Rabbits are one of the most sincere animals in the world and this is why many people pet them.
If you wish to get them too, then we are here to help you with all the essentials that would help you make an informed decision.
How much does a rabbit cost in India?
The price of one rabbit in India can range between Rs. 150 to Rs. 1000. On average, you can buy one rabbit at the cost of Rs. 500 and the price can differ depending upon several factors like in which city you are buying, whether you are buying from breeders or pet stores etc.
India is large country with several states and price differ from one state to another depending upon the availibility of rabbits at pet store. Lets have a look over the factors that influence the cost of pet rabbit in India.
Factors affecting the price of Rabbits in India
Who you get a rabbit from
Rabbits bought from pet stores are costlier than the ones purchased from elsewhere. The ones purchased from the breeders are often way too costly or cheaper when compared to the average price.
The larger breeders charge more compared to the smaller ones as they only have a few litters in a year and so they sell their rabbits at discounted rates.
You can get rescue rabbits from the previous owner or even from an animal shelter. The ones that come from a previous owner are the least expensive or even free. They come with a cage, other essentials and usually, they are spayed or neutered.
The bunnies that come from animal shelters are often costlier as they are already spayed or neutered and may have taken the essential vaccinations as well.
Pedigree rabbits are costlier
Purebred rabbits with pedigrees are costlier than mixed ones and those that are purebred but not papered.
A few rabbit owners are ready to pay additional charges for the pedigrees if they decide to breed them later.
Rare coloured bunnies are costlier
Many rabbit breeds come in different colours and some are more desirable and rarer. This is what makes them more expensive.
Show winning ancestors cost more
Not all purebred are equal. Bunnies that come from award-winning parents and grandparents are costlier than others.
Vaccinated bunnies are expensive
In many European countries, vaccinated rabbits are mandatory. On the other hand, in the United States, vaccinations are voluntary.
Most bunny owners get their cute little pet vaccinated against the common rabbit diseases and if the rabbit is already vaccinated, then it may cost costlier.
Microchipped rabbits are expensive
A microchip transmitter is inserted painlessly under the rabbit’s skin by the vet so that if you lose your rabbit, and someone finds it, then the microchip can be scanned to recover the contact details.
Rabbits don’t wear collars like dogs and cats. Thus, the microchip is the only way to find identify your little pet if he gets lost.
The original owner transfers the microchip to you to update the contact details. If you decide to get the rabbit microchipped, it would cost you around Rs.4000, thus having a bunny with a microchip will cost you more.
Desirable breeds are expensive
Every rabbit breed is popular for some characteristics. The degree of these features depends from rabbit to rabbit.
For instance, the lionhead rabbits are popular for their furry mane. Not all bunnies are created equal. Some have standard manes while some have double manes.
His double manes are rare and more desirable, making them more expensive as well.
Litter box trained rabbits are costlier
All bunnies can be litter trained but they may have accidents even if they are potty trained, so know this before you get one.
A trained rabbit makes much less mess than an untrained one.
Can we keep rabbit as pet in India?
Imported rabbit breeds legally permitted to be kept as pets in India while native wild rabbit breeds are not allowd as pets. As per the Wilde Life Protection Act, 1972, rabbits that are native to India are termed as wild and protected. Albino rabbits are popular among the pet lovers in India.
Is rabbit a good pet?
Rabbits are great pets because they are social animals that enjoy interacting with their human family, they are clean and easy to care for, and they are relatively low-maintenance.
They need a lot of space to run around, and you’ll need to provide them with a litter box and hay to eat. They can be playful and social animals, but you’ll also need to be prepared to give them plenty of attention.
Types of Rabbits
Fully arched
The fully arched rabbits are perky and ready to bolt. They can stand on their toe and these are not easily available in India.
They are imported and rare to find in India. The fully arched bunnies are Belgian Hare, English spot, Tan, Rhinelander, and Britannia Hare. Thus, you can choose to get the one you wish to.
Semi arched
The bunny breeds in India are semi-arched with mandolin shaped curve. This rabbit type is inactive most of the time.
The various types of semi-arched rabbits are Flemish Giant, English Lop, Giant Chinchilla and American Beveren. They are resistant to diseases and you can find these rabbits at top pet keepers in India.
Commercial type
These commercial type rabbits are grown for meat production. They are usually found in New Zealand.
The ones are bred for meat gain quick sense. These are French Lop, Rex, Satin, Silver Marten, Harlequin, Hotot and Silver Fox.
Compact kinds of bunnies
The small and medium-sized bunnies are considered to be compact kinds of rabbits. They are round and have small neck. Mini-rex and Mini-satins are pint-sized bunnies.
Some of the best ones of this type are Mini Lop, American Fuzzy Lop, English Angora, Lilac, Mini Rex, Dutch, etc. They are friendly in nature and thus there is always something new to learn about them.
Cylindrical
The only cylindrical bunny is the Himalayan breed. It is a rare kind that is only found in India. It is a round, long, snake-like shape, and slinky with no rise to hindquarters.
The colour of this type of bunny is white and they cannot be kept as a pet. If you get to keep one then it would be available at a very high rate.
