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Breeding like rabbits and rabbit breeding aren’t the same thing. Surprisingly successful rabbit breeding takes a bit more effort than some soft lighting and mood music.

While not uncommon, rabbits are considered exotic pets. The first thing to think about is what will you do with the offspring?

A few things to know. The male rabbit is a buck and the female a doe. Depending on size female rabbits generally mature before the male. A good rule of thumb is rabbits are completely ready to breed by the time both male and female are nine months old.

Unless you are an expert,ideally you should match the same types and sizes of rabbits for breeding. The more you know about the history of the rabbits including any health problems, the better. It goes without saying, stronger healthier animals breed better.

Timing is important. When the doe is ready to breed, her genital area will become swollen and very red. On the other hand, bucks are generally ready and willing to breed at anytime.

If the breeding is successful, you’ll know soon. The gestation period of rabbits is only 31 days. Near the end of the gestation, the doe will be ready to nest to deliver the kits (babies). You should help her by providing a nesting box completely filled with hay.

Once the kits arrive, you are officially a rabbit breeder.

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Hare. Bunny. Rabbit. They all mean the same thing, a sweet furry friend for life. Although considered by some as an exotic pet, rabbits can provide as much love and companionship as a dog or cat. But you have to do your part to keep them happy, healthy and safe.

A rabbit lives on average for 10 years. Like any pet, there is a commitment you need to make and keep for the life of your rabbit. Rabbits are social animals. When they bond with you they will experience sadness when you are not around or paying attention to them. Don’t forget, a rabbit isn’t like a cat or dog. They have their own unique lifestyle and quirks.

A house and proper food are essential. You can look up relevant information bout proper food and housing in http://www.ebayclassifieds.com/. In general, you can buy quality rabbit pellets from the store for food. Water should always be fresh and available. A cage should be large and have a proper floor. Wire floors can damage their feet. The cage is their home and should make them feel safe. Fill the cage with a litter box, hay, toys and it’s a perfect place for a food bowl and water.

Play with your rabbit. Don’t let them sit in the cage all day. They love to be social and interact with you. The more you play and bond with your rabbit, the quicker you will become lifelong friends.

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Having something furry in your house that loves you and is glad to see you when you get home is wonderful. Rabbits will do that and be fantastic pets and friends. In addition to the love and attention, rabbits need the right kinds of food.

Despite all the cartoons, carrots are not the only food for rabbits. Good general care is to use commercially available rabbit pellets. They are full of nutrition and the proper vitamins your rabbit will need. Because they are food, pellets can spoil if left our too long. Seal them in air-tight containers or better yet buy food in smaller quantities that won’t go bad after a couple of weeks.

Fresh water is also required for any animal. Rabbits should have access to fresh water at all times. Again store-bought water dispenser that fit on a cage are perfectly good provided they are filled and cleaned regularly.

Rabbits need hay as well. Aside from its comfy qualities for a quick nap, hay provides roughage for rabbits to reduce blockage and keep their tummies happy. Munching on hay also reduces the chances of hairballs and related health problems. 

Vegetables are excellent treats for your rabbit. Look for dark leafy vegetables and of course root vegetables are beloved by the whole species.

It may not happen to you specifically, but know it does happen — maybe you have a friend or family member that constantly tries to pawn off their pets to you, or simply finds strays constantly, leaving you and your family with the responsibility to do the Craigslist route, Humane Society route, or simple animal shelter deal.

Not that you have a problem with it, though. But take note of this….

It’s not your responsibility! If you have pets, they’re your responsibility. If others bring in other animals — that’s another story.

You have to think about extra food, extra maintenance, diseases, everything. If somebody keeps bringing animals into your house, simply put your foot down and say ‘no.’ They’re not your responsibility.

Yes, it’s true — you end up feeling like a major meanie. But the truth is if you don’t have the means to take care of all those animals, they’re not going to fare well in your house. The one who brought them into your house was not you. You need to get them out of your house, so they can have a better chance of living. It’s as simple as that.

Love your own pets as members of your family like you always do — because it’s your home, your household, your life. No one else’s.