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The best place you can find your pet rabbit is at the rabbitry of a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders work hard to promote responsible pet ownership and to maintain a healthy and happy herd of bunnies. You can show your support of responsible breeding by going to responsible breeders! Rabbit breeders often have pet quality rabbits for sale as well as show quality, don't think they only have show rabbits available.
Among the benefits of buying from a responsible breeder:
-Breeders DO have adult rabbits available as well as babies. This gives you a chance to give a good home to retiring show rabbit.
-Breeders don't breed rabbits with genetic problems
-You can see the parents of your perspective rabbit
-Breeders don't sell rabbits that have bad temperaments
-The price is better than from a pet store
-And the health of the rabbit is better!
-Rabbit breeders will have up to date information on proper rabbit care
-They will be there to help you long after you buy the rabbit
-They can correctly sex a rabbit
-You can get written care instructions
-You can get instructions on how to properly handle your rabbit
-You can get a purebreed rabbit, remember there are 45 different recognized breeds of rabbits in the US!
Many pet stores are not picky about where their rabbits come from. Many times they will take the results of pet owner's accidental breeding. This means the rabbit could have genetic problems, could be a mixed breed, & may not be as hardy and healthy as a breeder's rabbit. Many people complain that the "dwarf" rabbit they purchased from a pet store grows up to be a 10 lb. Giant! If you buy from a breeder you are assured of getting a purebred representative of that particular breed. In addition the breeder will correctly sex your rabbit, too many store employees seem to have trouble doing that. Pet stores are primarily interested in money and profit however most breeders are raising rabbits as a hobby and not a profitable venture. Many stores don't provide written care instructions either. If you buy a rabbit from a pet store that does not: provide care instructions, cares where a rabbit is coming from, educates their employees, will provide future assistance or help, then you are contributing to the problem of irresponsible pet ownership.
If you get a rabbit from an irresponsible pet owner's accidental litter, again who knows what genetic problems are lying in wait. It is much better to purchase a rabbit from a breeder who knows the background of their rabbits and has a purpose for breeding rabbits. This way you may be able to save on the expenses and emotional heartache of dealing with chronically sick rabbits.
A shelter or rabbit "rescue" are also sources of pet rabbits. Animal rights activists often try and give pet owners a guilt trip if they decide to go to a responsible breeder or present "adoption" as the only option for obtaining a pet. Where you get your pet is your decision and you should not let animal rights activists influence your decision, most of the time they lie anyway to manipulate people. If you choose a rabbit "rescue" be aware that some rescuers are actually not, rather they are animal "collectors". These "collectors" have a serious problem in that they collect more animals than they can properly care for and are actually committing neglect and cruelty. Do not get animals from these people as their animals are usually sick and many times pregnant since the collectors aren't altering the animals. To identify a possible "collector" posing as a rescuer look out for:
-Large number of animals running loose in and out of the house
-Reluctance to adopt an animal to you
-House is filthy, usually feces all over and other evidence of neglect
The rabbit "rescue" community has had many examples of pseudo-rescuers. They do not police their own so just because someone says they "rescue" doesn't mean they actually do. Some even steal animals from farms, labs, or buy them from pet stores and call them "rescues".
How to choose a responsible breeder:
Once you have a list of names the next step is to contact the breeders to inquire about available stock. You may have to wait for that special rabbit so be patient. It is best to make arrangements to visit the rabbitry even if you are meeting the breeder at a show. When you visit the rabbitry check that:
-The cages are clean, no strong smell of urine or overflowing drop pans
-The rabbits look healthy, signs of disease include: listlessness, sores, diarrhea, nasal or eye discharge, sneezing.
-The animals have clean water and toys
-Ask what organizations the breeder belongs to (pluses if they are members of ARBA and their breed specialty club)
A responsible breeder will also be willing to spend time with you answering questions and provide verbal and written instructions. Some breeders also have health guarantees. If there is something about a particular rabbitry you dislike or bothers you then don't buy the rabbit from there. Sometimes pet owners buy animals from irresponsible breeders despite not liking what they see, or a lack of instruction, advice, etc. You're just as much to blame for problems if you buy from this person depsite having reservations.
You can find breeders at rabbit shows, through local rabbit clubs, or in advertisements. You can contact the American Rabbit Breeders Association for a list of breeders, clubs, and shows local to you.
Or Check out these sites with Breeder Directories or Classified ad listings:
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