Do Bunnies in pet stores live shorter lives than bunnies in shelters?

Question

Ok. My family and I are thinking about getting a bunny. We saw a bunny at pet supplies plus that is very tame. My sister works there and she has held this bunny. She said it lets you hold it and does not wiggle out of your arms. We were wondering if healthy bunnies in pet stores live as long as bunnies in shelters with the right care. Also what are the sign of an unhealthy bunny. We do not want to buy a sick bunny at a petstore so please help us know the sign of a sick bunny. We know that one of the signs is discharge in the nose. Please answer asap!

Thanks much.

Answer 1

It's more likely a bunny in a pet store will have health problems, since they come from "breeders" who don't take the best care of their animals. Although, some of the bunnies in shelters may have come from pet stores initially, as well, but they may also have come from real breeders. So you have a better chance at a healthy bunny at a shelter.

But please, don't buy a bunny from a pet store. There are SO many bunnies out there without homes that it's just not fair to them to buy one from a pet shop. I'm sure you can find a lot of tame bunnies at a shelter.

Make sure the eyes are clear and alert, the rabbit is active (it may not be when you're right there, as it may be scared), the nose is not running and the rabbit is not sneezing more than seems normal.

Answer 2

How old is this bunny that your sister handled? If it is very young, then it is unlikely to be wiggling out of her arms, simply because it may be so scared.

You can get a sick rabbit from a pet store, or from a rescue centre.

I personally would look at rehoming one from a shelter, simply because I work at a rescue shelter, and had to witness over 20 rabbits be put to sleep a fortnight ago, as they were no homes for them.

But this choice is entirely up to you.

You will need to do a visual scan of the eyes, are they clean? bright? and clear?

Is the rabbit snuffly or sneezing?

The rabbit should have a glossy coat, which is well presented, and should be inquisitive. (To an extent, it is often hard to judge as some rabbits will just sit there.)

When you take on a rabbit, you will need to vaccinate it against myxomatosis, and VHD. These will ensure the utmost health of your new bunny. I would also highly recommend checking your rabbits bottom every week for any dried on faeces, and clean this up if there are any, as this could lead to fly strike. Check the teeth and nails every month also. If you follow this, and provide an adequate diet, and offer a spacious living area with room to exercise and explore, you should have a very happy healthy bunny! X

Answer 3

well in shelters they live on there own exept that the fact is they are protected so the ones that are in pet stores are probably best

Answer 4

Okay well shelter bunnies are often older than pet store bunnies, but also often healthier, the people at rescues care more about the actual animals than they do money, whereas at pet stores it is often the opposite. I'm saying that all pet stores are bad; I have bought a lot of my pets from pet stores. However, the animals at pet stores, because of the way they are bred may often have genetic conditions that can cause them health problems in later life and may also be inbred. One of my guinea pigs died early due to genetic problems, he was purchased from a pet store, and it is very upsetting to lose a pet when it’s so young.

At a rescue, the animals are older, but they may often be tamer depending on their background, it is also very rewarding to gain the trust of a rescued pet after everything it’s been through. Also, rescues will often let you visit the animal before you get it and bond with it so that you know it is the one for you, and sometimes they so have fairly young animals in. So I really would recommend a rescue over a pet store, or even a reputable breeder. By a reputable breeder I mean a breeder that cares about their animals, a breeder that asks you questions like have you ever owned a rabbit before, and asks you if your serious about buying, and will give you a care sheet and some food for the 'change over' period, and a breeder that you can see cares about their animals, its usually not hard to tell. If a breeder is very anxious to get rid of their animals, then their probably not a good one.

As for 'unhealthy signs', well when you go to pick the bunny up whether its from a breeder, rescue or pet store, check its nose, makes sure that there is no discharge or anything, and check its mouth for any signs of dribbling or discharge. You will also need to check its teeth, this can be tricky, but if you get someone else to hold it, there is a point as with all animals on their jaws and if you press gently their mouth will pop open, you just want to check that the teeth aren’t overgrown, also the rabbits teeth should be quite clean and white, check the gums for bleeding and abscesses. Also check the feet and claws for any deformities and make sure the nails aren't overgrown. Check the ears for rips or tears, and discharge, make sure the eyes are bright and clear from cloudiness or discharge. Check the area under the tail for discharge, make sure the bunny doesn’t have poo stuck around its bum or anything and if you can check its poo and make sure it’s fully formed and not runny. The breathing should be steady and quiet, no fast, irregular, noisy or laboured. The bunny should be alert, if it seems lethargic or ill don't buy it. Also check the skin and coat, the skin should be free from lumps and dandruff, make sure there are no insects or anything in it. The fur should be glossy and shiny free from bald patches.

Good luck with getting your bunny!