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Because the domestic rabbit is cage-raised, it lends itself more readily than other farm animals to handling by people with special needs and opens up a new field of activity for them. They derive a great deal of satisfaction from producing meat rabbits, spinning Angora wool and making garments, or just raising rabbits as pets.

People may want to raise rabbits because they enjoy working with animals and thus can advantageously combine a hobby with prospects of a supplemental income. There are many ramifications to this type of activity (Fig. 1.9). Some people may develop an interest in attempting to improve a strain of rabbits by studying its characteristics in an effort to produce animals as nearly perfect as possible and derive a great deal of pleasure from showing them.

Fig. 1.9. Rabbits make fine pets! (Courtesy of Susan Smith)

Complete rabbit rations can be purchased in small quantities at most feed stores, and these pellets are clean, easy to store, and convenient to feed. Caution should be taken in purchasing very young rabbits, such as Easter bunnies, etc., for small children. In too many cases the rabbits are improperly handled or cared for and may be abused and die. A rabbit purchased for a child’s pet should be at least six to eight weeks of age, because it has passed its more delicate stage of development and is less likely to be injured while the child is being instructed by the parent as to the proper method for holding and playing with it.