First thing first:

The first thing you want to do before you start looking for a rabbit is to make sure that you really are committed to a rabbit. Rabbits have a pretty decent lifespan, 5-8 years on average, but can live up to 12 years!

You want to treat a rabbit as you would any pet. Just like a cat or dog, they will need shelter, food, water, affection, attention, and enrichment. If you are not confident that you can provide this, whether it be mentally/physically/financially, then you should not commit to a rabbit.

If you or a family member is considering buying a rabbit, make sure to do the research first. Whoever wants the rabbit should be required to make a thorough plan for the rabbit (what they need to do to prepare and then ongoing care) before they are even allowed to start looking for rabbits for sale. 

If you have done the research and are still excited after knowing the work it will take, now you can begin your search for the perfect companion.


Choosing a Breed:

Once you are committed to a rabbit, you must decide which type of rabbit you want. The ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) recognizes 51 breeds of rabbits.



You can visit their website to see a list of all of the different breeds. I would also suggest that you get yourself familiar with the breeds so you know what the breed should look like. Some 'breeders' may claim their rabbit is a certain breed when it is really just a mix (mutt). Some breeders might also try to sell you a 'designer' bunny, which is basically just a bunny bred to look pretty/cute but has not been bred ethically or up to standard.

All breeds have their pros and cons. You should determine why you want to have a rabbit (what it's purpose it), and that should narrow down which rabbit fits your needs. 

All the breeds recognized by the ARBA can be great show breeds, but you need to make sure there are good breeders in your area for that specific kind of rabbit. Some breeds are specifically designed for meat production and would make great additions to a homestead. Some breeds make excellent pets, and there are many good pet breeds in varying sizes. Please note that if you are buying a pet rabbit, you should still buy from a reputable breeder.

Many times, smaller breed rabbits can be a little more timid and some small breeds are even known for being meaner. Just because it is little and cute, does not mean it will be a good pet!!! Many large breed rabbits act like dogs and are very friendly but get overlooked due to their size. For most families, a medium-sized breed rabbit is great first breed for pets/show. We may be bias, but we believe the Mini Lops are great dual-purpose rabbits! They tend to be friendly and also are a very popular show breed.


Finding a Breeder:

This can be tricky if you do not know where to look. There are some great Facebook groups where rabbit breeders can connect. For example, I live in MN and am part of a group called MN Rabbit Hobbyists. There are several other groups I am apart of too that have helped me find rabbitries near me. Be careful though on Facebook as there can be a lot of scams! Never send money before seeing the animal unless you are absolutely positive. I have only ever sent money online for rabbits from breeders I have heard of and know they have a good reputation. I also never send money until I know when I can pick them up.

The ARBA website also has a section for breeder information, so you might be able to find a breeder of the kind of rabbit you would like near you!



I have also used Craigslist to buy/sell rabbits and it has worked well for me. Craigslist is less strict on animal sales but sometimes does not have a high of quality rabbits posted there (not always lower quality animals, but you tend to see more backyard breeders there). I post on both Facebook and Craigslist though when I have animals for sale.

Breeder red flags:
- Always have bunnies available (overbreeding or flipping animals)
- Ask a crazy amount for their rabbits without proof of having good lines or any proof to back up their quality
- Ask for a payment before you see the rabbit. I would ask to have a phone call or for them to at least send you videos and schedule a day for pick up. Keep all messages as well so you have proof!
- Selling cross bred rabbits (only okay if crossing breeds for meat production)
- No pedigrees (can be okay sometimes but most reputable breeders only buy pedigreed or partially pedigreed stock)
- Won't tell you where they are located or only will once you tell them where you are from. Some people post without a location and then conveniently are close to you, so you pay and then they stop replying.
- Selling rabbits before 8 weeks or selling all of the litter right at 8 weeks. If they sell all the rabbits right at 8 weeks, they are likely doing it just for profit.

I am sure there are more red flags I am missing but these are definitely big ones!


Choosing the Right Rabbit:

You decided on a breed and now maybe even have a few options from good breeders. Now how do you decide? 

It is important to make sure you are certain about the rabbit before you buy it. Buyer's remorse for live animals is much worse than with anything else. You may not want it anymore, but it is a living creature, and you have committed to its care, so you need to be positive you pick right the first time.

Take time to hold the animal and be around it. Do you like its temperament? Is it a good size for you? (Keep in mind it might keep growing and won't stay that little forever). Does this breed suite the purpose you intend to have it for? Does this rabbit lineage add to the purpose? For example, if you want to show it, does it come from good show lines? Does the breeder have a pedigree for the animal and know how it's parents or grandparents did on the show table?

Ask the breeder any question you have! A good breeder will be happy to answer any question you have. Make sure you ask open ended questions and push for a detailed answer so they can't just tell you what you want to hear.

Instead of "Have you shown their parents before?", you can ask "Have you shown the parents, and if so, how did they do? Did they have any significant placings? What did the judges say about the parents?" If they have not shown the rabbit, ask them why. Was it just because they have been busy, but the rabbit is from good lines, and they feel confident the rabbit looks nice? Or have they not shown because the rabbit was not good enough quality to show? Sometimes you need to push for more answers and read between the lines. 

A great question I always ask a seller is why they are selling the animal. If there is a bad reason why they don't want it, you should know too. Most of the time breeders will be keeping their siblings instead who look better or are low on space and need to make cuts, but sometimes it has to do with how the animal looks. I let a buyer know both the strengths and weaknesses of an animal before they choose to buy it. If your breeder doesn't want to do that, they are probable hiding something or don't care whether you two are a good fit.

Don't feel bad if you don't decide to get the animal but do let the breeder know as soon as you decide so they can move on to another buyer. It is also okay to ask for more time to decide. If they are pushy, then they don't deserve your sale. However, do be respectful of their time as well and know that they won't let you ponder forever before they need to offer it to the next person.


Feel free to reach out to us with any questions! Even one's not related to our specific rabbits! We are passionate about helping educate and will take the time to answer any questions to the best of our ability.