15 Rabbit Breeds in India
Holland Lop
Native to the Netherlands, the Holland lop rabbits are one of the popular breed among the rabbit lovers. They are cuddly and has good temperament.
This rabbit breed is found in a few coastal regions of India. It weighs between 1 and 2 kgs. It is small in size just like any other rabbit.
Holland lop rabbits has floppy ears thats make them look cute and stand out.
What makes the Holland Lop different is its energy and friendliness. Remember that this breed of rabbit sheds a lot in the summers. They have a life span of between 7 and 14 years.
Mini Rex
This is one of the most popular rabbit breeds in India. The size of this breed is between 1.5 kgs and 2 kgs.
They are sensitive and calm. This breed does not need too much grooming and it’s easy to care for them. They have a lifespan of between 5 and 7 years.
Dwarf Hotot
This is one of the most active rabbit breeds in India. It is super-friendly and bonds well with its owner.
This breed is at a high risk of malocclusion and it requires the right treatment at the right time. The life span of the bunny breed is 7 to 10 years.
Dutch Lop
The Dutch Lop breed of rabbit weighs between 2 and 2.5 kgs. They are gentle and highly social, thus it is easy to make friends with them.
This rabbit breed requires exercise every day and proper care. The life span of this breed is 5 to 8 years and may have regular rabbit issues. It is one of the most common rabbit breeds in India and a good option to consider as a pet.
Mini Lop
This rabbit breed weighs between 2 and 3 kgs and is of an average bunny size. Mini Lop is a super-soft rabbit and people love to cuddle them and yes, he loves getting cuddled too.
It is an active breed and can chew food very quickly. The Mini Lop can be found in bushy areas and it has a life span of between 5 and 10 years with a few health problems.
Netherland Dwarf
This is a special rabbit breed that weighs less than a kg. They are the smallest of all rabbit breeds. They are shy but get friendly when they get to know the owner.
Remember that these rabbits should be kept indoors and require regular exercise. Their life span is more than most rabbit breeds, around 10 to 12 years.
Mini Satin
The main difference between the Mini Satin and Mini Lop is that the former breed is inactive and quiet.
The size of this rabbit breed is between 1.5 and 2 kgs. They are super gentle and calm. They are usually found in satin colour, having the regular rabbit health problems. Children love this rabbit breed and they are expected to live for 5 to 8 years.
Lionhead
The lionhead rabbit breed is super energetic and loves to play with people. They are very affectionate and weigh between 1 and 1.5 kgs.
They are at a high risk of the wool block, which makes them need special grooming. They are expected to live for 7 to 10 years. This breed is rare to find and also known to be one of the best pet.
Polish
Polish is a rabbit breed that is too affectionate and loves cuddling. It is one of the cutest rabbit breeds in India. Its size ranges between 1 and 1.5 kgs.
It wise to keep this breed indoors and has an expected life span of 5 years. It may go through the standard health issues and thus requires proper care.
Jersey Wooly
This rabbit breed is of small size and super cute. Its size is about a kg. These rabbits are docile and gentle. Since they are gentle, they are inactive and also requires grooming frequently.
This rabbit breed is often found in brown and white colour. It can lead to a high rsk of wool block and thus you need to consider the required treatments for it. The Jersey Wooly can live up to 10 years.
Harlequin
This rabbit breed loves to play with toys and is curious about things, just like a human child. If you wish to get a rabbit to play with, this is the best breed.
The size of this breed is between 3 and 4 kgs and is found in the tropical areas of India. They usually come out in the monsoons. The expected life span of this breed is around 5 to 10 years. They require usual exercises to stay fit and active.
Havana
This bunny has a special and strong bond with the owner. They are docile and calm in nature.
The standard size of the rabbit is about 2 to 3 kgs. They have a risk for overgrown teeth and ear mites. Make sure to leave the rabbit to play and stretch.
They have an expected lifespan of around 5 to 8 years.
Himalayan
This breed is found only in India and weighs between 1 and 2 kgs. It is patient and calm. Some are too active and love to play with kids.
The Himalayan rabbit is sensitive to cold and breeze, thus make sure to keep it away from cold. The expected life span of this bunny breed is not more than 6 years.
Standard Chinchilla
It is a standard rabbit with an average size of 3 kgs. This rabbit breed is not active and requires proper grooming. They are mature, docile and calm in nature.
They usually live in the bushy areas of the forest and can live up to 8 years of age without the requirement of any treatments. Make sure to keep them away from spices. If you are planning to get a Standard chinchilla, make sure to groom him daily.
Is a rabbit a good pet?
Yes, rabbits make an excellent pet choice, especially for city dwellers who are out and about for work and socializing. Rabbits stay happily in their large cage while the owner is gone.
They are most active during dawn and dusk, which is when most people are active. Their schedule matches up with their owner’s schedule. Rabbits can be litter trained just as easily as cats. Also, if you are planning to adopt a rabbit, make sure you adopt two of them as they are social animals and may get lonely if they are alone.
If you have children at home, then you may want to consider a child-friendly pet as rabbits are not great with children.