Find out as much as you can about rabbits before making a decision. Ask friends, your vet, read books and speak to the breeders. There are lots of different rabbit breeds and you should try to get one that will suit the whole family. If you want a baby rabbit then go to a breeder or a good pet shop. You can also try a local rescue centre who will have both babies and adult rabbits to choose from.

Choose a rabbit who is friendly, lively and active and make sure that he is healthy with no obvious signs of problems. It is really important not to take a rabbit any younger than six to eight weeks old away from his mother so always ask the age of the baby rabbit before purchasing.

When a rabbit is very young, it can be difficult to tell whether it is male or female, so it is a good idea, unless the breeder is very knowledgeable, to take it to a vet, especially if you are getting more than one!

Rabbits are sociable animals and wild rabbits live in groups of 10 to 15. If you decide to purchase only one rabbit then remember that he will become very dependant on human company and will become very lonely if you do not give him lots of attention. Some people think it is a good idea to have a rabbit and a guinea pig living together but this does not alwlays work as they eat different food and although they can become good friends the rabbit will be more aggressive and the poor guinea pig can become timid through being bossed around.

It’s a good idea to purchase everything you need before collecting your new rabbit and remember that if you are purchasing a baby, he will find everything very strange from the minute he leaves his mum and his home. Give him lots of love and attention as he will be lonely and will miss his mum, brothers and sisters. If you take some time to prepare for his arrival you will help to make it easier for him to settle in.

Here are some of the things to purchase before you pick your rabbit up:

Quality wooden rabbit hutch – The rabbit hutch must be weatherproof with an overhang to stop rain getting in. The hutch is better if it is not directly on the floor, particularly in wet, damp weather. Either place on bricks to prevent rising damp and draughts or purchase a hutch on legs. The rabbit hutch should be positioned in a sheltered place, away from strong sunlight and winds. Make sure that the doors of the rabbit hutch are secure to stop cats and other animals entering.

Food dish – Rabbits spend a lot of time eating and nibbling and need to have food available 24 hours a day. Make sure his food dish is heavy so that he can’t easily knock it over. Your rabbit will eat a good quality rabbit mix and hay as the main part of his diet. Your vet can advise you on this.

Water bottle – This should be hung onto the side of the hutch and your baby rabbit will soon get used to drinking from it. It is very important to make sure that the water stays fresh and clean all day so change the water daily.

A mineral/vitamin stone should always be available for him to gnaw on as this helps to keep his teeth from growing too long and also provided your rabbit with essential vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy.

Your rabbit should be kept stimulated and amused to stop him from becoming bored so purchase him some toys to play with. He will love a hard plastic ball to roll about and the cardboard rolls from inside toilet paper or kitchen paper towels is usually enjoyed to the full.

When you go to collect your rabbit,remember a rabbit can wriggle about a lot and so it is a good idea to put him in a cardboard box with air holes in it and lined with hay. You can purchase these from pet shops or you vet.

When you first get him home, put him in his rabbit hutch and leave him to settle down and investigate his new home. He might decide to stay in the sleeping area for most of the first day but don’t worry about this becuase he is probably missing his mum, brothers and sisters. Each time you pass his rabbit hutch, talk to him quietly to let him know you are there and that he isn’t on his own. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t want to eat much for the first few days as this is a natural reaction to the change he is experiencing. On the second day you can take him out of the hutch for the first time.

Remember to speak to your vet about having your rabbit vaccinated soon after you get him home as this is important.

Your rabbit will soon become tame and affectionate if you handle him often but it is important to do this properly. Never chase your bunny or he will never trust you – he will become timid and possibly aggressive. Never pick him up by the ears as this hurts and is cruel. Instead, support him by the scruff of the neck with one hand, scoop him up quickly and then immediately put your other hand under his bottom, bringing him into your chest. Hold him securely but gently, talking quietly to him to make him feel safe, secure and relaxed.

If he tries to wriggle away be very careful not to drop him as a fall could hurt him badly or even kill him. Some rabbits are not happy at being picked up straight away but this doesn’t mean they are unfriendly as they still like to be cuddled and stroked. After a while your rabbit will trust you totally and will not feel nervous or worried when you pick him up or hold him. It just takes patience!

Make sure your rabbit has plenty of exercise by purchasing him a rabbit run – this is ideal in summer when your rabbit will love to run around and kick his legs. People underestimate the importance of exercise but rabbits love freedom and to keep a rabbit locked up in his rabbit hutch all day is a cruel practice.

Rabbits make lovely, affectionate pets if looked after properly and they will bring you and your family hours of endless fun.