Rabbits are clean and affectionate animals which can make excellent pets. The rabbit keeps itself clean by self grooming. Brushing your pet rabbit will help with excessive shedding and will keep down loose hair. A rabbit will shed or molt twice a year.

 

 There are many breed choices in rabbits. The size, shape and appearance of rabbits vary greatly. Rabbits can range from the small dwarf to a large New Zealand. A female rabbit is referred to as a Doe and a male rabbit is a Buck. More than one rabbit can be housed safely together however if you are not planning on breeding at least one of the pair should be neutered. The neutering of a male before sexual maturity can eliminate spraying.  Often two intact males will fight if housed together.  A new pet rabbit should be no younger than eight weeks old when it is adopted. It is necessary that the young stay with their mother and receive needed antibodies from nursing until they are at least six weeks of age. When they reach the eight week period they should be successfully whined and at that point able to handle a solid diet.

 

Diet

 In order to keep a rabbit in good health it is necessary to provide fresh and good quality greens. A balance between fresh greens and pellets is recommended. A pet store rabbit pellet should be combined with Alfalfa, hay, straw and greens in order to keep the digestive tract healthy. There should always be a source of fresh drinking water available.

 

Housing

 Rabbits can be housed outside or kept inside. If the pet is an out door pet it is important that they have shelter from sun, rain and snow. Rabbits are hardy and can withstand the cold as long as they are provide for correctly. Often a hutch is used where the pet is able to have both an indoor area and an outdoor area. An outdoor hutch should be elevated off the ground so feces and urine does not build up in the area. Fresh bedding is important in an outdoor setting to provide insulation from the elements. Rabbits will burrow by nature so it is important when he or she is out doors they are not about to under a fence or they will burrow and escape. If the pet is indoors a cage with a rack which keeps the rabbit out of its own feces and urine is best. Wood shavings or stray is also good bedding for an indoor rabbit. If you are allowing your rabbit to roam in your home make sure electrical cords are put up. Rabbits will chew on items it is best to “baby” proof your area. Pick up all small items, close doors which lead to stairways, and do not allow rabbit near electrical cords. Exercise is important for all rabbits or they will become heavy. Dishes used in cages should be heavy so they are not able to tip them over and dump the food. Water bottles should be at a height that is easy for the rabbit to reach and water should be changed often. Rabbits will often choose one corner or area to eliminate and are easy to train to a litter box. Place a shallow litter box in the area the rabbit has chosen.

 

Handling and Husbandry

 The rabbit has powerful hind quarters this helps him or her in movement. People must be very careful when handling the rabbit to support the hind quarters so that the rabbit does not twist or turn while being held. A healthy rabbit will be your pet for years to come. Rabbits can live up to 8 years so it is important as an owner you know some signs of illness. The rabbit will gnaw and chew almost constantly. A healthy rabbit has bright eyes, perky ears, frequent stools, eats and drinks often.  Rabbits are herbivores and need plant material to survive changes in their diet can cause drastic problems. If your rabbit seems to not be interested in its food this is a problem. Rabbits groom often and are susceptible to hair balls which can be fatal. Rabbit’s teeth mesh together and wear down as they chew if the teeth are not meeting sometimes it is necessary for them to be trimmed in order for the rabbit to eat correctly. A healthy rabbit will have a dry clean nose, if the nose is runny this is a possible sign of an respiratory problem. Nails should be trimmed often to help keep the rabbits feet clean and avoid matting of stool to the feet. Ears should be checked often to make certain there is no build up of wax or signs of any infection. An ear infection can produce a build up of dark or liquid material in the ear. Ears can be safely cleaned with a Q-tip. Rabbits are susceptible to fleas, tics and lice so keep an eye on the skin and fur condition. When bringing your rabbit to the animal hospital please use a cat carrier to transport it in for safety.

 

Rabbits