Difference between revisions of "Care for a New Pet Rabbit"
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Getting a new pet rabbit can be fun, but it's important to understand that a rabbit needs time to adjust to its new home. It's your job to make sure that your rabbit has everything it need to make that adjustment as smooth as possible. The decisions you make at this early stage in your lives together can set the tone for the future relationship you have with your rabbit. | Getting a new pet rabbit can be fun, but it's important to understand that a rabbit needs time to adjust to its new home. It's your job to make sure that your rabbit has everything it need to make that adjustment as smooth as possible. The decisions you make at this early stage in your lives together can set the tone for the future relationship you have with your rabbit. | ||
| − | [[Category:Rabbits]] | + | [[Category: Rabbits]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Get a rabbit hutch. The hutch (or rabbit house) should be at least {{convert|2|ft|m|sigfig=2}} wide and 4 feet long, and tall enough to let the rabbit stand up to its full height. | #Get a rabbit hutch. The hutch (or rabbit house) should be at least {{convert|2|ft|m|sigfig=2}} wide and 4 feet long, and tall enough to let the rabbit stand up to its full height. | ||
#*Outdoor hutches are most commonly made of wood with a door fitted at the front made of chicken wire. This allows for good ventilation and for the rabbit to see out. The wood offers a degree of thermal protection to insulate the rabbit from the elements, and is sturdy, protecting the rabbit from predators. | #*Outdoor hutches are most commonly made of wood with a door fitted at the front made of chicken wire. This allows for good ventilation and for the rabbit to see out. The wood offers a degree of thermal protection to insulate the rabbit from the elements, and is sturdy, protecting the rabbit from predators. | ||
| − | #*An outdoor hutch will need to have a run attached to it, so that your rabbit can exercise. The run should be a minimum of {{convert|4|ft|m|sigfig=2}} by 8 ft by 2ft tall, for a rabbit under 2kg.<ref>http://www.therabbithouse.com/guide_size.asp</ref> | + | #*An outdoor hutch will need to have a run attached to it, so that your rabbit can exercise. The run should be a minimum of {{convert|4|ft|m|sigfig=2}} by 8 ft by 2ft tall, for a rabbit under 2kg.<ref name="rf1">http://www.therabbithouse.com/guide_size.asp</ref> |
#*Many indoor hutches are made of plastic with a wire roof. This has the advantage of being lightweight, so you can move it around the house easily. | #*Many indoor hutches are made of plastic with a wire roof. This has the advantage of being lightweight, so you can move it around the house easily. | ||
#*If you can't find a hutch you like, [[Make a Rabbit Cage|make your own]]! It isn't as simple as buying one, but it can be much better for your rabbit. Make sure the sides are made of wire but the floor is not. | #*If you can't find a hutch you like, [[Make a Rabbit Cage|make your own]]! It isn't as simple as buying one, but it can be much better for your rabbit. Make sure the sides are made of wire but the floor is not. | ||
#Cover the bottom of the hutch with bedding. You must provide bedding that is soft, warm and absorbent. Cover the entire base to a minimum depth of {{convert|3|-|4|in|cm|sigfig=2}}. This cushions the backs of the rabbit's hind legs, which are prone to pressure sores if not enough padding is provided. | #Cover the bottom of the hutch with bedding. You must provide bedding that is soft, warm and absorbent. Cover the entire base to a minimum depth of {{convert|3|-|4|in|cm|sigfig=2}}. This cushions the backs of the rabbit's hind legs, which are prone to pressure sores if not enough padding is provided. | ||
| − | #*Commonly used substrates for bedding include wood chips, hay, or straw. Of these, straw is the warmest and softest and makes the best bedding material, hay is second best (and is more expensive than straw), and sawdust it third best.<ref>Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. Frances Harcourt-Brown. Publisher: Butterworth-Heinneman</ref> | + | #*Commonly used substrates for bedding include wood chips, hay, or straw. Of these, straw is the warmest and softest and makes the best bedding material, hay is second best (and is more expensive than straw), and sawdust it third best.<ref name="rf2">Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. Frances Harcourt-Brown. Publisher: Butterworth-Heinneman</ref> |
#Get a litter tray. You will need to [[Litter Train a Rabbit|litter train your rabbit]] if you are keeping it inside. The litter tray will need to fit inside the hutch and not take up more than a third of the floor space. | #Get a litter tray. You will need to [[Litter Train a Rabbit|litter train your rabbit]] if you are keeping it inside. The litter tray will need to fit inside the hutch and not take up more than a third of the floor space. | ||
