Rabbits, although small, are very difficult to properly care for. Rabbits are very picky about food, have a habit of self-discipline, and need a special place. However, if you do your research and learn how to best raise a rabbit, you will have a lot of fun with your pet.
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Part 1 of 3: Providing a Healthy Food Menu for Rabbits
Step 1. Always provide hay for the rabbit
Straw is the foundation of the rabbit's diet. Straw not only has important nutrients, but also contains fiber. Since the rabbit cleans its own body, it often swallows a lot of fur. Without enough fiber, these hairballs can block the digestive tract and can be fatal. Chewing hay also keeps the rabbit's teeth short by scraping them and preventing them from growing.
- Feed the rabbit a grass-based hay such as timothy, oats, or wheat. Other hay like alfalfa may be too rich in calcium or protein for rabbits to eat. To choose a high-quality hay, look for a greenish tinge and a sweet fragrance. Poor quality straw will be yellow in color and will smell musty. Do not feed rabbits with poor quality hay.
- If you can't find good quality hay at the pet store, there are several companies that take orders by mail and will ship the right hay to you.
- Rabbits can be fed hay from birth.
Step 2. Provide plenty of water for the rabbit
Like most animals, water is essential for rabbit health. Without enough water, rabbits can become dehydrated, develop organ failure, and die. Rabbits should have fresh drinking water at all times.
- A water bottle or ceramic/stainless steel bowl is sufficient to provide water for the rabbit. Keep in mind that your rabbit will drink from a bowl more often than a bottle, so it's better for the rabbit's health. You can start by providing both to see which the rabbit prefers.
- Whatever method you choose to provide your rabbit with water, be sure to use products that are lead-free.
- Replace the old water with clean water every day.
- Also, make sure to wash your water bottles and bowls with hot water and soap every day to prevent bacterial growth. Wash thoroughly to make sure all soap residue has been rinsed off.
Step 3. Add fresh vegetables to your rabbit's diet
The best vegetables for rabbits are romaine lettuce, broccoli, carrots, cilantro, spinach, and celery.
- Make sure all the vegetables you give are fresh. Vegetables left alone for a few days can make your rabbit sick.
- Serve vegetables wet to increase the rabbit's fluid intake and help move food more easily through the digestive tract.
- Change vegetables for the rabbit every day. Some rabbits, when fed with only one type of vegetable, can cause mucus to build up in the rabbit's bladder which can lead to kidney stones. A typical example is carrots which are high in oxalate. Feeding carrots every day can affect digestive problems in rabbits. To avoid this, never give the same food two days in a row. If your rabbit eats carrots one day, give them broccoli the next day so you can keep combining them.
Step 4. Feed the rabbit fruit as a snack
Fruit should also be considered a snack and should never be a staple of your rabbit's diet. Generally, you should limit the portion of fruit to no more than two tablespoons per day.
- All fruits are safe to give to rabbits, as long as they are given in controlled amounts.
- Mix the intake of fruits every day, the same as vegetables.
Step 5. Prepare pellets for rabbits in small quantities
Commercial pellets for rabbits are generally not considered essential to a rabbit's diet because they don't have enough fiber and don't erode teeth like hay. Pellets are also very high in calories and can lead to obesity if your rabbit eats too much of them. In limited quantities, pellets can also provide vitamins and minerals that rabbits need.
- Keep in mind that pellets should be an addition to other foods, and not a rabbit's staple diet.
- Choose pellets made from timothy straw instead of alfalfa. Alfalfa pellets tend to be high in calories and can lead to obesity.
- Pellets come in two forms: muesli (a mixture of whole grains, dried fruits, and oats) and extruded. The muesli type has its own nutrients in each pellet, while the extruded type has all the nutrients mixed into each pellet. Use the extrusion type to provide all the essential nutrients your rabbit needs. With this type of muesli, your rabbit will opt for the tasty pellets and ignore the others, causing the rabbit to become malnourished.
- See your vet to find out the ideal serving size for your rabbit. Some recommended servings for adult rabbits are only about 1 tablespoon daily.
- If the rabbit begins to ignore the hay, reduce the portion of pellets. The lack of fiber from hay can cause a fatal blockage in your rabbit's digestive tract, so you should make sure that hay is your rabbit's staple diet.
Step 6. Avoid feeding your rabbit any food not listed on this list
Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and you shouldn't feed them anything they don't know. In particular, avoid nuts, seeds, corn, and all desserts like chocolate. Rabbits will not be able to digest this food and can be fatal if you eat it.
- Also, stay away from all gourmet treats for rabbits as they can be dangerous.
- Always check with your vet before giving your rabbit any new food.
Part 2 of 3: Setting Up a House for the Rabbit
Step 1. Decide whether the rabbit will be housed indoors or outdoors
There are advantages and disadvantages to this placement so consider each option before making a final decision.
- If you are keeping your rabbit outdoors, make sure it has a safe place to live that can protect it from predators and the weather. Even urban areas have predators such as raccoons and cats that can hurt or kill rabbits, so make sure they are protected. Also, make sure you provide your rabbit with friends and social interaction. It can be more useful to give your rabbit a play area outside the house to play during the day.
