Rabbits have become increasingly popular pets in recent years. But they can be difficult to look after because owners make incorrect assumptions about their day-to-day care needs.
Rabbits have complex digestive systems, so the right nutrition is essential. For example, Timothy hay will break down any excess calcium and prevent urinary stones. Avoid feeding rabbits toxic foods like potatoes, bread, biscuits, rice, iceberg lettuce , etc.
Your pet needs regular daily exercise, and will benefit from the company of a bonded second rabbit. They also need intellectual stimulation to avoid sadness and depression. Spaying or neutering your rabbit, regular grooming, and keeping their hutch clean are also crucial.
With experience, keeping a rabbit contented becomes second nature to a new owner. Avoid making assumptions about what is right and wrong for your rabbit. Rabbits and humans have completely different requirements, and failing to acknowledge this could lead to an untimely demise.
Rabbits are not always easy pets to care for. They can be demanding, and they have particular requirements. Thankfully, their love and companionship make all this effort worthwhile. There are rules that you need to follow for appropriate rabbit care. If you take the time to learn more, your pet bunny will be a joy to be around. If you take chances, their health will suffer.
Food is the cornerstone of pet care, regardless of the species. So, ensure that you are providing appropriate nutrition. As your rabbit ages, their dietary needs will vary.
Until a bunny reaches adulthood at about seven months , they should eat alfalfa hay. This is high in protein, and will provide all necessary calories. Hay must always be fresh.
If this sends the hay moldy, eating any mold can make your rabbit sick. Beyond this, switch the alfalfa to timothy, oat or meadow hay.
Alfalfa will be too calorific for adult bunnies, and lead to weight gain. Unlimited supplies if these other forms of hay should be provided. Pellets are important to young bunnies, as they critical nutrients. Feed a baby rabbit unlimited pellets. Once the rabbit reaches adulthood, reduce pellets. If your adult bunny is indifferent to pellets, phase them out completely.
Fresh vegetables are a treat for rabbits, and introduce more nutrients to their diet. My House Rabbit lists recommended and suitable vegetables. As a golden rule, dark, leafy greens are best. Concerning water, standard tap water is fine. Just ensure that your rabbit is drinking enough. Learn if they prefer a hutch-mounted bottle or a dish on the floor. Refresh the water at least once a day, ideally twice. This means that your pet should always feel happy in their hutch.
The first thing to consider when investing in a rabbit hutch is the size. A hutch is not a cage, and should never be treated as one. Make sure the hutch is wide enough for your rabbit to stretch from the nose to toes, minimum. Your bunny should be able to make at least three hops before running out of space. They should also be able to stand on their hind legs comfortably. Your rabbit will also need to have sufficient zones in their hutch.
A rabbit that enjoys their surroundings will patiently wait to be let out for play and exercise. A rabbit should run a body temperature of — degrees Fahrenheit. Bunny fur sheds and grows according to the ambient temperature, so nature does most of the work.
Rabbit Haven lists the symptoms of a bunny overheating as:. Cold weather is rarely a problem. Most rabbits can cope with living outside all year round. They would experience worse in the wild, and they grow a thick winter fur coat. You may wish to move your rabbit indoors. A garage is ideal, as long as your rabbit will still be able to breathe clearly. Rabbits struggle with sudden changes in temperature. This is arguably even more dangerous than entrusting your rabbit to keep themselves comfortable.
Spaying or neutering is a crucial element to rabbit health. Unless you are a professional breeder, get your bunny fixed. Is it quiet enough for them? Do they like their bedroom area? Please note: Rabbits do sometimes sleep with their eyes open, so they may be taking a nap, without you realising it.
If your have bonded rabbits you will see many signs of happiness. If you are unable to have more than one rabbit, then do consider having your rabbit live indoors with you as a house rabbit, instead of living by themselves outside. This way they will get to enjoy much more of your company and they will be so much happier being part of the family and home, rather than alone.
We would like to add that many rabbits that have some health issues like head tilt or if they are disabled, can still be very happy. As long as they show some of the above signs, then you know they are showing signs of being happy. Log in Remember me. Lost your password? Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.
They love playtime The more natural behaviours your rabbit displays like exploring, chewing, digging, jumping and climbing, the happier they will be. They have lots of energy Regardless of what age your rabbit is, a happy, healthy rabbit should have lots of energy. They tell you they love you Bunnies show affection by grooming, so if you have a rabbit that will lick your hand or face, they are showing you that they love and care for you.
They have a friend If your have bonded rabbits you will see many signs of happiness. Rabbits like to work out early on where they can hide if a 'predator' appears. If they know they are within range of a safe hidey-hole, they will be much more relaxed. Provide places for your bunny to hide. Cardboard boxes with two exit holes or 'cat tunnels' work well. Rabbits like knowing they can't be trapped, so by giving them two exits they can always escape. If you have a house rabbit make sure you setup a hiding place in every room bunny has access to.
If you have an outdoor rabbit, make sure there are enough places for your rabbit to run to when frightened. Bunnies confined to hutches and cages for long hours will grow bored, overweight and frustrated. There's a popular saying "a hutch is not enough" - we're not saying that overweight rabbits don't have fun but being locked up all day doesn't allow for much fun and of course being obese shortens life spans. So let your bunny out of their hutch! Outdoor rabbits can have a run, or let out into a pen.
If you are busy but want to let your rabbit out during the day, you can attach a run to your hutch with some careful DIY. House bunnies can be allowed out around the house to exercise when you are at home.
Otherwise, play pens are great for making an area for your rabbit indoor or outdoor to hang out in when you are not at home. Throw in some toys, chew things and bingo Bunnies are natural grazers and happy rabbits graze all day long. Just like some of us, rabbits can combat boredom by eating.
Providing ample premium quality food is a great way to prevent boredom and up that happiness level.
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