23/10/2026
🐰 BEFORE YOU BUY THAT TINY BABY BUNNY, PLEASE STOP AND THINK!
They're tiny. They're adorable. And it's easy to fall in love with a baby rabbit. But have you ever stopped to ask how old that bunny actually is?
I've personally seen baby rabbits being sold at just five weeks of age, far too young to leave their mothers. This is something people need to understand before purchasing a rabbit simply because they're cute.
💔 WHAT ARE YOU SUPPORTING WHEN YOU BUY A FIVE-WEEK-OLD BUNNY?
You're supporting a supply chain where baby rabbits may be taken away from their mothers far too early, before they've had the appropriate time to develop and transition through those important early weeks of life.
A baby rabbit isn't simply a miniature adult. Their body is still developing, and their digestive system is particularly vulnerable during this stage.
Early separation, stress, transport and sudden changes in diet can increase the risk of serious health problems. Some conditions may not become apparent until weeks later, even when a bunny initially looks perfectly healthy.
🐇 THE CONSEQUENCES MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS.
A baby bunny might be eating, playing and exploring as normal when you bring them home. But that doesn't guarantee they've had the best start in life or that underlying health problems won't emerge as they grow.
Young rabbits can develop serious digestive illnesses and deteriorate rapidly. Genetic and developmental conditions may also become apparent as they mature.
💉 AND THERE'S ANOTHER IMPORTANT RISK: CALICIVIRUS.
In Australia, rabbits are generally vaccinated against rabbit calicivirus from 10 weeks of age, following the relevant vaccine schedule and veterinary advice.
That means a five-week-old bunny is still too young for their first routine vaccination. You're bringing home a rabbit who remains vulnerable to a highly contagious, potentially fatal disease.
Calicivirus can spread through insects and contaminated objects, footwear and other sources. Keeping a rabbit indoors does not automatically eliminate the risk.
This is another important consideration when deciding whether to purchase a baby rabbit so young. Ask yourself whether you understand the risks and how to protect them until they can be vaccinated.
💚 WHAT SHOULD YOU CHECK BEFORE PURCHASING?
✔️ Ask for the rabbit's exact date of birth.
✔️ Understand their vaccination requirements and the risks before they are old enough to be vaccinated.
✔️ Research responsible rabbit welfare practices, and walk away if the seller cannot provide clear information about the rabbit's age, diet, appropriate housing and early care.
🐰 PLEASE DON'T LET CUTENESS MAKE THE DECISION FOR YOU.
Every time we purchase an animal, we support the practices that brought that animal into the situation and place of sale.
If a rabbit is being sold at just five weeks old, ask yourself whether that's something you want your money to support.
That tiny bunny deserves to have their needs put before a sale.
Please do your research, ask questions and think carefully before purchasing. If you're ready to welcome a rabbit into your life, consider adopting through a reputable rescue, where you can learn about their needs and give a rabbit already waiting for a home a second chance.
They're not just cute little bunnies. They're living beings who depend on us to make the right decisions for them. 💚
Every life matters. Every bunny deserves the best possible start.
Please share this post to help educate future rabbit owners.
🐰 PICTURED BELOW IS VALENTINO.
At just 10 weeks of age, Valentino has already required hundreds of dollars in veterinary care. He has been diagnosed with juvenile dental disease and needs a CT scan to investigate his condition further, at an estimated cost of $1,500!
Unfortunately, Valentino's condition is lifelong. He cannot be adopted out into a home as a healthy companion rabbit, and his future involves ongoing veterinary management, multiple potential surgeries and significant expense.
For such a young bunny, this is a heartbreaking reality. His future and expected lifespan will be significantly affected by his condition.
Valentino is a reminder that bringing home a baby bunny isn't just about how cute they are. Rabbits can have complex health needs from a very young age, and veterinary expenses can quickly add up.
Before purchasing a bunny, please think carefully about where they came from, how old they really are, the risks associated with early separation, and whether you're prepared to meet their welfare and veterinary needs throughout their life.
A rabbit is a commitment, not an impulse purchase. Their health, welfare and veterinary care are your responsibility from the moment they come home. 💚
💚 A huge thank you to Bendigo Animal Welfare & Community Services for standing beside us and supporting Valentino through this incredibly difficult journey. 🐰
Your support means so much as we work to give this little boy the care he needs and the best possible quality of life 💚
Pictured at the The Rabbit Doctors in the waiting room.