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#Start interacting with your rabbit after 24 hours. Take it slowly. Spend as long as time allows each day sitting beside the hutch talking to the rabbit. If the rabbit is already tame, then open the hutch door and stroke along the rabbit's back. | #Start interacting with your rabbit after 24 hours. Take it slowly. Spend as long as time allows each day sitting beside the hutch talking to the rabbit. If the rabbit is already tame, then open the hutch door and stroke along the rabbit's back. | ||
#*Avoid hovering your hand over the rabbit's head as this is what a predator would do. | #*Avoid hovering your hand over the rabbit's head as this is what a predator would do. | ||
| − | #Try picking up the rabbit. If the rabbit doesn't run away when you gently pet it, then sit on the ground and gently lift rabbit out and onto your lap. Sitting on the ground is less frightening to bunny, because they are ground dwelling and being high in the air is unnerving for them.<ref | + | #Try picking up the rabbit. If the rabbit doesn't run away when you gently pet it, then sit on the ground and gently lift rabbit out and onto your lap. Sitting on the ground is less frightening to bunny, because they are ground dwelling and being high in the air is unnerving for them.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* To pick up your rabbit, place a hand on its chest and another on its bottom, and carefully lift it so that its side is parallel to your chest, and it is sitting on one of your arms while the other forms a barrier so it can't fall off. Then place it on your lap. | #* To pick up your rabbit, place a hand on its chest and another on its bottom, and carefully lift it so that its side is parallel to your chest, and it is sitting on one of your arms while the other forms a barrier so it can't fall off. Then place it on your lap. | ||
#*If the rabbit is not used to being picked up and runs away, do not forcibly remove the rabbit. Instead, take your time and tempt the rabbit out with an extra tasty treat. Once the rabbit gets used to your voice, and realises you are no threat, it will eventually go for the treat. Once bunny is regularly staying out to receive the treat, you can start to stroke their back. Once they accept this, at that stage you can try to pick bunny up. | #*If the rabbit is not used to being picked up and runs away, do not forcibly remove the rabbit. Instead, take your time and tempt the rabbit out with an extra tasty treat. Once the rabbit gets used to your voice, and realises you are no threat, it will eventually go for the treat. Once bunny is regularly staying out to receive the treat, you can start to stroke their back. Once they accept this, at that stage you can try to pick bunny up. | ||
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#*If any digestive upset is noticed, offer the rabbit unlimited water, unlimited hay and some old fashioned (long cooking) oats. Remove all other types of food and restrict the rabbit to this diet for three days. If the digestion has returned to normal, you may reintroduce other foods again slowly, one at a time. | #*If any digestive upset is noticed, offer the rabbit unlimited water, unlimited hay and some old fashioned (long cooking) oats. Remove all other types of food and restrict the rabbit to this diet for three days. If the digestion has returned to normal, you may reintroduce other foods again slowly, one at a time. | ||
#*Also, any food can potentially cause problems if eaten to excess. Carrots contain a lot of oxalate, and if given everyday can predispose the rabbit to bladder stones. | #*Also, any food can potentially cause problems if eaten to excess. Carrots contain a lot of oxalate, and if given everyday can predispose the rabbit to bladder stones. | ||
| − | #*A safe way to feed vegetables is to never give the same thing two days in a row - thus you may give cucumber / Monday, red pepper / Tuesday, carrot / Wednesday, broccoli / Thursday and so on.<ref | + | #*A safe way to feed vegetables is to never give the same thing two days in a row - thus you may give cucumber / Monday, red pepper / Tuesday, carrot / Wednesday, broccoli / Thursday and so on.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Don't overfeed your rabbit. Find out how much food your rabbit needs based on its weight and breed. You must feed them every day, but do not feed too much based on their weight. | #Don't overfeed your rabbit. Find out how much food your rabbit needs based on its weight and breed. You must feed them every day, but do not feed too much based on their weight. | ||
#*If you have a big or standard size rabbit, and you are feeding them grass, you have to feed them a lot, making sure they get enough calories every day, which means they are eating almost constantly. If you are feeding your rabbit pellets (which is not recommended), they will get enough calories much faster, in as little as 20 minutes. | #*If you have a big or standard size rabbit, and you are feeding them grass, you have to feed them a lot, making sure they get enough calories every day, which means they are eating almost constantly. If you are feeding your rabbit pellets (which is not recommended), they will get enough calories much faster, in as little as 20 minutes. | ||
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#*Never leave your rabbit alone outside. Birds could snatch away your precious bunny. | #*Never leave your rabbit alone outside. Birds could snatch away your precious bunny. | ||