- If rabbits are going to be kept indoors, remember that rabbits love to chew. You must protect your furniture and valuables well from damage. Rabbits also need sun exposure to help with their vitamin D production, so take them outside regularly to ensure they stay healthy.
Step 2. Determine the area the rabbit can enter
Are rabbits allowed to roam throughout the house, or are rabbits only allowed to be in certain rooms?
- Rabbits need several hours of exercise time outside the cage each day. When choosing an area, keep in mind that he needs enough room to explore and walk around so make sure he gets enough exercise. At a minimum, a full room is also sufficient.
- Keep in mind that the larger the area your rabbit is allowed to enter, the more room you'll need to protect your rabbit from getting hurt.
Step 3. Keep the rabbit area safe
Rabbits love to bite so it will not only damage your home and furniture, but can be fatal to the rabbit itself. You'll need to remove or protect certain items in the rabbit's area.
- Either keep the power cord out of the rabbit's reach or wrap it up so it doesn't bite the rabbit. To wrap it, buy a plastic tube from a hardware store. Use scissors or a utility knife and cut the tube lengthwise and thread the wire through it.
- Cover power lines with child protection plugs.
- Keep all plants away from the area. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems so eating unfamiliar plants can make them sick.
- Keep a close eye on the rabbit if he is walking around in the house. Even if you think you've removed anything dangerous from your rabbit's reach, it can slip easily through crevices and into areas where it shouldn't be. This often occurs especially in young rabbits.
- Rabbits are generally okay with other pets such as dogs and cats in the house as long as they are both kind. Puppies should be trained before allowing them to interact with rabbits as they can injure them when trying to play with them.
Step 4. Buy a cage for the rabbit
Rabbits will need a place to sleep, eat, drink, and rest. Choosing the right cage is very important for keeping your rabbit healthy and keeping him happy.
- As a rule of thumb, the rabbit should be able to stretch out and stand on its hind legs without touching the top of the cage. For a more concrete size, the recommended size is 60 x 90 x 60 cm.
- Choose a cage without a wire floor. Wire floors can hurt your rabbit's feet. Therefore, look for a cage made of plastic.
- If you can only find a wire-lined cage, put a piece of wood or plastic on top to make sure the rabbit is comfortable.
- You can also turn a dog or cat cage into a rabbit cage, as long as it's big enough for rabbits to live in.
- Put in a rug or small mat and straw for the rabbit to sleep on.
- If the rabbit returns to its cage, let it sit there and don't force it to come out. Rabbits usually use the cage as a hiding place so they can rest and relax.
- Make sure the rabbit has a place to hide in the cage. Rabbits are animals that like to hoard things and need a sense of security from dark cramped places. A simple shoebox can be a hiding place, but be prepared to replace it regularly as rabbits can bite it.
Step 5. Train the rabbit to poop
Like cats, rabbits can also be trained to use the litter box.
- First, find the corner of the cage your rabbit has chosen for its bathroom. Then, place the sandbox there.
- As he continues to use the litter box in his cage, you can allow him to walk around more often outside the cage. Place more litter boxes in the surrounding area to encourage him to use them.
- Always use positive encouragement when training your rabbit to poop, not punishment. The gift could be your rabbit's favorite treat. If he's good at socializing and likes people, give him a compliment or pet his fur.
- Never use lumpy sand as the rabbit can eat the lumps, causing blockages in their intestines. Use sand made from sawdust, paper, or oranges. You can also use newspaper as an alternative, although it's not very good at absorbing liquids.
Part 3 of 3: General Care for Rabbits
Step 1. Castrate the rabbit
Go to the vet and neuter your rabbit. There are various health benefits of neutering rabbits regardless of gender.
- A neutered rabbit will not defecate frequently because castration reduces the desire to mark its territory.
- Rabbits will not be too aggressive.
- The reproductive organs of rabbits are very susceptible to cancer as they get older. Castrating it will reduce this risk.
- Skip this step if you plan to breed rabbits. Breeding rabbits is safe as long as you have enough space to keep several rabbits and know how to breed them properly. If this is the case, make sure you visit your vet regularly to have your rabbit checked for reproductive health issues.
Step 2. Provide lots of toys for the rabbit
Rabbits love to bite, so giving them a toy will ensure that they don't bite your furniture. You don't need an expensive bunny toy. A piece of cardboard, a jar of toilet paper rolls, and chemical-free wood will keep your rabbit happy and entertained.
Stay away from rubber toys. If a rabbit swallows a piece of rubber, its digestive tract will become blocked
Step 3. Play with your rabbit
Rabbits are active and playful animals. There are several games you can play with your bunny to keep both of you happy and keep them healthy.
- Arrange some small toy bowling pins and let the bunny drop them. Active rabbits will love this game.
- Some rabbits like to flick toys around and make you toss them again, much like a flipped throw and catch toy.
- Build an obstacle course for the rabbits. Rabbits love to explore, so follow their passion with an obstacle course. Make sure you use materials such as newsprint and cardboard so the rabbit won't hurt.
- Always let the rabbit rest if he wants to. When his interest in a game has lost, don't force him to continue.
