Introductory to Pet Rabbits in Singapore
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets to own in Singapore and if you are here, you are probably thinking of getting one or have already adopted one. In this post, I will introduce some of the common rabbit breeds and where you can get a pet rabbit.
One of the first questions that goes through most people mind when they decide to get a bunny is - Which breed of rabbit should I get?
Here's a short introduction to some of the popular rabbit breeds in Singapore.
Netherland Dwarf
The ND is one of the smallest rabbit breed. They have round compact bodies and short stubby ears, weighing between 0.8kg-1.2kg. Their fur is short and easier to maintain with regular bi-weekly brushing.
Holland Lop
Like ND, the Holland Lop is also a dwarf rabbit. You can recognise them by their signature floppy ears and flat face. They weigh about 1.3kg-1.8kg. Their fur is short and easier to maintain with regular bi-weekly brushing.
Lionhead
The next popular dwarf breed is the Lionhead. As its name suggests, the Lionhead has mane resembling a lion.
There are 2 mane types - Single mane and Double mane. Single mane Lionheads have shorter and lesser fur on their manes while Double mane Lionheads have longer and more fur on their mane and body and bum resembling a skirt.
They weigh about 1.1kg-1.8kg and have a long coat. Hence, they require regular weekly brushing.
English Angora
The English Angora is a very high maintenance rabbit. They have a long and wooly coat, weighing between 2kg-3.5kg. To keep their wool manageable, owners are required to brush them daily and have their fur trimmed at least once every 3-4 weeks.
They are not recommended for beginner rabbit owners.
Mini Rex
Mini Rex weighs between 1.5kg - 2kg and is recognised by their unique coat. Their fur protrudes upright from their skin making it very dense, smooth and silky feeling. They have a short coat.
Owners should not brush a Rex too often as it could spoil the texture of their coat. Instead, owners should use a damp (NOT WET) cloth, or damp hands and gently run through the surface of their coat to pick up dirt and lose fur.
Others
Mixed Breeds are also very popular. Some examples are:
Lionhead Lop ( Lionhead x HL)
Fuzzy Lop (Angora x HL)
Jersey Wooly (Angora x ND)
Giant Breeds
Flemish Giant
French Lop
As you can see, dwarf and smaller sized rabbits are more popular in Singapore as most of us live in HDB apartments where there is space constraint. However, this does not mean that our fellow pet rabbits need less space and should live in a cage. You can learn more about their living set-up in another post. Nevertheless, we will come to love their cute personalities and habits regardless of their breed, age and colour.
Now that you have decided which type of rabbit is suitable for you, where should you source for your fluffy life companion?
Animal Shelters
A good place to start is always our local animal rescue groups. Some of the most prominent rabbit rescue in Singapore are House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS), Bunny Wonderland (BW) and Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
It is a myth that shelters only have sick animals. You will be surprised to see that they have all kinds of rabbits waiting for their forever homes. Healthy, sick, young, old, all kinds of breed and extremely lovable rabbits despite past. Best of all, they are already sterilised.
If you are looking to find a companion for your current rabbit or to adopt a bonded pair, the volunteers are also happy to help you find the right match.
Adoption Posts
You can also give a rabbit a second chance by looking through adoption forums and Facebook groups where owners are putting up their pets for adoption due to personal reasons.
There is no such thing as a "used" or "secondhand" pet. In fact, it feels so much more rewarding when you adopt and save a life instead of buying one from the pet shop.
Breeders/Pet Shops
Last but not least, you can purchase a rabbit from a local breeder or pet shop which is highly discouraged. Does (Female rabbits) are constantly force to breed for profit.
However, if you did purchase a rabbit, there is no wrong in doing it. As long as it wasn't a purchase on impulse, you are ready for the commitment and give it a loving home. Just remember to adopt your next rabbit! :)
Binkies and Zoomies.