Pet rabbits are fun, loving animals that are very easy to care for and can be a welcome addition to your family. Here is some tips on caring for a rabbit.
There are many different breeds of rabbits to chose from. Visit your local pet store or rabbit breeder to get an idea on the type of rabbit you are looking for. When choosing a rabbit, look at the surroundings making sure it is clean. Look for alert and active rabbits. Look for people that can answer all questions regarding rabbits. A dirty environment can mean unhealthy rabbits. Do your homework before buying, be aware of what a healthy rabbit looks like and have a little knowledge. The best age to buy a rabbit is between six to ten weeks old. Their eyes should be clear and bright. Watch for signs of diarrhea, sneezing and sniffling.
Handling a rabbit makes him more tame and loveable. Slip one hand under his chest and use the other to support his hindquarters. Never pick him up by his ears!
Provide a cage for your rabbit. He can be an indoor or outdoor pet. If outdoors, make sure you provide adequate protection from the elements. The cage should be large enough to allow your rabbit to move around. Recommendations for size are four and one-half feet wide, two and one-half feet high and two feet deep. Size of cage depends on size of rabbit. Rabbits can also be litter box trained just like a cat.
Keep your rabbit's cage clean. Bedding can be made of shredded paper or wood shavings. Change his bedding as needed. it should be done at least two or three times a week as a minimum. They are generally clean animals and will ussually "dirty" in one area of their cage. Changing the litter often cuts down on any smells.Scrub the cage with a mild disinfectant once a week.
Allow your rabbit to be out of his cage often to exercise. Provide supervision when he is out. Rabbits love to chew on things. Rabbit leashes are available to allow your bunny to take a walk outside.
Feed your rabbit twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Pellot food available at petstores should be your rabbit's main diet. You can supplement him with carrots, appleslices and brocoli. There are also treats available at your petstore that your rabbit would love. Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times. Make sure you provide pieces of wood for your rabbit to chew on. Rabbit's teeth grow constantly like fingernails and chewing on wood helps to file them down. Give your rabbit plenty of attention and pet him frequently. Rabbits get along fine with other household pets but use caution when introducing. Do not give your other pets a chance to hurt your rabbit. |
