on likely character of bunny as the line and both parents, plus previous litters and generations will be known. |
| Often cannot advise on the bunny's diet prior to being received by the store. Therefore the bunnies have probably been reared on one feed at the breeding mill, another pellet/mix in the pet store and will then have a further sudden dietary change when they move to their new home. Any changes to a young rabbit's feeding regime can have dire consequences and is one of the many reason why pet shop rabbits sometimes die within less than a week after purchase. | Can advise on which feeds litter have been reared. These might not necessarily be the best or most suitable but the rabbit purchaser will be able to continue to use the same brands and follow the same feeding regime. | Can advise on feed used for rearing litter plus give good dietary advice. Reputable breeders should also give a starter bag or sample pack of the feed used and possibly have further supplies available, particularly if brands are not readily available at pet supplies stores. |
| Little background available | Immediate background should be available | Full background should be available - plus potentially weekly photographs showing progress and development of litter |
| 48 hour guarantee usually available | May offer longer guarantee or no guarantee at all | Most breeders usually offer 48 hour guarantee |
| Usually no after-sales service | Usually no after-sales advice. Many 'back garden' breeders do not have the necessary knowledge or experience to be able to offer information or comprehensive care advice. | After-sales advice often available throughout the bunny's entire life with contact telephone number incase of any problems or emergencies |
| Not usually vaccinated at time of sale | Not usually vaccinated at time of sale | Many breeders will vaccinate against myxomatosis and/or VHD prior to sale |
| Commercially-bred for profit | No profits made. Revenue from sales contributes towards feed bill | No profits made. Revenue from sales contributes towards feed bill and healthcare |
| Pet shops often don't know which breeds they are selling - or the size they'll be as adults! | Usually, both parents will be available for viewing. Owner may or may not know their breed. If the babies are cross-breeds, then the matings might not be between the most compatible breeds | Both parents and,
possibly, previous litters or generations will be available for
viewing.
A breeder will know for certain which breeds they have and will be able to show you the adult size of the babies. |
| SUMMARY:
Rarely a wise
purchase for an inexperienced bunny adopter as these bunnies are less
likely to be socialised and therefore will probably be harder to handle,
more challenging and following their 3-4 recent 'moves' have already
suffered some stress.
Minimal background information and little support or after-sales service, if indeed any advice at all. |
SUMMARY:
Can be good
pets if you're looking for an 'average' pet bunny and gender or quality
are not too important.
You must be prepared to do your own research into bunny care as the knowledge of the owner cannot be guaranteed to be accurate and s/he might not wish to be contacted for after-sales advice. |
SUMMARY:
Usually a
good-high quality bunny who has been socialised and lovingly
reared.
Probably the best choice for anyone looking for their first bunny and needing accurate advice before and after adopting. Also the best choice for anyone seeking a specific breed. |
You might also like to read our Breeding Ethics page.
We are members of the Rabbit Welfare Association.
