Where can I find a show rabbit breeder in my area? What about rabbit-savvy vets? ?

Question

I already have a bunny but was thinking of getting another one. I was thinking a mini rex, holland lop, or netherland dwarf. I like the smaller bunnies but I want one that will be friendly. The rabbit I have now is 1/2 lion head and 1/2 hotot and at times growls and tries to bite me, but has gotten better since I've been petting her more and giving her attention. She just won't let me pick her up and does not like to come out of her cage. She only will when I'm cleaning it and she has no choice but to get out; I got her from a breeder that strictly breeds chinchillas now so they are not an option. I know I've made mistakes with my current bunny in not getting her spayed or taking her to a vet, because I didn't realize she needed that, so I'm doing a lot more research now to avoid making the same mistakes. What is the expense in bunny vet visits? Also, I have a soft bristled brush I use on her...is that the right kind or should I be using one similar to the type you use on dogs? I think that's it for all my questions for now!

Answer 1

they have tons of rabbit bredder links on the enternet, if you just google the type of bunny then the area for example... Holland lop bredders in AZ or where ever. somethign should show up. vets are really expensive, i've only taken 2 of my 6 raqbbits to the vet and only for emergencies, so it's not a huge deal. but a trip would probably be at least 80$ depending. you don't have to get a rabbit spayed or neutered either, unless you are keeping a boy with a girl and don't want babies. it does nothing else to help the bunny really. but you can, just know that if you were planning on showing a rabbit, if it's neutered or spayed it will be disqualified, i'm not sure why they do that but they have to not be spayed. your brush is probably fine, but the ones for dogs are designed more for getting the loose hair off the bunny, and getting rid of any knots it might have. if you have any more questions let me know, i'm in my 4th year of 4h showing my rabbits so i can probably help and if i don't know, some of my friends have been in 4h for 8 years, just let me know though

Answer 2

Why do you need a purebred? Are you planning on showing? If not, try looking at an animal shelter, the ones around here get a lot of them and not just adult rabbits either, they get young rabbits or babies as well.

If your bunny is sick vet bills can be a lot, but I don't bring mine for normal check ups, except when I first bring them home.  You need to be aware of common symptoms of illness though, as they can go downhill quickly when sick. A normal vet visit costs $30 at my vet. (not counting the cost of any medicine or treatment needed.)

A soft-bristled brush is fine, or you can use a rubber "zoom groom" designed for cats; it pulls the loose fur off by static electricity, works very well.