How much does a pet bunny cost
Introduction
The sweet and furry face of a bunny can tempt you to take one home on the spot, but have you considered whether or not you’re able to handle the responsibility of pet ownership? A pet bunny’s maintenance costs may or may not be in line with your monthly budget. This list will help you make a more informed decision about whether or not buying a pet bunny is right for you.
This is a list of common costs to consider when getting a pet bunny.
If you’re thinking of getting a bunny, there are many costs to consider. To prevent you from being surprised by anything unexpected, here is a list of common expenses to consider:
- Food and hay. Rabbits eat hay as well as food pellets or nuggets. You’ll also need to provide fresh water daily and keep their litter box clean.
- Water bottles. Bunnies like to drink from bottles instead of bowls because they can get more comfortable positions while drinking than standing up in a bowl would allow them (which gives them the chance to cool off their feet). The cost depends on how many bunnies you want—but if your pet bunny lives indoors, one bottle should be enough for all of them!
- Spaying/neutering your rabbit(s). Though this procedure is optional for rabbits who live outdoors, it’s highly recommended for indoor rabbits because spaying or neutering can help prevent health issues later on down the line (such as mass tumors). Most vets who perform this procedure charge around $200 per operation regardless of how many pets you bring in at once (or whether they’re male vs female).
Bunny food – $10 and up per month
Feeding your bunny can be a pricey proposition. The average rabbit eats about 1/4 cup of food per day, which means that you’ll have to buy food for your bunny every two weeks.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on bunny food. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as cheap rabbit food because it’s a specialized product made from fresh ingredients; but if you look around online or in pet stores, you should find some coupons or sales that will help cut down on the cost.
You can also find cheaper alternatives like seeds and hay instead of pellets and veggies—although these options may not be as healthy for your pet! In any case, make sure that whatever type of food you get comes from a reputable brand so as not to endanger your furry friend with harmful chemicals (which may be present in cheaper brands).
Hay – $3 and up per month
When it comes to cost, hay is one of the most important things you’ll need for your rabbit. A good quality hay provides a source of fibre, which is essential for healthy digestion and other bodily functions.
However, unlike other pet foods that don’t have much variety in price, hay comes in all shapes and sizes (literally). There are timothy hays (which are considered standard), orchard grass hays (known for being high in protein), alfalfa hays (high in calcium), oat grass hays (for small rabbits) and more. Prices will vary depending on what type you buy—and if your bunny likes it enough to eat it! It’s also worth noting that the fresher the better when buying hay so make sure you buy from a reputable source.
You can save money by buying larger quantities of hay at once instead of buying several smaller bags every month or two months at higher prices per pound since most stores charge extra per pound over $3 dollars per bag which adds up quickly if you’re feeding multiple bunnies
Water bottles – $10 and up
Bunnies can’t drink from a bowl, and they can’t drink from a water fountain. They need to be given bottles for their water. Water bottles can be found at most pet stores or online for $10 and up.
Litter box supplies – $25 and up per year
The first step to keeping your bunny happy is to provide a clean and safe living environment. A lot of people don’t realize that bunnies need more than just a hutch, water bottle and food bowl. You also need to buy:
- Litter box supplies – $25 and up per year
Litter boxes can be plastic trays or containers that fit inside the bunny’s cage (or even outside of it if you have an outdoor hutch). Some people use large cardboard boxes instead of buying a specific litter box, but I wouldn’t recommend this since you may have trouble finding one big enough for your rabbit. Most pet stores sell litter boxes, as well as litter for them to sit on, scoopers for cleaning out the messes and even cat toys if you want something fun for your bunny to play with when he sniffs out all his new digs!
Spaying or neutering – $70-$150
Spaying or neutering your bunny can be done at any age, though it’s usually recommended that the procedure is done between 6 and 12 months old. The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the vet, but it can range from $70-$150. Although this may seem like a lot, consider that since bunnies are so prolific breeders, you’re helping to control the pet population by preventing your bun from reproducing indiscriminately. Spaying and neutering also helps prevent diseases such as uterine cancer and other reproductive tract infections in females; for males it reduces aggressive behavior toward owners (and each other).
Annual veterinarian check-up – $50-$250
Your bunny will need to see a veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up. This is the ideal time to get your bunny spayed or neutered and have their teeth checked, as well as get advice on how you can keep your rabbit healthy for years to come.
A rabbit’s diet is made up primarily of hay (grass) and pellets. The size of the pellets depends on the age of your pet; younger rabbits will eat smaller pellet sizes, while older ones may require larger ones. A good rule of thumb is that if the pellet fits into the width of an adult human’s thumb when pressed together, then it’s appropriate for most rabbits over six months old who weigh less than 3 pounds (1 kg). Rabbits also need some fresh fruits and vegetables every day—these should be high in water content so make sure they don’t become dehydrated when eating!
Toys – $50+ per year
Whether you’re a new bunny owner or have had one for years, toys are a great way to keep your pet entertained. Bunnies need to be stimulated and entertained, but it can be hard to find toys that are safe for them. A great way of doing this is by making your own!
There are many different types of DIY toys you can make for your bunny at home. Some good ideas include:
- Cardboard boxes – Make sure that the box has no sharp edges or corners before giving it to your pet; otherwise, they could hurt themselves if they chew on the cardboard. The best thing about using cardboard is that it’s cheap and easy to get a hold of! All you need is some newspaper shreds (or old tissues) as bedding inside the box so your bunny will feel comfortable laying on top. You may also want to put some rags or fabric scraps inside too so there’s something soft for them when they rest their feet down onto them during playtime sessions with other pets around town…
Please consider the cost before getting a pet bunny.
Before you decide to get a pet bunny, it’s important that you know the cost of ownership. While this will vary depending on where you live and how much money you want to spend on food and toys, there are some factors that remain the same no matter what your location or spending habits are:
- If your bunny is not spayed or neutered, then expect to pay more at the vet than if it were.
- The cost of food for baby bunnies will be higher than for adults.
- If you plan on taking your bunny in for regular checkups at the vet, then expect those costs to increase over time as well.*
Conclusion
I hope this article has convinced you that bunnies are great pets, but also the responsibility for caring for them is not to be underestimated. When you first get a rabbit, there are a lot of initial costs – especially things like food bowls and litter boxes – which can add up quickly if you’re not prepared!