Rabbits are one of the cutest animals you can ever get as a house pet. You’ll find yourself staring at these adorable furballs for extended periods as they mind their own business.
Be that as it may, caring for these bunnies isn’t as simple as you think. This brings us to the question, how much do rabbits cost?
Read on to learn more about the expenses you must prepare for when owning a rabbit.
What Are the Different Rabbit Species and Their Costs?
With proper care and attention, rabbits can be just as good of a house pet as any. While it may take some time and effort to get used to their habits and social skills, it’s definitely worth working on.
Of course, we understand that any first-time owner worries about the price of different rabbits. That said, here are some of the most popular rabbit breeds and their costs:
Dutch Rabbit
Dutch Rabbits are one of the most commonly found house pets in the U.S. You can easily identify them with their distinct pattern of white collar, nose blaze, and saddle on the back.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) confirmed seven color variations to this breed, namely:
- Black
- Blue
- Chocolate
- Steel
- Gray
- Tortoise
- Chinchilla
If you’re planning to buy a Dutch rabbit, expect to spend around $30 to $90, depending on their color and the location you’re buying from. Local pet stores should have them available at lower prices.
Mini Lop
The Mini Lop, also known as Klein Widder (little hanging ear in German), is a product of breeding Chinchilla rabbit with a German Lop. If you’ve heard of rabbits being called a ball of fluff, they’re likely referring to this species.
Don’t let their appearances deceive you, though. The Mini Lop’s round body is compact and quite muscular. However, they do love getting lots of love and attention, so underneath that muscle is a bunny begging for cuddles.
You can usually get these rabbits for around $35 to $100, but if you’re looking for show quality, they’ll cost between $200 to $400.
Mini Rex
The plush and velvet feel you get from stroking the fur of a Mini Rex is an experience like no other. On top of that, this breed comes in a variety of colors to choose from. Around 20, to be specific!
Mini Rex rabbits are docile, gentle, and generally social creatures. While rabbits don’t usually enjoy being picked up, these love getting some cuddles as long as you’re careful with them.
The price range for these cute furballs can go anywhere between $50 to $200. Although, you can find cheaper ones in local pet stores for around $20 to $40.
Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot is another rabbit species of German descent and was referred to as the “eye of the fancy.” These bunnies are wholesome and pure in temperament, as well as their distinctly white coating.
Since they’re small by nature, they usually just weigh around 2.5 to 3.5 lbs when fully grown. As for their fur, you’d be glad to hear they don’t need too much grooming and don’t shed too often.
You can expect to pay around $50 to $100 to get your hands on a Dwarf Hotot rabbit.
Holland Lop
Holland Lop rabbits are common house pets in both the U.S. and the U.K. This breed is also a species of miniature rabbits, like the Dwarf Hotot, and weighs around two to four pounds fully grown.
If you’re looking for calm companions that are friendly and family-oriented, this bunny’s for you. However, they’re a bit more delicate than most breeds, so it’s best to be extra gentle with them.
The price of Holland Lops range between $20 to $400, with champion lines costing more.
Which Rabbit Breed Is the Least and Most Expensive?
The cheapest rabbit breeds you can find are Holland Lop, Mini Rex, Jersey Wooly, and Flemish Giant. These species can go for as low as $20 from pet stores and breeders.
Of course, you can expect the prices to be higher if you buy them from actual breeders. If you want to save more money, you can check out rescue centers. Most of them offer rabbits for only $5 to $15.
As for the most expensive breeds, the crowns have to go to the American Fuzzy Lop and Continental Giant rabbits. The lowest you can buy these bunnies is around $100 to $300.
If they come from a champion line or are of show quality, they can reach up to $500.
How Much Does Owning a Rabbit Cost?
The price of whichever rabbit breed you decide to get is barely half the battle of the total costs of owning and caring for one. Since most rabbits live up to ten years, you have to consider all the possible expenses throughout that lifetime.
If you’re planning to take your bunnies on shows and competitions, the costs of owning one will definitely raise a notch or two. But as mere house pets, you can manage a little better if you’re well-prepared and have enough budget.
