House Rabbit Handbook : How to Live With an Urban Rabbit

by Marinell Harriman

Packed with the collected wisdom of bunny-lovers and charming, candid photos of their pets, this manual tells readers how to successfully integrate a rabbit into one's life. Harriman includes the latest in veterinary information and helpful how-to sections on care and feeding. 100 photos. Charts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Reference, Rabbits, Adult

93 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Zoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

We recently found a young lionhead bunny living in the engine compartment of our car. It took us 8 days to catch her, and then another day to fall head over heels in love with her. I've named her Nutmeg, and she lives in our house now. I just re-read the House Rabbit Handbook. I originally read it when we adopted our other rabbit, Ivan Coyote (aka Mr. Bunnypants).

This book has lots of practical advice about how to feed and care for a house rabbit. But even more importantly, it's a kind and empathetic approach to living with and understanding house rabbits.

[Elizabeth A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that launched the House Rabbit Revolution in the 1980's. Rabbits' place is in the home! I have several editions of this book signed by the author. This book made me become a House Rabbit Society member. (www.rabbit.org). Its the starting point for a better understanding of a misunderstood animal- The Rabbit. The book gives information, tips and case studies of the house rabbit. I highly recommend it.

[Kalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Can't wait to read the 5th new version though, since it was a little outdated being from 2005. However, it still had really good rabbit info and was revolutionary for its time. 🐰

[Lyz · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are fostering a bunny from my school for the summer, and trying to figure out just how much of a "house" bunny versus a "cage" bunny we can have in our home. A friend of a friend suggested I read this book. It was a very quick read, with helpful tips on litter-box training, for example. I do wish this book would be updated and rereleased, as it definitely felt 1970s-ish when discussing the pros and cons of having a bunny as a companion pet and also when sharing stories of individual family/bunny experiences.

[Nutmeg Woodsorrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide for all rabbit owners. This book focuses on rabbits as companions, rather than livestock or pets, and it helps people understand a rabbit's intelligent, mischievous personality and behavior, as well as their proper care.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the third edition (1995) back when I was considering getting a rabbit. I'm glad I read this book BEFORE getting a rabbit. I learned that, in my situation, getting a rabbit would be a disaster, especially for the guinea pigs I already had.

Jump forward ten years or so and my life had undergone radical changes due to homelessness. When I got housed and started to write online content, I remembered this book and found a third edition at a library used book sale. I only got asked to write perhaps ten bunny articles in all my years of freelancing. The most memorable request was for how to tell if a rabbit is dying. Geez Louise.

I never did get a rabbit, so I do not know how out of date this book is. I knocked a star off because I'm going to assume a 1995 book is not going to be up to date on rabbit health. Is there such a thing as a web mailing list anymore? The National Animal Poison Control Center listed in the back is long gone.

As a reading experience, this is very pleasant, written by someone who really loves rabbits. It's also generously illustrated with black and white photos.

I'm glad to say that I've only once seen a rabbit in a hutch in my home town since 2005. Hutches are completely useless for housing animals today. If you love your rabbits, keep them indoors where it's safe.

[Ivy Murillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good in depth diet and veterinary care information. She discussed in detail how to introduce two rabbits but I would have liked a little more detail on introducing dogs and cats. Don't get me wrong, she does go over these things just not to the same degree that she does with the rabbits. Overall an informative book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! A quick read, but packed with tons and tons of useful information as well as heartwarming stories. Harriman's gentle words and storytelling made me feel wave after overwhelming wave of affection for my rabbits!

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book after purchasing my house rabbit at my local HRS. It was very informative but short enough to get the point across without seeming like a textbook.

My eleven year old is currently reading it to learn more about our rabbit, Oswald.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good resource!!! A lot of bunny basics for those who are interested in inviting rabbits into their hearts and home.

[DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seemed very thorough (not that I can really assess that, as I don't know anything about rabbits, which is why I read this book). I was really interested in rabbit digestion (as an anatomist).

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good referenced title for the house rabbit fan. This is probably the classic title that sort of revolutionized people's attitudes towards keeping rabbits. This is an updated version and very inclusive--good info on diets and habitats. Biggest complaint is I would like to see more information on dwarf rabbits (as that is what my Mokona is) and they are a really popular type of rabbit and have special needs that can differ from a larger type of a rabbit. Overall a good reference title but not quite as good as Good Rabbitkeeping.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, rabbit care information interspersed with essays make it an informative and enjoyable read. I almost bought this one from the Humane Society when I adopted my rabbit after watching some rabbit care videos with Mary Cotter and Amy Sedaris, they recommended this book. I recommend it and the videos too :) I'll probably go back and buy it from the Humane Society to add to my bookshelf for reference.

http://www.amysedarisrocks.com/2013/1...

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful. Made me more patient with & reminded me to enjoy my rabbits' idiosyncrasies. Brief enough to avoid being overwhelming; too brief to answer all my questions. Maybe how-to manuals are obsolete in the internet age; all of this information & more is available on the House Rabbit Society website. I suppose when the rabbits chew through the wires for the modem, I'll be glad to have a hard copy.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a rabbit. I didnt know what i was getting into! shame on me for not doing my usual 100 days of research before buying. But this book has it all, simply explained on how to care for, and figure out, your little critter. Through the countless websites Ive cruised, this book is recommended on every one of those sites. Check it out!

[Bookfanatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource! If you have a pet rabbit, get this book. I've raised three house rabbits over the years and this handbook came in handy many times. It covers everything from nutrition, grooming, vet care, disease prevention and management. It's written in straightforward language without too much jargon. A bonus is all the cute pictures of various house rabbits.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never had a rabbit before, this book prepared me for my bunny's behaviors, diet, enclosure requirements and even gave me some tips on socializing her with my dog. I'm very grateful for the good information presented in this book as it prepped me in a short amount of time. I highly recommend for new rabbit owners to browse this book.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to lots of bunny care, compiled by great bunny lovers. I had read another rabbit pet guide, and I felt that this one was a lot more anecdotal than the previous book. There is a lot of info in this guide about rabbit illnesses and poisionous foods, which is very helpful.

[Colleen AF]

Thinking about adopting a bunny. His name is Bunjamin Franklin. What more do I need?! (Other than to read this book a few more times. Tiny NYC apartments may not be the best place for Bunjamin and a friend and I wouldn't want that Never-President-But-Shoulda-Been bunny to be sad.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and extremely helpful...the proof is in my totally integrated Himalayan house bunny....healthy, happy and part of the family now... thank you for the great information and touching stories about these wonderful animals....

[Nikki Chee · Rating 4 out of 5]

With so many people having rabbits as pets, I wish there were more great books like this one. My colleagues laughed when they saw it, but really, there is a place fro discuss living with urban rabbits. Next edition to include rabbits on leads and bunny's at cafes perhaps?

[Kate Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST book published about how to care for house rabbits-- litterbox training, diet, communication, etc. If your library doesn't have the newest edition, you need to have it.

[Jewel Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best rabbit book ever!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anecdotes about other pet rabbits were a nice touch and added another dimension to this book.

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a MUST HAVE for all rabbit owners

[Ami Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of nice information about the basic care of your rabbit.

[missy anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive guide for living with a rabbit.