Where to get show rabbits

While you're visiting, look for these basics:. Where to get your new rabbit. Should you get a bunny from a shelter, rescue group or breeder? Animal shelters and rescue groups When you're ready to adopt, your local shelter or rabbit rescue group should be your first stop. There are advantages to adopting a rabbit Staff and volunteers at well-run shelters or rescue groups work hard to keep the bunnies socialized and healthy.

It's easy to find an adoptable rabbit To find your local animal shelter, search online like at Petfinder. Top 10 tips. Get Your Copy. Buying from a breeder If you've looked at all the local animal shelters and rabbit rescue groups and still haven't found "The One"—and you just can't wait to bring home your new rabbit—you may be wondering how to identify and locate a reputable breeder.

Learn how to identify a reputable breeder Good breeders are not in the business just to make money; they don't sell their rabbits to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Recommendations can point you toward a good breeder You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs or by visiting rabbit shows.

Always visit the breeder before buying Don't buy a rabbit without personally visiting where he or she was born and raised.

While you're visiting, look for these basics: The rabbits should appear happy and healthy. The breeder's home and the rabbits' area should be clean, well-maintained and well-lit. The breeder should have a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and should provide records and references about his rabbits' care. The breeder should be able to explain common genetic problems. The breeder should be able to provide references from other families who have purchased rabbits.

This question was given to me recently by a person who had just rescued a rabbit that seemed to be having trouble shedding. He wanted to know how to make sure that his bunny was getting enough nutrients, as rabbits need them more than dogs.

A rabbit, like any animal, needs to be fed on a daily basis andit is very important that you have a good veterinarian involved when you arestarting a rabbit or pet rabbit.

They can also help you decide if a certainproduct is suitable for your pet. In the UK, rabbits are considered to be any breed of Burdock or any of the six other types of British breeds. They are also classified into three types based on their fur color. These are the crested, which has a black background with some white flecks, the Mediterranean, which have a cream background with white flecks, and the globe, which have a white background with a brown fleck pattern.

Rugs are most suitable for the European breeds. So if you have a little red hair, then your bunny should be kept in an environment with large rugs. But for a breed that has a white belly, then it needs a smaller rug. There are many different varieties that would suit your rabbit well.

Rugs are very easy to clean. All you need to do is to remove them regularly and spray the rug with a little water spray. Then let it dry completely before putting it back. Rabbits do not like to be wet, so they will hide under the rug.

The Burdock, English, and Mediterranean breeds can benefit fromhay as it helps the hair follicles to grow. In the Europe it grows in betweenthe feet. The Mediterranean, Crested, and Globe breeds do best withpellets. Although pellets are not recommended for the Burdock, it seems to beone of the best. The reason why you should choose this type of food is because it provides vitamins and minerals to the rabbit and can aid in muscle growth and development. Other foods that are a great option are rabbit milk or juicethat is fortified with iron.

If you like this food then you can even add somevitamin c to it. The breeder told me that the best foods for the Burdock,English, and Continental breeds are vegetables and pellets. He said that theBurdock likes oats, peas, carrots, and cucumbers. Yes, Do 4-H rabbits have to be registered with the governing body in the UK. Although this is not a requirement to own and care for a rabbit, it is often a requirement for importing a rabbit to another country.

Importing rabbits in any form can prove difficult, if not impossible, in countries where the local laws are stricter. The pet trade has seen an increase in the number of rabbits and guinea pigs as pets over the last few years, and they can be a large animal to transport around.

This is especially true if they are travelling to a new country. The best thing to do is find out whether the local laws allow you to own and import these types of animals.

The most common form of transportation of rabbits across the English Channel is by car, train or plane. No-one wants to be caught out when the time comes to make your trip, and being on the safe side is always the best option. Again, it will be difficult to get your rabbit back, but again the best thing to do is know what the local laws are.

This is even more important if you are bringing a rabbit from another country into the UK, as there are stringent controls that need to be followed when the animal arrives. To register your rabbit, you will need to supply a written application to the local authority and prove ownership.

In some cases a lot of paperwork will be required, and the majority of pet shops will provide you with a checklist to help you comply with the regulations.

The main requirements of registration for Do 4-H rabbits is proof of health insurance. Registration can be difficult for people who do not have enough insurance for their animals. Many do rabbits are kept outdoors, and so a fenced yard will berequired. Do 4-H rabbits also have a requirement to be microchipped.

Whilst it may seem a minor issue, this is a requirement for many countries. People will spend a long time looking at feed bag labels trying to determine the healthiest diet for their rabbits. While that is admirable, sometimes the freshness of the feed and the consistency of the nutrition are more important than the brand of pellets. Ideally, show rabbits should have a diet low in protein and fat and high in fiber.

Always make sure the feed is fresh; rabbits will not condition well on stale pellets. A healthy base diet is more effective at getting your rabbit in top condition than any supplements you could throw in. Provide the proper environment. The cage must be located in an area with excellent ventilation. The surrounding temperature should not get above 85 degrees at any time of the year, at least unless you take measures to keep your rabbit cool and hydrated in hot weather.

The cage can be kept outside, but must be protected from predators and precipitation. It must be kept in a quiet area so your rabbit will not be stressed. Handle your rabbit often. This step must not be neglected if you want to be successful showing rabbits in 4-H.