So you want to bring home a bunny -  Have you thought about the following...?

Is a rabbit the right pet for my family?
While they don't require walking, and wont bark to disrupt the neighbours, there are still important care requirements to ensure your rabbit has a long and happy life.  Read our care information to get a sense of whats involved. A happy rabbit is one that has social interaction and stimulation (eg. playtime and cuddles) in addition to it's basic needs being met (safety, a clean shelter, appropriate diet and fresh water, vet care as needed). The more love and gentle attention you give a rabbit, the more friendly and interactive it will be. If you have young children, supervision will be needed to ensure the rabbit is handled safely. Rabbits can make great pets if you understand their requirements.

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Which rabbit breed is suitable?
Abbey Green produces purebred mini lop and netherland dwarf rabbits. From time to time, we may have adult rabbits available for re-homing (rescue/rehome or retired from breeding). We have some information about the physical description and usual personality type of each breed on our For Sale page.. Mini lops are generally well suited for children as they are naturally inquisitive and fairly robust for their size.   They are intelligent and great fun for all ages. The netherland dwarf is a smaller variety and a little more fragile in bone structure. Better suited for older children and adults, or children who are very gentle.

Is this the best timing?
Our rabbits are very precious, and its important to us that they find long term responsible homes. We simply aren't interested if you are seeking a 'holiday fad', dont want to spend the necessary time and expense for upkeep and health care, or are going to forget about poor bunny if the novelty wears off. We remain selective about the homes that adopt our precious babies, so please don't be offended if we ask a few questions to help us ensure our bunnies are a good fit. Our bunnies are not  'throw-away' gifts. Some considerations are:

- Are you commited to care for the pet for the next 7-10years?
- How will you help the pet feel safe and secure once they come home?
- Who will care for your new family member if you have a holiday planned?
We reserve the right to refuse sale if we consider it in the best interests of the bunny.  

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So how do we make it happen?
Look for details of available babies on the website under the For Sale section. This includes photos, colour and sex. If you see a baby bunny that you might like to meet, proceed to the Purchase Information page for relevant information. 

Why choose an Abbey Green bunny?
Put simply, we have the experience and knowledge you and your new family member deserve. All kits bred at Abbey Green come from quality, purebred parentage, and are cared for to a high standard.  The health, quality and temperament of my rabbits is always the primary focus of my hobby.  I aim to breed rabbits that are a happy, healthy and true representation of their breed. Buying from an experienced breeder with purebred quality breeding stock ensures your new family member has predictable characteristics - including size, shape and nature. 

Over the past 19 years of breeding rabbits, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge regarding the various health issues rabbits may encounter, and have worked hard to minimise the risk within my breeding lines. 

Maintaining a rabbitry is a significant commitment and I spend many hours each day caring for my rabbits and researching to ensure I can provide the best care standards and follow up support. I frequently receive positive feedback regarding the level of follow up support I provide, and many people contact me after being recommended. 

This is my commitment to my hobby, and your new pet.

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Buck (male) or Doe (female)?
Temperament based on sex varies with breed, with greater differences noted in breeds produced for meat or fur rather than companionship. It often comes down to individual personality rather than sex, with handling and interaction in early life playing a significant role in temperament. If I were to choose my ten most friendly mini lops, half would be bucks and half would be does. Its not as simple as one sex making a better pet than the other.

The main consideration is if you plan not to desex, as a percentage of bunnies may develop unwanted hormonal behaviour; fortunately this is not all rabbits. In a buck, he may spray or sometimes circle your feet when you are nearby. In a doe, it may be hutch protectiveness; which can vary from hiding in the corner grunting to express their displeasure of you invading the space they intend to raise babies in (regardless of actual pregnancy), to boxing, lunging or nipping/biting behaviour. Remember, if your rabbit begins to display these behaviours, it is not that they are nasty or mean; they are simply doing what their hormones are telling them to do. Its these varying hormonal behaviours that often lead people to make broad judgements about whether bucks or does make better pets, but there are pros and cons for both that need to be considered.

Both buck and doe hormonal behaviour is unpleasant, but the good news is it can be reduced or eliminated with desexing. Fortunately the vast majority of mini lops are interactive and affectionate despite remaining intact. If you plan to house two bunnies together; desexing allows you to pair any combination; one of each sex, two does, or two bucks. If you don't want to desex then you will be best having two girls (as intact boys will usually fight), however you may need to desex once they reach maturity regardless, and desexing does reduces the risk of ovarian and uterine abnormalities.