5 Cheapest Rabbits to Keep as Pets

You’re ready to add a bundle of fur to your life, but you are on a budget. Consequently, rabbits are an affordable pet. Read this article to discover the five cheapest rabbits to keep as pets.

Why Add a Rabbit to Your Family?

If you aren’t sure about adding Peter Cottontail to your home, below are the benefits rabbits can provide.

1. Rabbits Will Help You Cope With Loneliness 

They will listen to your problems without talking back, cuddle with you, and add laughter to your life. Additionally, when transitioning into a new place, new phase, or coping with grief, bunnies can provide company.

2. They Love to Play 

Bunnies are crepuscular critters, which means that they are active in the morning and night. Furthermore, rabbits are perfect because you can add play time before work and when you get home from work. Furthermore, you can increase your activity as well, which is an added health bonus. 

3. No Two Bunnies Are the Same

Rabbits come in different shapes, sizes, and personalities! You may get a silly bunny, a cuddly bunny, or a bunny who loves to play! You’ll never know which personality your bunny will have!

4. Ideal for Apartment Living

If you live in an apartment, chances are your landlord does not allow dogs or cats. They may be okay with a caged animal as long as rabbits are legal in your state. Also, it is best to check with your landlord first before bringing a rabbit home.

5. You’ll Have a Friend for a Long Time!

Most rabbits live up to 10-15 years. Besides, some rabbits can live up to 20 years.

6. May Alleviate Allergies

If you are allergic to dog and cat dander, a bunny may be a good option for you. Most bunny breeds do not collect dander.

7. Low-Maintenance

Rabbits don’t need to go on walks. Most do not enjoy being walked, either. They also do not need many vaccines. However, they will require frequent veterinary checkups to maintain adequate health.

8. Lower Your Blood Pressure

Science has proven that watching bunnies play can reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the stress hormone. By lowering cortisol levels, you can reduce your stress. In addition, cuddling your bunny(as long as they will permit it) can lower your blood pressure.

5 Things to Consider Before Buying or Adopting a Bunny

Before you hop to the breeder, pet store, or fair, here are eight things to keep in mind before you add a bunny to your home.

1. Bunnies Are Delicate

If you want to pick up your rabbit, there is a specific way to do so. You must hold them in a way that will ensure their front and hind quarters are safe from injury. Failure to handle a rabbit with the gentlest of touches can result in fatal spine injuries. Additionally, this is also why rabbits are not recommended for children.

2. Your Bunny May Not Want Company

Some bunnies do not like having a pal. So before you decide to get them a friend, you will want to do a proper introduction. Also, should your two bunnies click well together, you will need to spay and neuter them to prevent breeding.

3. They Love to Nibble

Rabbits will chew anything they can get their cute little mouths on. That said, they cannot detect the difference between a chew stick meant for rabbits or an electric cord. Therefore, before welcoming bunnies into their home, you will want to make sure cords are kept out of reach.

4. Exercise

If you aren’t a fan of working out, a rabbit may not be a suitable pet for you. Ideally, bunnies need about 4 hours of exercise every day.

5. Bunnies Do Best Indoors

Rabbits are prey animals in the wild. Therefore, they live longer indoors. Rabbits must be placed in a quiet part of the house. Similarly, too much noise can startle and stress a bunny out.

What Is the Average Expense of Rabbits?

While in this article we are going over the five cheapest rabbits to keep as pets, it is important to remember that no pet is cheap. 

On average, you may spend around $800 to $1,000 or more per year caring for your rabbit. Some of these costs will include food, hay, litter, toys, and annual wellness exams.

5 Cheapest Rabbits to Keep as Pets

While it is true that bunnies are not cheap pets, there are some ways to cut back on costs. Adopting a bunny from a rescue or buying an affordable breed may help you save money. Plus, you’ll have extra money to spoil your bundle of fur!

1. Jersey Wooly Rabbit

Jersey wooly rabbits are domesticated dwarf rabbits that do not bite or kick. Hence their nickname “No-Kick or No-Bite Rabbit.” They are soft and affectionate bunnies that make great pets for first-time rabbit parents.

Additionally, Jersey wooly rabbits live for around a decade and grow to be 3 lbs. 

