Buying Rabbits

Unfortunately, like in every industry, there are dishonest and greedy rabbit raisers. So how do you know who you can trust? Well, trust the rabbits. Make sure to ask the breeder about the parents, their temperament, their size at the different ages listed, any sicknesses or medical treatments administered. Below is the Hostile Hare rabbit buying checklist.

Parent’s stats and condition

  • Inspect breeders for size and shape (thick thighs and round backs are best)

  • Check ears for ear mites

  • Check teeth for overgrowth

  • Check genitals for rashes or other STD signs

  • Any sneezing rabbits in rabbitry?  (Y)  (N)
    If so, milky yellow white snot present?    (Y)  (N)
    (These are signs of snuffles or pasturella. Should there be ANY infected rabbits in the rabbitry that exhibit these symptoms buy elsewhere.)

  • Weight of father at 4 weeks____8 weeks_____ 6 months____ present_____

  • Weight of mother at 4 weeks____8 weeks_____ 6 months____ present_____

  • 4 weeks 16 ounces +/- (2 ounces), 8 weeks 4-5 pounds, 6 months 8-9 pounds, present 9-12 pounds (breed size does very, these numbers are good for large meat rabbits I.E. NZ whites, Californians and the like)


Rabbit to be bought

  • Check ears for ear mites

  • Check teeth for overgrowth

  • Check genitals for rashes or other STD signs

  • Check fur around the nose and on front legs for yellow staining (snuffles)

  • 4 weeks 16 ounces +/- (2 ounces), 8 weeks 4-5 pounds, 6 months 8-9 pounds


If buying a breeding age rabbit

  • Inspect breeders for size and shape

  • Age 6 months- 1-year-old? (Still prime breeding) (Y) (N)

  • Why is a breeder being sold?


There are good people in the rabbit world that want to help you and give you good advice. There are many who will go out of their way to teach you and assist you in your startup. When buying rabbits though, always trust the rabbits!

Now that you’re armed with info and questions, head over to the Raising Rabbits website and find a breeder near you!

For more info on starting up, be sure to read the blog post "pitfalls" to glean a bit of advice from someone who has been there, and done that...

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