Step 4. Hold the rabbit gently
Rabbits have fragile bones and can break easily if handled roughly. You should always be gentle with your rabbit to avoid injury.
- If the rabbit tries to run away when you try to pick it up, don't force it. A rabbit trying to escape could break its own bones or sprain it, and you could also drop it when it tries to escape. Leave your rabbit alone if he doesn't want to be picked up.
- Make it adapt to being lifted slowly. Rabbits are land-dwelling animals and can be very frightened when picked up in the air. Let him get used to being petted first. As he gets used to the presence of humans, try to lift his front paws about a few inches off the ground. Then, stay seated as you lift him up a few times and hold him in your lap. Finally, try to lift his body while standing.
- To properly lift the rabbit, place one hand under its chest and the other on its back. For more details on lifting a rabbit, read Lifting a Rabbit.
- If you're worried that your rabbit will scratch you, use a towel when picking it up. You could accidentally drop it if it scratches you.
- Make sure all pets are trained before interacting with rabbits.
- Make sure all the young children in the house know the rules when playing with rabbits. Supervise them when interacting with the rabbit and stop them if they do anything that could hurt the rabbit.
Step 5. Brush your rabbit every day
Rabbits are furry animals that like to clean themselves. Unfortunately, swallowing too many feathers can cause serious digestive tract blockages. You should brush it regularly to prevent this.
- Comb his fur at least once a week. Using a fine-toothed comb, such as a flea comb, thoroughly comb the rabbit's fur. Combing the fur can get rid of any loose hair that the rabbit can swallow when grooming itself.
- Rabbits are very sensitive to water and can get hypothermic easily or go into shock when drowning. If necessary, you can clean the rabbit's fur with a damp towel, but don't soak it. For more detailed information about cleaning and combing rabbits safely, read [Bathing a Pet Rabbit https://en.wikihow.com/Bathing a Pet Rabbit].
- Trim your rabbit's nails every few weeks. Look at the rabbit's nails and find where the veins end in them. The veins will be visible even if the rabbit has dark nails. Using a nail clipper, trim the nail just after the end of the vein. If you're afraid of hurting your rabbit, your vet can do it during a routine checkup.
- If you notice dry skin or dandruff while brushing the fur, call your veterinarian. This could be a sign of lice.
Step 6. Take your rabbit to the vet once a year
Like all pets, rabbits need regular medical care to stay healthy. Stick to yearly checkups and don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if you think something is wrong with your rabbit.
Find a veterinarian with experience with rabbits. These veterinarians are sometimes referred to as exotic veterinarians who specialize in unusual pets
Step 7. Watch for signs of stress or illness in your rabbit
Since rabbits are sensitive animals, they are susceptible to a number of ailments, from mild to fatal. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- The sudden loss of appetite is accompanied by a rumbling sound in the stomach.
- Hard to breathe.
- Rabbit tilted his head.
- Incontinence.
- The presence of a lump or abscess around the rabbit's body.
Tips
- Carrots are not very healthy for rabbits. Rabbits should only be given carrots occasionally, not every day.
- Rabbits are very social animals, and will really like having a partner (rabbits that don't come from the same parent tend to get along better with rabbits of other genders, but there are some exceptions) to keep them company. Again, make sure the rabbit is neutered!
- Even if you're in the same room as the rabbit, keep the cage door open as it will come out on its own even if you don't notice it. Rabbits like to be outside the cage. He will be sad if you don't let him out.
- Make sure the rabbit cage is big enough for it to jump 4 times, and high enough so it can stand on its two hind legs.
- Don't try to catch the rabbit. Doing this can discourage the rabbit from wanting to be in the room anymore and it will turn violent!
- Rabbits are very easy to train to poop, especially if they are small and have been neutered. Rabbits naturally defecate while eating, so provide a large sand tray lined with newsprint and filled with timothy hay or orchard grass and the rabbit will train itself. You may notice “raisins” scattered around the area. That's a sign the rabbit is marking its territory. As he gets comfortable (and has thoroughly marked everything with his chin), this will become less and less frequent and will eventually stop.
- If your bunny licks you, it means it likes you!
- Do not give too many wet snacks because it is not good for the digestive system.
- Never make a rabbit live on a wire like the picture above! Not only will the wires hurt the feet, they can also make the soles of the feet sore and difficult to heal and lead to infection. Rabbits will love a soft, dry surface.
- Rabbits don't like too much noise. So, avoid noise. Sounds such as barking dogs, bands performing, or other noise.
- Don't try to take the rabbit out of its cage. Wait for him to come to you.
- Do not keep rabbits in cages as it is not good for them and causes digestive problems.
Warning
- Do your research before (and after) buying a rabbit!
- If your rabbit lives in an area with connected power lines, unplug everything or move the rabbit. Rabbits are very fond of nibbling on cotton, and a single bite can kill them. Another option is to cover the wires using PVC tubing or flexible plastic coils available at some electronics stores and rabbit supply websites.
- Don't let the bunny get fat! Think about how bad humans would be if they were fat and this was much worse for rabbits. Proper diet and exercise are the biggest factors in keeping your rabbit slim and well groomed.
