What breed is best for me or my children?
     Rabbits and cavies are much like humans, in that each has their own disposition, characteristics, and temperament. It is nearly impossible to rubber stamp a breed as being docile, aggressive, mean, etc. It all depends on the individual animal.
     In most cases, if the animal is obtained at an early age (6 - 8 weeks recommended), and handled as much as possible so it becomes aware it is in no danger or jeopardy, it will become accustomed to being handled and should enjoy being held as much as you enjoy holding it.
Rabbits are timid creatures, and frighten easily. Fast movements and loud noises around them may frighten them, and if so, they may struggle or try to get away and hide. In so doing, they may scratch or occasionally nip at you, however it is being done out of fright and not aggressiveness. This should be considered if you are planning to have your rabbit around young children. 
     You should think about your end goal with your animal, and try to decide on a breed that will be the proper size you desire. The smaller breeds seem to mature quicker, and can be introduced into breeding programs sooner than the larger breeds, if breeding is something you have considered. Naturally the smaller breeds require less pen space, and less feed.
     Attending a rabbit show and seeing the various breeds, sizes, colors, speaking with breeders, etc. may be the best way to determine which breed will be best for you.

How big should the pen be, and from what materials should it be made?
     Rule of thumb is that minimum pen space provided should be about 3/4 of a square foot per pound of mature weight. Therefore, a 10 pound animal would require a pen at least 30" x 36" (3/4 square ft x 10 pounds = 7.5 square ft. A pen 30" x 36" = 1080 square inches = 7.5 square ft.). Naturally a larger pen is not harmful, and how much larger is at your discretion.
     Building materials can vary from wood, to PVC plastic, to wire. The design of your pen is up to you, and how elaborate you wish to get. The basic pen is made of all wire, which is the most sanitary type of pen, as the waste from the rabbit will fall through the wire floor onto the ground or into a pan which might slide out from under the pen. This latter method is a great space saver, as pens can be stacked on top of each other, with the sliding pan stopping any waste from falling through to the pen below. For designs of pens click here. 

Should my rabbit be kept inside or outside?
     It is your choice whether to keep your rabbit inside or outside. Rabbits can adapt very easily to environment and conditions. However, it should be kept in mind that they need to be protected from the elements at all times. They should not be kept anyplace where they would be in a direct draft, come into contact with rain, snow, etc., nor should they be kept where they would be in the direct sunlight. Rabbits are wearing a fur coat, so they can withstand colder temperatures much better than they can withstand heat.
     If kept outside, it is good to envision how you will protect the animal from the elements before obtaining it. Building or purchasing a pen that will provide the necessary protection from the elements should be first and foremost in planning for your rabbit.

Can I keep 2 or more rabbits together?
     Rabbits are very territorial, and in most cases, if multiple rabbits are kept together they will end up fighting at some point. Normally, when reaching sexual maturity they may become aggressive and start positioning for dominance, which can lead to fighting. Rabbits are usually satisfied to be alone, and having a partner to live with is not necessary. Especially if you provide care and attention to the animal daily.
     There are, however, cases where multiple rabbits have been successfully kept together without fighting. If you wish to have more than 1 rabbit kept together, we suggest introducing them at a young age, keeping a close eye on them, and if one or more become aggressive, separate them at that time to prevent injury to any of the animals. 

What should I feed my rabbit, and how much?
     There are a number of commercially made rabbit feeds available. These have been scientifically designed to provide a well balanced diet with all of the nutrients needed for a rabbit to grow and remain healthy. Check your local feed or animal supply stores for which brand is available in your area. 
     Overfeeding can be your rabbits worst enemy. Remember, these animals are much smaller than we are, so it is certainly not necessary to feed them in portions that would equal what we eat. Becoming "over fat" can shorten the longevity of a rabbit, present problems for reproduction, as well as other complications.
     The amount of feed your rabbit will consume depends greatly on the breed and size of the animal. Normally, smaller breeds will consume 3 - 5 ounces of feed per day, while larger breeds will consume 6 - 10 ounces per day. Some rabbits will require slightly more feed than others of the same breed, depending on their individual characteristics. You must learn what the appropriate amount of feed for your rabbit is without overfeeding.
     Supplements or treats can be offered, however green leafy substances are not recommended (with exception of alfalfa). Again, the commercially made rabbit pellets offer a balanced, nutritional diet. It is not necessary to offer teats or supplements. However, if you do, they should be given in moderation. 

When can I sell or wean my rabbits?
     Under normal conditions, rabbits can be weaned anytime after they are 6 - 8 weeks of age, depending on how well they have grown and are eating on their own. Once they appear to be eating and drinking well on their own, they can be separated from the mother and moved to individual pens, or several grouped together until they have further developed.
     When selling a rabbit, whether they are young or old, it is a good idea to offer some feed to the new owner. It can be mixed with their feed, if they have a different brand, so the animal is not switched from one feed to another with no transition period.
     Caution should be exercised so as to not remove kits from their mother too early, or to sell young rabbits before they have grown and developed to the stage they are eating and drinking well, and can survive on their own.

How do I stop my rabbit from biting, chewing, or urinating on the floor?
     Rabbits are each unique in their own personal characteristics. If you find your rabbit is doing something that it should not, like biting, chewing, or "marking its spot", you need to try and resolve the situation . Many people will scold the animal by making a loud noise such as clapping their hands, or rolling a newspaper up and slapping their leg or hand. The loud noise warns the rabbit it is doing something it should not. Neutering your rabbit may help to calm its disposition and bad habits also, but would stop any reproduction for that animal, and will prevent the animal from being shown at an ARBA sanctioned rabbit show.