Bargains for rabbit owners
Where can I find bargains for my rabbit?
- There are several ways to feed your rabbit cheaply.
- You can obtain free rabbit cages and equipment from Freecycle. If you buy used cages make sure that you clean them thoroughly with non-toxic cleaning products and warm water. All housing should be completely dry and well-aired before use.
- Search for money-off coupons when buying rabbit food and equipment online or in store.
- Compare supermarket and online prices for rabbit food and take advantage of supermarket price guarantee schemes.
How can I avoid paying expensive vet bills for my rabbit?
You can avoid expensive vet bills by taking note of the following advice:
- When you buy a rabbit try to find out about its history. This includes breeding details, feeding details and information about previous illnesses and medical conditions. Only buy rabbits from reputable sources and, if in doubt about this, check with your local RSPCA or vet.
- Rabbits can catch a variety of infectious diseases from other rabbits. Make sure that your rabbit does not come into contact with wild rabbits or any ill rabbits.
- Make sure that you feed your rabbit a healthy diet with daily access to grass, hay and washed leafy greens.
- You can avoid problems escalating and becoming expensive to treat by being proactive: check your pet every day for signs of injury or ill-health; check teeth and nails on a regular basis; treat your rabbit for fleas and worms, as advised by your vet; make sure that your rabbit is vaccinated and attends an annual health check.
Should I get my rabbit insured?
Rabbits can live for 8 – 12 years. Insurance is available to cover their lifetime, which means that illnesses and injuries will be treated for the life of your rabbit. However, although rabbits are smaller pets, insurance policies tend to be similar in price to those for larger pets, such as cats and dogs.
You will need to decide whether insurance is a good idea for your rabbit. If you follow the advice offered above you can minimise the need for expensive medical treatment. Nevertheless, some pet owners feel reassured if they have insurance in place. If you think you might struggle to pay vets bills, then insurance might be a good idea for you.