Lop rabbits need to be cared for properly and properly like any other pet. Rabbits need a lot of attention and a safe environment to stay healthy and happy. Rabbits are animals that like to hang out with other rabbits. Therefore, if you want to keep rabbits, you should have more than one rabbit. Give your rabbit everything he needs to keep him bouncing around your yard happily.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Raising Rabbits
Step 1. Consider carefully before buying a rabbit
The adorable physique of rabbits sometimes makes us unable to bear to buy them in large quantities. However, before you decide to buy one, consider whether a rabbit is the right pet for you. Any rabbit whose ears hang down is a lop rabbit. There are 19 types of lop rabbits. Each type has a different size and characteristics.
- The English Lop Rabbit and the Mini Lop Rabbit (also known as the Dutch Lop Rabbit) are popular pets.
- Contact your local breeder, animal rescue center, or pet store.
- Rabbits live about 9 to 11 years and require attention and care for as long as they live. Rabbits are active and need space to run around.
Step 2. Know the price
Before you buy it make sure you have enough money. Lop rabbit prices can vary. You should prepare around Rp. 200 thousand to Rp. 800 thousand. In addition, you also need to spend around IDR 1,200,000 for the cage, IDR 400,000 for the carrier, and IDR 330 thousand for the toilet. This is just the beginning.
- You should prepare around IDR 1,600,000 for the food in a year, and also put in around IDR 325 thousand for the toys and snacks.
- Also add IDR 1,600,000 for fees to the vet.
- Don't forget to also prepare around IDR 5,200,000 in a year for the construction of a toilet and a bed.
Step 3. Get a cage of the right size
Despite their small size, rabbits are so active and strong that even their legs are designed for running and jumping. Therefore, you need to provide your rabbit with a place to live that will allow him to move freely. The minimum recommended size for a small to medium sized rabbit is 122 cm in width, 60 cm in length and height.
- If using a wire cage, make sure you cover the base with cardboard or a piece of wood to protect the rabbit's paws.
- It would be better if the cage had a solid bottom surface. Cages with wire or perforated bottom surfaces can hurt your rabbit's feet.
Step 4. Place the cage in a closed room
While it's quite common to have rabbits out in the open, it's a good idea to start placing them indoors now. Outdoor cages can isolate them and are vulnerable to predators. Although the rabbit is safe in its cage, it can die of a heart attack when approached by a predator.
- Rabbits can interact with you and your family if you keep them indoors.
- A safe and warm environment to play in is good for rabbits.
- However, rabbits also need outdoor playtime. Make sure you keep an eye on it.
Step 5. Provide bedding
You'll want to make sure your rabbit's bedding is warm, soft, and water-absorbent. Dry grass and hay are the best choices. Whatever ingredients you have, make sure they are safe to eat and free of dust. Choose materials that are safe and you can choose at pet supply stores.
- You must cover the bottom of the cage with bedding material with a thickness of about 7-10 cm.
- Avoid sawdust from pine and cedar trees for making bedding, as both types of materials can harm rabbits. Rabbits do not hesitate to eat bedding so you need to choose materials that are safe to eat.
Step 6. Prepare a tray for defecation
In addition to providing a cage, you will also need to train your rabbit to defecate if you keep it indoors. You can get a litter tray when you buy a rabbit cage at a pet supply store. The tray must fit inside the cage but not more than one third of the bottom of the cage. Trays are important for rabbits to keep them clean.
- If your rabbit is out of the cage all day you can keep the tray outside as well.
- Once trained, the rabbit will use the tray provided.
- You should keep the toilet area separate from the bed.
Part 2 of 4: Feeding the Rabbit
Step 1. Have a steady supply of hay
Dry grass or common grass is an important element for rabbits. Rabbits are grass-eating animals. You need to provide him with plenty of grass to chew on throughout the day and night. Rabbits need proper grass intake to keep their digestive system in good condition. You should also make sure that fresh grass is always available for the rabbit.
- Your rabbit will eat the same amount of grass every day.
- Randomly spread the grass around the cage and the area for defecation. Rabbits like to eat grass while resting. Placing grass in these places can encourage rabbits to eat large amounts of grass.
- Rabbits tend to eat in the early morning and late at night.
