Should I Get a Rabbit?

[Natasha95]

Hi everyone!
My name is Natasha, and I don't actually have a rabbit, but I've been doing my research, and I'm considering getting one, so I thought joining a forum would help me make the right decision.
I currently live at home, so I wouldn't be getting a rabbit until I move out, which won't be until the summer, and even then I want some time to settle in before getting a new pet. I also own two hamsters who free roam for about 20-30 minutes every night, and I don't know if it's a good idea to have a rabbit around them. What do you guys think?

Also, do I need to get two rabbits? There's a shelter nearby that has pairs and singles, so which would be the best option?

 

[Blue eyes]

Getting a rabbit (or two) is a big commitment -- both in time and money -- so it is great for you to be giving it such thought.

You have some time to think it through, so that works in your favor.

Some considerations are where you will be living. If you are just moving out of your parents' home, then are you going to own? rent? If you are renting, do they allow pets? Are there pet deposit fees?

Another consideration is the time/effort commitment. On a "care" scale from 1-10 with 1 being the easiest, I would place hamsters at a 2, while I would place rabbits at an 8+. Big difference.

Cost is another factor -- I mean maintenance costs. Monthly costs can be high depending on whether you are able to buy hay in bulk, litter in bulk, grow an herb garden, etc. This page on my website goes over monthly costs.

Hamsters and rabbits would probably ignore each other. If the hamsters are only out for that short time, they don't even need to be interacting with the rabbits. The rabbits, however, will need much more free roam time.

There are quite a few myths about what rabbits are like as pets. I list some of them here. In fact, the rest of the site will be worth reviewing as well as you make your decision.

Getting rabbits from a rabbit rescue is an ideal way to go! They are already fixed which is a huge plus for you (for cost, for personality assessment, for health - they're vet-checked). Getting an already bonded pair or a single is totally up to you. If you think you would eventually want two, then it is probably easiest to get an already bonded pair. Bonding rabbits can be a frustrating and difficult process (depending on the individual rabbits). I would not advise first-timers to deal with bonding rabbits. Getting a pair that is already bonded is just fine.

And of course, rabbits can live much longer than hamsters. If you get a rabbit (or two) that are already a year old, you may still have close to 10 years with them. Can you picture what your life will be like in 5 year? 10 years? Just some other thoughts to consider in case there may be any major upheavals during that time and/if it would affect your ability to continue caring for rabbits. Sounds, though, like you are one to think and plan things out.

 

[Natasha95]

Thank you! I will keep the forum updated on what I decide.

Not to get too personal, but since you mentioned not knowing what my life will be like in the 5 or 10 years, I also wanted to mention that I'm not sure what's going to happen within just the next year. Right now, my plan is to find an apartment with my out-of-state boyfriend who has a summer internship in the area and needs a place to stay. He's a little hesitant on getting a rabbit and the added responsibility and distraction while finishing up law school. I'm currently in grad school and working from home, so I'd have a lot more time to care for the rabbit during the day. But I'm also graduating in May, and I don't know what kind of job I'll end up with after graduation. I know these are all things I personally need to think about before getting the rabbit(s), but I wanted to give you some more background information in case you had any more advice.

 

[Blue eyes]

This is definitely a time of unknowns for you right now (exciting unknowns). My son and his wife are also in grad school and graduating in May. They are also in the process of figuring out where they will go and what they will do.

With the added info you've provided, I would advise holding off a bit on getting a rabbit(s). Rabbits do get awfully stressed when moving to a new home. If you got one before graduation, he may just be getting settled in when it'd be time to move to the apartment. Once in the apt., he'd be stressed all over again and having to re-settle. Then, during the summer and after the internship, and/or following a job offer, who knows where you may end up -- another move? More rabbit stress. (If you were to get two rabbits, the problems could be worse since moving a bonded pair runs the risk of breaking the bond as they sort out the new territory.)

I'd suggest minimally waiting until perhaps the end of summer when you can re-assess where you life seems to be heading. Those would be my thoughts, for what their worth.

 

[Natasha95]

Thank you! That makes a lot of sense. I'll definitely wait.