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Rabbit Care
If you add a rabbit to the family, expect to have your furry friend for a decade or more! You want him to have a long, healthy, happy life… so check out these rabbit care basics.
A home for your rabbit
Before you bring that bunny home, decide where he will be living: indoors, or outdoors? Domestic rabbits are not very well suited to extreme temperatures, so if you will be keeping your rabbit outdoors, you should be prepared to help him deal with hot and cold weather. Think about local predators, too -- does your neighborhood have a lot of cats? Even the sight or sound of a nearby wild animal can stress your rabbit right into a fatal heart attack.
Think about your cage space. If your rabbit will be spending most of his time in a cage or hutch, he’d better have enough room to exercise! A cage should be at least five times as big as your rabbit is. He should be able to completely stretch out and stand up without bumping his head.
Wire flooring can be harsh on a rabbit’s feet. If your cage has a wire floor, be sure your bun has some space that is padded -- cardboard or newspaper makes a safe and disposable cage liner to protect his little feet. Rabbits also appreciate having a small enclosed space for sleeping and hiding.
You may want your cage to be large enough to include a litterbox -- yes, rabbits can be trained to use a litterbox. Make sure the box is the right size for your rabbit, but doesn’t take up too much space in the cage. A dwarf rabbit can easily use a small baking dish for a litterbox; larger rabbits can use a litterbox sized for a cat.
Will you allow your rabbit to roam the house while you’re around? Any area your rabbit will be free to run should be rabbit-proofed. Rabbits will chew everything -- including electrical cords and other dangerous things. A rabbit run may be a safer choice for exercise -- he’ll have the space to run without the chance to get into trouble.
Feeding your rabbit
The main staple of your rabbit’s diet should be hay -- specifically timothy grass hay. This kind of hay provides the right amount of fiber to keep a rabbit’s digestive system working right.
But don’t stop there… your rabbit needs a lot more than just timothy hay! Leafy green vegetables make up the other half of a rabbit’s basic diet. Give your rabbit plenty of romaine and leaf lettuce, parsley, cilantro, escarole, endive, dandelion greens, and other dark green veggies. Offer your rabbit at least three different types of vegetable at a time to give him the variety he craves.
Other nibbles for your rabbit:
Make sure your rabbit always has access to fresh, clean water. Change your rabbit’s water at least once a day.
Handling your rabbit
Rabbits are delicate, and must be handled with care. A struggling rabbit can actually break its own spine! Keep in mind that rabbits are prey animals, and may instinctively react to being picked up. Go slowly with your rabbit and give him plenty of time to get used to being handled.
To pick up your rabbit, place one hand beneath the front of the rabbit and the other under his rear end. Lift him carefully and bring him in against your body for support.
Most rabbits will appreciate being rubbed or petted on their heads and faces -- this is where rabbits groom each other. Always pet your rabbit in the direction the fur grows.
Entertainment for your rabbit
Chewing is a natural part of your rabbit’s behavior; toys provide mental stimulation and an opportunity to exercise. You don’t have to provide special, expensive toys to keep your bun happy! Plenty of things around the house make great chews and toys for your rabbit.
Your rabbit may also enjoy playing with cat toys or parrot toys that can be tossed, rolled, or hit. Baby teething toys may also make good rabbit toys.
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Also do not miss the other useful articles available to you – check out the links at the bottom of this page for free information and help with all your pet queries and concerns.
Litter Training For Rabbits – Yes, you can!
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