There are over 500 varieties of rabbits and each varies greatly in size, colour and coat. A local rabbit show would be a good place to see the various breeds. Smaller breeds such as the Nederland Dwarf, Polish, Dutch or English breeds are probably more suitable as a child’s pet, as they are easier to handle and require less space.

If you are buying a young rabbit, ask if its possible to see the mother. This will give you a guide as to its future size.

Rabbits should not be purchased until they are 8 weeks of age. When buying a rabbit check your rabbit’s eyes and nose are clean and that its breathing is not laboured. It should have a clean coat and clean bottom with no sign of diarrhoea. Also watch the rabbit in its hutch to check that it is active and not sitting hunched in a corner on it’s own. This may be a sign that is ill.

You should only breed from your rabbit after very careful thought. A litter can contain up to 9 young (kittens) so you must make sure you have suitable homes for all the new babies.

Pregnancy (gestation) lasts approximately 30 days but will vary depending on the breed and the size of the litter. A larger hutch will be needed and the female (doe) will need a lot more food.

Once the babies are born do not disturb the doe for at least a week as she may kill her young. While her young are with her the doe may also be difficult to handle as she is very protective and may not want to be handled.

Female rabbits must be at least 6 months old before they are mated, or older if from a larger breed like the New Zealand White, Males must be at least 8 months of age.

When the female is ready to give birth she will pluck fur from her under body to line the nest. The kittens must stay with the does for 8 weeks and they will also need feeding.

A young rabbit can be sexed by picking it up by its scruff while supporting the body by a second hand. The second hand can also be used to hold the tail back, and the thumb used to clear the fur around the genitalia.

In the male, slight pressure applied to the genital region will expose the penis with its round opening. Using the same method of the female the vaginal opening appears as a slit. Mature rabbits need to be supported on a table or the thigh of the handler and the sex difference is clear: in the male the penis and testicles will be clearly seen and in the female the vaginal opening and vulva are more obvious.