The costs of keeping rabbits
- 80% of children get bored of their pet rabbit after 3 months.
- More than 33,000 rabbits are abandoned in the UK each year.
- Many adults see rabbits as children’s toys rather than a living creature.
- Many rabbits are left for children to look after with parents taking little or no interest. Lonely rabbits require more medical care adding to the expense.
- Paying /neutering one rabbit can cost up to £70.00
- VHD / Myxomatosis costs @£25.00 per rabbit, per year.
- Rabbits need plenty of warm fresh bedding. Straw and wood shavings are best. Pet shop straw and shavings can cost £10.00 per week.
- Hay is essential. £7.00 to £14.00 per week.
- Insurance can be around £5.00 per rabbit per month.
- Accommodation upwards of £99.00. Remember a shed is often cheaper than a pet shop hutch and far more suitable.
- Bowls, bottles, brushes and stuff… £15.00 one off expenses.
- Fruit, vegetables and willow… £7.00 per week.
- Holiday boarding £3.00+ per night.
- 1st aid kit… Papaya tablets, baby lotion, cotton wool, sudocreme, hibiscrub, hot water bottle, protexin powder and pellets, baby food, towels, indoor cadge, safety scissors…£70… £100.00
Rabbits can be amongst some of the most rewarding PETS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL EVER OWN. But don’t offer to adopt a rabbit lightly as they are time consuming and like all pets cost money to look after properly.
But if you do decide to, please don’t buy from a pet shop, ‘rescue a rabbit’ from one of the many caring rescue centres around the country. You will be giving discarded rabbits a real chance of happiness and feeling great about that is one of the joys of custodianship!