#*You can even purchase a rabbit harness and leash, so you can take your rabbit for a [[Walk a Rabbit|hop]] around the block. | #*You can even purchase a rabbit harness and leash, so you can take your rabbit for a [[Walk a Rabbit|hop]] around the block. | ||
| − | #Spend time with the rabbit. Do activities such as grooming or training or just spend time playing with it. Rabbits are slow learners but you can teach them simple tricks and they can be clicker trained.<ref>http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/behaviour/how-to-clicker-train-your-rabbit/</ref> | + | #Spend time with the rabbit. Do activities such as grooming or training or just spend time playing with it. Rabbits are slow learners but you can teach them simple tricks and they can be clicker trained.<ref name="rf3">http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/behaviour/how-to-clicker-train-your-rabbit/</ref> |
#Provide your rabbit with toys. They love to be [[Play With Your Rabbit|playful]]. Rabbits are also active and curious, and need a good or wide variety of toys to keep them occupied and out of mischief!.You can use cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes as toys. | #Provide your rabbit with toys. They love to be [[Play With Your Rabbit|playful]]. Rabbits are also active and curious, and need a good or wide variety of toys to keep them occupied and out of mischief!.You can use cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes as toys. | ||
#*A great free toy is a toilet paper roll stuffed with hay (after the toilet paper has been used up, of course). Most rabbits love this toy. It gives them something to toss around, gnaw and a snack! It's also a great way to recycle! | #*A great free toy is a toilet paper roll stuffed with hay (after the toilet paper has been used up, of course). Most rabbits love this toy. It gives them something to toss around, gnaw and a snack! It's also a great way to recycle! | ||
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#Clean and change the bedding in the litter box frequently. Rabbit droppings are very dry and round, so they aren't hard to clean up. Try to put a little bit of hay into the litter box, because rabbits like to eat while they use the bathroom. This encourages them to keep going to the litter box. | #Clean and change the bedding in the litter box frequently. Rabbit droppings are very dry and round, so they aren't hard to clean up. Try to put a little bit of hay into the litter box, because rabbits like to eat while they use the bathroom. This encourages them to keep going to the litter box. | ||
#*Don't wait too long to clean the cage. It will get disgusting, smelly, and is not good for your rabbit's health. | #*Don't wait too long to clean the cage. It will get disgusting, smelly, and is not good for your rabbit's health. | ||
| − | #Get your rabbit neutered. Neutered rabbits make better pets as they are less territorial and less prone to aggression. Rabbits can be desexed from around 12 weeks of age. If you have more than one rabbit (of either sex), then this young age is strongly advised or you may have a rabbit population explosion on your hands.<ref | + | #Get your rabbit neutered. Neutered rabbits make better pets as they are less territorial and less prone to aggression. Rabbits can be desexed from around 12 weeks of age. If you have more than one rabbit (of either sex), then this young age is strongly advised or you may have a rabbit population explosion on your hands.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Get your rabbit vaccinated. From 12 weeks of age rabbit's can be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic diarrhea. Both diseases are fatal to rabbits. One annual injection is all it takes to keep the rabbit protected.<ref | + | #Get your rabbit vaccinated. From 12 weeks of age rabbit's can be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic diarrhea. Both diseases are fatal to rabbits. One annual injection is all it takes to keep the rabbit protected.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Also speak to your vet about a course of fenbendazole against a common rabbit parasite called Encephalitozoon Cuniculi. A high percentage of rabbits carry this parasite, which can cause neurological problems, kidney failure, or blindness in later life. A single course once a year is advisable to keep your pet safe. | #*Also speak to your vet about a course of fenbendazole against a common rabbit parasite called Encephalitozoon Cuniculi. A high percentage of rabbits carry this parasite, which can cause neurological problems, kidney failure, or blindness in later life. A single course once a year is advisable to keep your pet safe. | ||
#Do not bathe your rabbit. There is no need to give a rabbit a bath as they clean themselves frequently and the oil on their bodies is natural, not harmful. Water can get in their ears and their ears can get infected. Also, the stress of a bath can be very bad for your rabbit's health. | #Do not bathe your rabbit. There is no need to give a rabbit a bath as they clean themselves frequently and the oil on their bodies is natural, not harmful. Water can get in their ears and their ears can get infected. Also, the stress of a bath can be very bad for your rabbit's health. | ||