Step 2. Make sure you always provide fresh and clean drinking water
You will need to check your rabbit's water supply twice a day or more, as needed. If your rabbit is kept outdoors, make sure the water doesn't freeze in cold weather (if you live in a snowy country). An inadequate amount of drinking water can harm your rabbit's health. You can use a water bottle or a bowl, the important thing is that fresh drinking water is always available.
- Drinking from a bowl seems more natural to your rabbit. He will like it more. The drawback is that water can be quickly contaminated by bedding material.
- It's a good idea to keep an eye on how much your rabbit is drinking. The amount of drinking water consumption that suddenly decreases can be an indication of health problems.
Step 3. Have a supply of dry food
Rabbits should have a diet combined with good quality dry food (eg pellets), fresh grass, oat grass, fresh vegetables and water. You need to follow the package directions for pellets, not just refilling the feeder. If you do this, your rabbit could be deprived of grass.
- Look for pellets that contain 15-19% protein and 18% fiber.
- The amount of food intake needed may vary depending on the age of the rabbit. Once your rabbit is old enough (about 8 months), he will need to be fed between 1/8 or 1/4 cup daily per 2.5 kg of body weight.
Step 4. Give him fresh food
Leafy greens should make up a third of your rabbit's diet. Rabbits like a variety of green vegetables such as lettuce, collard greens, radish and carrots. The amount of food your rabbit eats depends on its age and size. But as a basic guide, you should give two cups of green vegetables per 2.7 kg of body weight each day.
- Fresh herbs can also be a good choice.
- Make sure the plant has been thoroughly washed before giving it to the rabbit.
Step 5. Give the rabbit treats from time to time
Sometimes you may want to give your rabbit a snack of fruit or root vegetables. Naturally rabbits do not eat these types of food. Therefore, you need to limit the amount of intake. Avoid snacks other than fruits and vegetables that can harm your rabbit's health. Good treats for rabbits include strawberries, pineapple, apples, raspberries, and pears.
- You should not give your rabbit more than two tablespoons of treats per 1.8 kg of body weight. Banana slices should only be given occasionally.
- Make sure you remove the seeds from fruits like apples and pears. The seeds can be toxic to rabbits.
- Plants like eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes can also be harmful to your rabbit.
- Do not feed your rabbit with caffeinated foods, chocolate, bread, grapes or raisins.
Part 3 of 4: Keeping the Rabbit Happy
Step 1. Give your rabbit a friend
Rabbits should be kept with at least one other rabbit. Rabbits are animals that like to hang out with other rabbits. Male and female rabbits (both of which have been spayed) of the same size and breed can make a good combination. If rabbits are left alone for long enough, they may behave abnormally.
- Let your rabbit choose his own companions if possible. Some animal rescue organizations will usually introduce your rabbit to other rabbits before adoption.
- For the matching session you will need to place two rabbits together in a room with toys and treats to make them feel comfortable. Notice the interaction between the two.
Step 2. Provide toys and chewables
You will need to provide lots of toys that are safe for your rabbit to chew on. For example, such as cardboard and unused phone books. You can also give your rabbit a towel to chew on as long as you don't mind the towel being chewed into small pieces.
Step 3. Give your rabbit a place to dig
Apart from chewing, rabbits also like to dig. Digging is in the nature of rabbits so it is important to give him the opportunity to do so. Rabbits won't dig holes in the floor of your house like they do in the wild. You can stimulate it with a box to dig. You can fill half a cardboard box with paper slices.
If you don't mind a messy place, you can put soil in the cardboard box
Step 4. Provide a place to hide
It is very important to provide a hiding place for your rabbit. Rabbits hide when they are afraid, but you don't have to worry about this. Rabbits need to be able to hide if something scares them or they will get stressed. The hideout should have two entrances and an exit and be high enough for him to hide.
- Provide hiding places for at least one rabbit.
- If you have more than one rabbit, provide a large enough space for them to hide together.
- As a prey species, rabbits are able to hide from the sight and smell of predators.
- Even if your rabbit is safe in the house, you still need to provide him with a hiding place.
Step 5. Give the rabbit time and space to run around
You should take your rabbit out of its cage every day so it can run around and move its limbs. Rabbits are very active animals and need to move around quite often in large areas. Rabbits are most active in the afternoon and evening, which is the time for them to forage for food and interact with other rabbits.
