Recently a friend of our family suffered the loss of a pet, at no fault of their own. They were inexperienced pet owners and ventured outside the conventions of either a dog or a cat, and went with a rabbit.
Some animals are relatively easy to take care of, they pretty much take care of themselves. That's because of thousands of years of controlled, calculated breeding on the part of humans. These animals have engineered themselves to adapt to being domesticated or being wild. That's why cats and dogs are so common, they have a history with humans that extends further back than recorded history. They are the default pets, they require maintenance but for the most part, they are pretty easy.
Rabbits, while domesticated, aren't necessarily bred as "pets". What sets a rabbit apart from a cat or a dog is one basic element: their intended purpose. Cats and dogs are designed to be predators. That's why they work so well with us, they keep vermin, pests, and otherwise destructive critters away from our crops. Rabbits are one of those destructive critters, they are prey animals. They aren't terribly hardy creatures, because they weren't designed to stay around that long; long enough to become a meal for a meat eater basically.
Rabbit breeders are a different sort. Some breed the animals to be domestic pets, because rabbits are cute and we like cute things, but they don't have a terribly long life span and can become victims to disease if you are not careful. Some breed them for food, either for larger animals or for man's consumption. Go to your local grocer and, depending on your area, you will find rabbit. Most meat markets will special order rabbit for you if they don't carry it in stock. Not the same for cats and dogs.
Then there are those breeders who have no idea what they are doing. For one reason or another they have started a small colony of rabbits and need to off load them. These rabbits, the ones that are not carefully bred, can be bought for cheap because their breeding hasn't been carefully controlled. They have likely mated within their own family and have genetic defects that shorten their lifespan significantly.
Further, if you, the pet purchaser, don't get the rabbit right after its been weaned from it's mother, you don't have much of an idea of how old the animal actually is. You may be getting a four year old rabbit that has a lifespan of five years.
Beyond that, you have to be willing to spend to keep the little bunny alive. You need a cage, a bed, a feed bowl, water bottle, bedding, a chunk of wood for them to chew on, the list really goes on. You get a dog, and you can keep him happy with a couple of cold hot dogs when you run out of food.
What it boils down to is, if you want a pet, make a plan, figure out what kind of animal suits your household best, be it fish, bird, cat, dog, or rabbit. Then determine that animal's needs. You can't wing it, and you shouldn't: that's dangerous to the animal and to your home.
Please, please do your research. Go on line, ask your local veterinarian, ask the professionals at your local pet store (Pet-co and Pet-Smart are good), but for the safety of that animal and the safety of your home, just take the time and research.
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