Many new breeders can avoid the disappointments and false starts by observing a few basic principles when buying rabbits:

1. Before beginning the search for a show bunny, attend a few shows to look at the breed and talk to the exhibitors. Ask questions about housing , feeding,breeding, etc. Make sure you have looked at the wide choice of colors available. Choosing a popular color means quality is more likely to be available, but it also means more competition for that coveted first place.
2. Narrow your color preference to one or two compatible colors. Wanting one of everything is all right if you have unlimited funds and do not plan to have a breeding program.
3. Buy a suitable, Dwarf-sized carrying cage. Buy a multi-compartment one if you expect to own more than one rabbit.
4. Now that you know what color you want, you first must find a breeder or find a rabbit. At first glance this seems to be a flip statement, but it is not intended to be such. You may begin you rabbit search by buying one rabbit that you like from this breeder, another from that breeder, and so on. Or you may find a breeder of the color you have decided to focus on, and buy a pair or trio of line-bred stock. Non-related rabbits may look better themselves, but their offspring may not look like them. Most often you will do best by buying stock that is somewhat related.
5. Leave the cute-5- week old bunnies for someone else. It takes a lot of experience to detect the subtle differences between baby bunnies that result in bigger differences as adults. Most serious breeders hold their promising youngsters until they can see what they will become. Buying 5-7 week old bunnies is like buying a lottery ticket. You may get lucky, but don’t count on it or bet your future on it. Buy 4-month-olds if you really want to know what they will be as adults.
6. When you have finally identified that must have bunny, reach agreement with the seller on some pre-purchase issues before you put your money down:

1. Focus on the rabbit, not its pedigree. Even a rabbit with 14 champions in its lineage may not be a winner or a good producer of quality offspring
2. Inspect the rabbit carefully. Check teeth, armpits, eyes, toes, undercolor, etc. Do not be mesmerized by how ‘cute’ it is or how short its ears are.
3. Discuss with the seller the circumstances under which they will replace or refund the purchase price.

If the rabbit is a youngster, what if it shows up 2 months, or 6 months, later with a disqualification such as bad teeth, a white nail, tail, or spot? If the rabbit is to be put immediately into a breeding pen, what if it does not kindle within an acceptable period? Will the breeder replace it or refund the purchase price? Most breeders will discuss these things if asked, but they assume that, if not asked, you are buying what you see, not what is in the future.

Most new purchasers think that breeders can guarantee certain things like tooth alignment, ease of breeding, etc. Experienced exhibitors/ breeders suffer from the same problems that new hobbyists do: our most promising baby develops a bad tooth alignment or white spots, or breaks a toe before ever being shown. With experience we learn that showing is only part of the hobby.

In any event, the time to have the discussion is before you hand over the dollars. After the purchase is not the time to rewrite the rules. The more expensive the rabbit is, the more important it is to have the return agreement agreed upon before purchase, if there is to be one. It is not fair to the seller to complain to others later about a rabbit you have purchased, especially when you have not done your part before the purchase. If you really feel in need of a guarantee, ask that it be put in writing, so that both of you can refer to it later, if need be.

Here are average prices** (breeding stock) for some popular breeds...................

7.) Before you leave with your new bunny ask how the rabbit has been fed, including the brand and amount of feed. Rabbits do not like change. Even a change in the way the hay has been dried will cause some to go on a hunger strike. If possible, especially if the rabbit is young, get a few days supply of it’s familiar feed to mix with your brand while the animal gets adjusted to it’s new quarters.

Original article by:
Donelle Bomben

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