Rabbits are the third installment of our Small Animal Highlight Series! Quick disclaimer: There are so many breeds available of domestic bunnies, this will be an overview of Rabbits care! If you adopt a Rabbit from a shelter, ask your vet what specific care is required for that breed.
It’s safe to say that most people are familiar with the rabbit: fluffy, cute with their giant floppy ear and cotton ball tail. If you’re looking for a pet but are not ready to get a dog, cat or other large animal into your home, rabbits can be a good “starter”. All pets are unique, and personalities can vary from wonderfully social to aloof. Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s a Rabbit perfect for you. Rabbits are, too, a product, much like many other creatures, of their environment. Rabbits inclined to socialization were probably introduced to people at a young stage and are comfortable with being handled. Rabbits more standoffish are likely to have not been handled as young buns. This makes them uncomfortable when interacting with humans. Rabbits that are more standoffish were probably not handled as young buns and may be uncomfortable with human interaction. ).
What should my Rabbit consume?
You’ve got a great answer! Rabbits, being herbivores as they are, need a well-balanced diet to be healthy and happy. Due to their fluffy coats, rabbits often appear larger than they are. This leads people to believe they require more food. Rabbit pellets can be purchased at any pet store. These are specially designed for Rabbit nutrition and to ensure they receive the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they need. It’s recommended to give your rabbit about 1/4 of a cup per day. But this amount may vary based on their size, so check with your vet first before you set a fixed daily amount. HAY! Rabbits need daily fresh supplies of low dust hay. It’s important for their stomachs and their ever-growing, growing teeth (around 80-90% hay should make up a rabbit’s daily diet). Dark, leafy green veggies! The rabbit will not eat light colored lettuces such as iceberg. It is nearly 100% water with little to no nutrients. For rabbits who like to snack, vegetables such as romaine, dandelion or mustard greens; collards; turnip or mustard greens; parsley, coriander, or basil are great. Also, they can have a small amount of fruit and sweet vegetables, like carrots (apples, bananas, seeds, dried fruit, etc.). However, this is only a treat and shouldn’t be the main meal. Overdosing on this high-sugar type of food can upset their natural bacterial balance and cause unhealthy weight gain. Rabbits will also require access to water. Either in a heavy, non-tipping bowl or a suitable water bottle.
Where would my Rabbit like to live?
Another very important question! All domestic Rabbits are best kept indoors. This will protect them from predators and other parasites. Although most shelters spay/neuter the rabbits they house, it is still important to have a professional sex your Rabbit. Also, if you own more than one Rabbit then separate them by gender. If not, you’ll find out that the phrase “reproducing just like bunnies”, is not a prank! Rabbit cages/hutches are sold in pet stores or on the internet. You can keep your Rabbits free to roam or in a small enclosed area by using an X Pen. It is entirely up to the individual! Keep in mind a few important points. Your rabbit should have a habitat that is proportional to their size. So, make sure to give them enough space to jump around, stretch their limbs, and discover. An enclosure of 3-4 feet should be enough for a rabbit that is “average size”. Many rabbits will be litter trained. If you adopt from a refuge, you can see if they are already litter trained. You can provide your rabbits with a pan of shredded or crushed newspaper or Carefresh. Use low-dust clumping-free litter. Add a handful or more of hay to the litter box for your Rabbit. They tend to eat, and then poop, at the exact same time. It is important that their enclosure has a hiding box or area for them, so they can get out if they feel attacked. A cardboard box turned upside-down with a small hole cut in the side works well. It’s a great way to let them hide on the box, stand on top, and also chew on the cardboard. They should always be able to access their food and drink, as well Rabbit-appropriate playthings for mental stimulation. Their enclosure should always be in a quiet, warm place.
What is typical Rabbit behaviour?
Rabbits must be understood as prey. They are most comfortable in a stable, secure environment where they have some level of control. As a result, they enjoy arranging the environment in a way they find pleasing. When you see them rearranging their toys or flipping their boxes it’s usually because they enjoy it. The cardboard toys, like the paper towel rolls or non-toxic wooden toy blocks they can manipulate and play with are appreciated! It is possible that they will also become territorial of their environment and nip, or even “box”, if the feel like it’s being invaded. As you approach, make sure they see you and that you speak softly so as not to surprise them. The majority of rabbits like to be petted or rubbed behind the ears/eyes. This is a great distraction while you clean out their habitat. It is important to remember that not all rabbits enjoy being held or picked up. Be sure to get to learn your rabbit’s personality before you begin a snuggle sesh. You can use food in conjunction with human handling to make these fluffers more comfortable.
Moral of the tale: Rabbits do make wonderful pets. Research is important before bringing a rabbit home. Consider the personality of the rabbit you are interested in and choose the one that is best suited to your home. Find the right companion and you’ll have them for many, many years!