- It is important to create an area in your home that is safe for your rabbit before you let it play.
- Rabbits should be able to move actively for several hours a day.
Step 6. Interact with your rabbit every day
Rabbits are sociable animals. That's why it's important to spend time with your rabbit. Interact with your rabbit to increase intimacy. Set aside time each day for him, even if it's just sitting in the same room as your rabbit explores the room. If you're watching TV, you may find your bunny climbing up the couch to just say hello.
Step 7. Know how to hold a rabbit
Rabbits need to be handled carefully. Move slowly, talk to him softly, and lower your height to near the floor. If your rabbit is comfortable being held you can put one hand down, near the ribs and gently lift the rabbit's back with your other hand. Gently lift the rabbit towards your chest gently but don't let it go. Make sure your hands are always holding the hind legs. You can calm her down by holding her four legs against your body.
- It's best if you start holding your rabbit from a young age to get used to it. If you have a rabbit that you got from an animal rescue, it will feel pressure to be picked up because it's not used to it. It's best if you hold your rabbit from a young age until he gets used to it. If you adopt a rescued rabbit, it is likely that it will be distressed when picked up.
- Never pick up a rabbit by its ears. Keep an eye on the rabbit when there are children around.
Part 4 of 4: Maintaining Health and Hygiene
Step 1. Clean the cage and litter box
You should clean the rabbit's cage and litter box regularly. It is important to provide your rabbit with a good and clean environment. You can change the soil for the bedding in no time. Clean the cage thoroughly once a week.
- Once a month, or every two weeks if necessary, you should clean the cage. Scrub the cage completely and dry it.
- Put the rabbit back in its place when the cage is completely dry.
Step 2. Dress up your bunny
It is best if you brush your rabbit regularly to remove excess hair. The hair that falls out will curl and it will hurt when you comb it. Combing can keep the hair in good condition. As you comb it, start from the back of the head to the tail.
- Be gentle and patient with your rabbit. Different rabbits also respond differently when combed.
- You can also trim your rabbit's nails. Consult your vet first before you do this.
Step 3. Bathe your rabbit
Rabbits should be bathed in a way that doesn't make them restless. Make sure his feet touch the bottom of the bath, and the temperature of the water used is warm. The biggest risk is that he could get scared, jump out of the bath, and injure himself. So, bathe the rabbit as little as possible, for example when the fur is exposed to the ground or other compelling reasons that require a bath.
- You can also clean it by sprinkling a little cornstarch on the fur and then cleaning it with a flea comb.
- Instead of submerging the rabbit in the water, try soaking the cloth in warm water. Moisturize the fur, but don't let the skin get wet.
- Dry the rabbit with a hairdryer on the lowest setting. Do it carefully.
Step 4. Know when to take your rabbit to the vet
It's a good idea to take your rabbit to the vet at least once a year. During this time you can observe if there are signs of disease. If you think your rabbit is sick, see your vet immediately. Symptoms of the disease can include:
- Rabbits don't want to eat.
- Your rabbit doesn't look like he wants to go to the bathroom for 12 hours or more.
- Watery diarrhea.
- Watery eyes and nose.
- Urine is dark red.
- Hair loss or skin that is red and swollen.
- Become sluggish.
Tips
- Timothy grass and pellets are usually better for lop rabbits than alfalfa.
- Alfalfa dry grass and pellets are suitable for baby rabbits and meat-fed rabbits. Other types of food can be oats, brome plants, and orchard grass.
- Try to pet the rabbit around its ears.
- Naturally, lop rabbits can not stand the hot weather. So, try to make the cage in a closed room.
Warning
- Never give a rabbit human food or food that could harm it. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive tract. Rabbits can easily get sick and die. Give your rabbit food that fits his diet.
- If you take your rabbit out in the open, make sure you keep an eye on it.
- Rabbits love to chew. Give him something to chew on (poison-free wooden slats, cardboard, etc.). Also make sure the roaming area is safe.
- If your rabbit is sick, take him to the vet immediately. Rabbits are predatory animals and tend to hide their pain. If you notice something is not right, something serious must be going on.
- Always support the back of the rabbit's paw; if you don't do this, he will kick and injure his back.
- Human food (processed food) is not rabbit food.
