Dwarf rabbit, indoors

Ok, so i was looking after my step brothers netherland dwarf rabbit, and ive completely fallen in love with her, but she had to go home

So ive been thinking about perhaps, getting one of my own. I live at home so i needed the go ahead from my mum, and i have just got it! Im so excited. I have been doing my research and am aware of people on this forum who have rabbits. So basically, im looking for advice on cage sizes for dwarf rabbits, anything about the breed, whether to buy (I know, i would rather not, but i want to be able to socialise it) or adopt. Id also like to know what foods people use etc.

Id be grateful for any information.

You can use dog crates, 48" or more as a base, and have the rabbit free-range in the room.

I would always get from a rescue. You can get baby rabbits from rescues if you would rather get those.

I use Science Selective with my girls and they love it. Hay should make up 80% of their diet and you can give vegetables too.

You will need to consider their 'upkeep' too, such as vets bills. Rabbits will need 2-3 injections a year, depending on your area, 1 vhd, and 1-2 Myxi. (these cost about 50 pounds in total, but it depends on the vets)

You also need to think about neutering your new rabbit/s to prevent un needed babies. A neuter costs between 50pounds (for a male) and 90 pounds (for a female), again depending on the vet.

Rabbits are social animals, so you would be better off getting two, or having the view to get two. (this is how I did it with mine).

I know your Mum has said yes, but is she aware of the costs involved. I know quite a few young people on here have rabbits, Im sure they will be along to say how they manage it

I'm 17 and I pay for the rabbits completely through my wages. The accommodation and everything they needed first, such as bowls etc, had to be paid by the parents, but the actual upkeep is paid by me. It's more expensive than I thought, it costs me £70 a month but you can do it much cheaper if you know where to look.

Hi, thanks for the replies. I have assessed costs etc. I already have 3 guinea pigs, but feel i could afford a rabbit.

Its the cages im having the most trouble with. How do people use dog crates? Surely all the bedding just falls out? Sorry if that sounds stupid.

With my dog crates i use fleece blankets, indoor buns dont need sawdust (assuming thats what you meant) sawdust shouldnt be used.

You could also build a pen onto a dog crate to allow more space :wave:

The dog crates have a solid plastic tray in the bottom! Others on here including myself use NIC storage cubes if you do a search on them there will be lots of threads with piccies! You can buy them from B&Q I use an off cut of lino and carpet on the floor and shelves!

If the rabbit is litter trained you won't need bedding in the whole cage anyway:3
I kept one of mine in a run in my bedroom with only a pair of litter boxes (well he wasn't completely litter trained:lol: but he never weed outside the box and the droppings are dry)
The run was cheaply made too, and better than the pet shop cage which annoyed me because the entire cage would rattle when the rabbit moved (and I was trying to sleep :roll: ) besides... for some reason Sasuke wouldn't go out of the pet shop cage. I was worried he didn't get enough exercise. So to give him more room I made this:


Sure Sasuke is a lot bigger than a netherland dwarf, but a cage can never be too big