Rabbits have a lot of energy and must be given time out of their cage to expend some of this energy. A minimum of two hours each day must be given to your rabbit to keep it happy and in shape. You will have to keep a close eye on your rabbit in the beginning as they are very curious and will want to go places you don't want them to, like behind the television where all the wires are!
Rabbits in the UK must also have two vaccinations per year, a vaccination for VHD, or Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, and a vaccination against Myxomatosis - usually two weeks later. These vaccinations are not needed or allowed in other parts of the world, but are an absolute must for UK rabbit owners.
Rabbits should also be spayed or neutered before they are six months of age. If it is not done before they reach sexual maturity, they will experience puberty in much the same way as a human will. They will become moody, sometimes happy and loving, then switching to aggressive the next minute; they will no longer use their litter box; they will throw their food, toys, everything in their cages around. This will not stop unless the animal is altered. Another reason for spaying female rabbits is that there is an 80% chance that they will get reproductive cancer if they are not spayed - and why take that chance?
Choosing a dog is a very big decision, and not one to be made lightly. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether a dog is right for you and your family.
Choosing a cat is an important decision as you will be bringing a new member of the family home.
A hamster or gerbil may seem like a good choice for you and your family, it is still a large responsibility and not one to be taken lightly.