They were first bred in 1984 by American Rabbit Breeder Association member Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, Jersey. Her mission behind breeding these small and loving rabbits was to create a pet that could be gentle and warm.

Grooming

Jersey wooly rabbits must be bruised once a week to keep their fur and skin healthy. In addition, they will clean their face and paws by licking, therefore they do not require much upkeep.

Colors

• Black
• White
• Gray

Cost

$20 to $40.

2. Flemish Giant Rabbit

Known as “gentle giants,” the Flemish Giant Rabbit is one of the biggest breeds of domesticated rabbit. Moreover, Flemish giant rabbits have a docile disposition. Most rabbits do not enjoy being held or cuddled. However, these giant rabbits love a good snuggle!

The average lifespan for flemish giant rabbits is around 8-10 years. In addition, these massive rabbits can grow to be 4 feet long.

Flemish giants were bred in Belgium for the sole purpose of their coats and meat. However, when they were imported into the U.S. in the 1890s, they began being recognized as show bunnies and beloved pets.

Grooming

Flemish giant rabbits require brushing frequently to keep their luxurious fur from getting tangled. They do not require baths. Bathing can stress out these large bunnies. If you feel a bath is needed for your Fleming giant, it is highly recommended to take them to the Veterinarian, where they can issue a mild sedative and safely perform the bath.

Colors

• Black.
• Blue.
• Fawn.
• Light gray.
• Steel gray.
• Sandy.
• White.

Cost

$30 to $700.

3. American Rabbit

American rabbits are sturdy, docile, friendly rabbits that are cheap to keep as pets. Additionally, The males and females typically weigh around 8 to 10 lbs and live up to 10 years with adequate care.

American Rabbits first came into existence around the 1920s and were first used for fur and meat. However, in current times, they are a beloved pet of the family.

Grooming

Like other breeds, American rabbits do not need bathing since they self-clean. However, to keep their fur soft and free of knots, brushing your rabbit a few times a month is recommended. You may find more fur coming off of them in the spring and summer months. Do not worry. This is most likely shedding, which happens every year.

Colors

• Deep Blue. American rabbits are best known for their majestic shades of blue fur.
• White.

Cost

$30 to $50.

4. Dwarf Hotot

Dwarf Hotots are small, but they have a mighty love! These tiny bunnies grow to weigh 3 lbs. Even as adults, these beloved bunnies are small enough to curl up in your hand.

In addition, Dwarf Hotots have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

These cute and compact rabbits were first bred in Germany for companionship. They are crossbred from a white Hotot and the Netherland Dwarf rabbit. 

Grooming

There is not a lot of grooming required to care for a Dwarf Hotot. However, in months that shedding occurs, it is best to provide daily grooming. This can be done with a soft bristle brush by brushing the fur in the natural direction that it grows.

Colors

• White.

Cost

$50.

5. Harlequin Rabbit

If you’re searching for a rabbit that is sweet, large, and different, say hello to the Harlequin Rabbit. Furthermore, Harlequin Rabbits are often called “The Clown of Rabbits” because of their array of fur colorings.

In addition, Harlequin Rabbits can grow to weigh 6.5 to 9.5 lbs. The females often weigh more than the males.

Also, Harlequin Rabbits have a lifespan of 10-12 years.

They were first bred in France in the 1800s by mixing a Tortoiseshell Dutch rabbit and rabbits in the wild. Additionally, the Harlequin Rabbit was first introduced in the United States in the 1920s, where it was bred for meat.

However, in modern times, the Harlequin Rabbit is now loved for its companionship.

Grooming

Harlequin Rabbits bathe themselves. Additionall,k you only need to brush them once a week using a wired hair brush.

Colors

• Japanese Harlequin Rabbits are orange with a mix of black, blue, chocolate, or lilac. 
• Magpie Harlequin Rabbits are white with a combination of black, blue, chocolate, or lilac.

Cost

$20 to $100.

Recap: 5 Cheapest Rabbits to Keep as Pets

If you’re looking for a snuggly, four-legged companion, one of the five cheapest rabbits to keep as pets will keep you company for years to come!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mary Swift/Shutterstock.com