Rabbits are entertaining and lovable deary . However , they have very dissimilar needs than other pets like dogs or computed tomography . As a first - time bunny owner , it can palpate overpowering to read everything involved in deal for your raw pet . This introductory guide to rabbit caution breaks down what you call for to have a go at it to heighten a goodly , happy bunny .
How to Take Care of a Rabbit
rabbit arerelatively loose to manage foronce you understand their unique form , personalities , and pauperization . They ’re a good alternative for first - time owners and those who live insmall spaces .
Rabbit Housing
coney can be kept indoors , outside , or both . When deciding where to house your fresh rabbit , take where you have enough infinite for an enclosure and exercise arena , whether your climate will reach utmost temperature , whether there will be decent airing , and if there are any predators present . opt the dependable option for your rabbit .
Keeping a Rabbit Indoors
Indoor hare , also fuck as family coney , should have a safe , comfortable natural enclosure withadequate bedding . Many possessor keep their rabbits in alarge cage ; it should have a lower limit of 12 straight foot of blank space . You could also use a secure preferent playpen to confine your rabbit to a specific area . Either manner , it ’s of import to give your coney at least an hour of supervised time outside the cage each twenty-four hour period for exercise .
Alternatively , you could give your cony whole barren rein of the house . If this is the path you choose , it ’s crucial tobunny - proof your home . rabbit are big chewers , so you must protect all wires , electrical cord , furniture legs , baseboards , plant , or any other items your bunny could gnaw on . This is n’t just to protect your things , but to keep your rabbit from eating something that could harm them .
Keeping a Rabbit Outdoors
Outdoor rabbits have similar motivation to those keep inside . You must ply them with asafe , weatherproof hutchthat is well ventilate . They ’ll also need time outside their cage to roam and unfold their leg . If you ’re worried about your outside coney getting cold-blooded in the winter , get laid that this species can tolerate temperatures as low as40 degrees Fahrenheit . However , weather colder than this are too utmost for coney , so you ’ll need to using warming aids or house your bunny rabbit within during those cold months .
Rabbit Elimination Habits
If you ’re unexampled to rabbits , you may marvel where your new deary will relieve themselves . Most rabbits will choose a corner in their John Cage or hutch to urinate . Because they wish to do this , it ’s reasonably easy tolitter box train your rabbit . Keep in mind thatRabbit urinecan cooking stove in color from yellow to dark orange , so do n’t be horrify if you notice pee this shade .
Rabbits also lean to piece a few places to defecate , but it ’s potential to train them to poop in their litter boxwood , too . However , rabbit can leave droppings as a way ofmarking their dominion .
Another important affair new cony owners should know is that rabbits deplete their own feces . They acquire two types of stool ; the pocket-size , rotund pellets most people are familiar with , andcecotropes , which are known as " dark dope . " These special stool contain good bacteria and vitamin that your rabbit needs , so they re - take them immediately after fleet them .
You probably wo n’t see any of these night poops , but if you do notice what front like a parcel of small-scale , shining grapes in your rabbit ’s John Milton Cage Jr. , you ’ve found a cecotrope , and it ’s not a cause for concern . However , if you regain legion cecotropes , it ’s important to meet your veterinarian , as this may be a mark of unwellness or inappropriate diet .
What to Feed Your Rabbit
If you have ababy bunny , they have specialized dieting needs due to their growing bodies . However , grownup rabbit over the age of 8 months oldshould eat a balanced dietof hay , cony pellets , and fresh vegetables , and they should always have admission to fresh body of water .
Handling a Rabbit
While rabbits can be affectionate pet who enjoy handling , it ’s significant to always keep in mind that they are target brute who can startle and become stressed easily . emphasis can precede to a warmness flak , so always be aware of loud noises around your rabbit and move lightly . unluckily , rabbits can die of fright in extreme cases .
It ’s also important for new rabbit owners to understand that these ducky can injure their backbone if not address aright . If a rabbit becomes spook or is hold ill , they can kick out with their strong back wooden leg anddislocate or break their spine . When handling a coney , always support their back leg and set up in one hired hand / arm and their front legs and chest with the other . concord the rabbit close to you to they feel safe and secure to prevent them from kicking out . Never permit your rabbit hang limply or halt them by their ears or limbs .
Training a Rabbit
In addition tolitter box trainingyour rabbit , youcan cultivate themto do a lot of fun behaviors and tricks . Rabbits are very intelligent and reply well to clicker preparation . you could teach them to recognize their name , issue forth when call , give you a " gamy five , " and sit on their hind legs . Some bunny owner even develop their rabbit to do exposit rabbit - sized nimbleness courses based on thedog variation .
Rabbit Veterinary Care
Every pet should have regular checkup , admit your rabbit . Not all veterinary hospital have the knowledge or equipment to see rabbits , so you ’ll need tolocate a veterinarianin your area who will see exotic small mammals . docket a mundane strong-arm exam with them every year to check that your rabbit remain in good wellness and search precaution anytime you noticesigns of illness .
If your rabbit is intact , meaning they have not been spayed or alter , you canconsider throw them altered . Doing so will carry off their hazard of reproductive disease like uterine genus Cancer and can reduce mount or spraying behavior .
Optimal Rabbit Care for a Long, Happy Life
coney are wonderful pets that can be affectionate , loving , and a circle of merriment . When bringing home your new rabbit , make indisputable you haveall all-important supplies , a high - quality diet , and a secure cage setup that provides your bunny with enough room . With the correct rabbit care , your new pet can go a full and farseeing lifespan .