Here are some of the most crucial cost considerations for taking care of a rabbit:
Rabbit Food
Rabbits thrive on a healthy diet just like any other house pet. Their diet usually consists of good-quality hay or grass, fresh vegetables, and pellets or nuggets (in small amounts).
The common vegetables rabbits eat include the following:
- Carrots and carrot tops
- Cabbages (in moderation)
- Romaine lettuce
- Spring greens
- Mustard greens
- Broccoli greens (in moderation)
- Bell peppers
You can expect to spend around $40 to $50 worth of these rabbit foods each month per rabbit you own.
Cage and Shelter
There are two ways to house your rabbits at home; a rabbit hutch or a cage big enough to fit the breed. Hutches are more expensive than cages, as they cost around $150 to $200. However, you might be able to cut the spending if you make your own.
As for rabbit cages, the prices usually range from $50 to $100. You can also go cheaper by buying a smaller cage and placing it in a rabbit-proofed room or area where they can roam around safely.
Rabbit Supplies and Accessories
Rabbit cages and hutches aren’t the only supplies you’ll need to shelter your furry little buddies. You have to ensure they’re comfortable and preoccupied, even when left alone.
As such, some rabbit supplies and accessories are necessary to keep them happy. These consist of the following:
- Bedding materials
- Food and water bowls
- Litter trays and fillings
- Rabbit-safe toys
- Cleaning products
In total, these supplies and accessories can add around $40 to your monthly rabbit spending.
Vaccinations
There are certain vaccines your rabbit may need to safeguard them from various diseases. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily prevent them from getting sick all the time, but can help milden the ailments.
Additionally, as much as they add to your total expenses, these vaccinations can also help lower vet costs. Here are some of the potentially fatal diseases you need to protect your rabbits from:
- Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD)
- Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (R(V)HD)
- Myxomatosis
The average cost of each vaccine is around $60 to $90.
Potential Illnesses
As long as you give your rabbits a healthy diet, a consistently clean environment, and sufficient stimulation activities, you can reduce the risks of them developing illnesses. However, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for worst-case scenarios if they get sick.
Some of the common rabbit illnesses include the following:
- Swellings due to abscess
- Head tilt or loss of balance
- Ear mites
- Limb paralysis
- Snuffles (runny eyes, runny nose, and sneezing)
If they get sick, you need to prepare at least $40 to $65 for a check-up or more, depending on the diagnosis.
How Can You Lower the Costs of Owning a Rabbit?
The average cost of owning a rabbit is anywhere between $500 to $1,000+. As much as this may seem like a lot, considering other bills and expenses, there are a few ways to lessen your spending.
Here are some tips we recommend:
- Adopt rabbits from rescue shelters instead of buying from pet stores and breeders
- Create your own rabbit hutch or rabbit-proof a room or area at home
- Vaccinate your rabbits to lessen the risks of diseases
- Give them a healthy diet to boost their immune system
- Grow your own fruits and vegetables if you have a garden to work with
Is Owning a Rabbit More Expensive Than Other Pets?
If you’re a pet lover and considering getting a rabbit, you must brace yourself since they’re more high maintenance.
While it’s true that cats and dogs usually have higher prices in terms of adoption, food, and healthcare, rabbits are more delicate.
They also require more attention than cats and dogs. It’s best to be financially prepared if you decide to get a rabbit.
Final Thoughts
While it’s true that owning a rabbit can be a bit more complicated than other pets, they’re certainly worth the money and effort. Caring for animals at home is a full-time commitment that gets more fulfilling the happier they seem.
If you’re planning to get one, be sure to prepare for around ten years worth of bunny bonding.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video/Media Studies, as well as an associates degree in Communications. I began producing videos and musical recordings nearly 15 years ago. I am a guitarist and bassist in Southwest MI and have been in a few different bands since 2009, and in 2012 I began building custom guitars and basses in my home workshop as well. When I’m home, I love spending time with my three pets (a dog, cat, and snake) and gardening in my backyard. I also like photographing wild birds, especially birds of prey.