Rabbits are delightful pets: they are tame, playful, and sociable. In any case, it is very demanding to look after a rabbit. Read this article to learn the correct way to take care of this wonderful animal.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure your rabbit has a safe and clean hutch to live in and enough space to move around
If the hutch is placed outside, it must have a waterproof roof and, during the summer season, it must stay in the shade, so that the rabbit does not get too hot. The best rabbit hutches are those with two "rooms", one with a wire window and another closed, private, where the rabbit can sleep. The hutch must have a good closing system, so that the rabbit cannot escape.
Step 2. Also get a rabbit run, where the animal can move
It would be best if the enclosure was connected to the cage but, if this is not possible, you can put it in the garden or in the house. The enclosure must be spacious, but also secure, so that the rabbit cannot escape. If it is hot, place the enclosure in the shade and have fresh water available for your pet.
Step 3. Clean the cage thoroughly if you want your rabbit to be clean and healthy
Look for the place in the cage where the rabbit gets dirty - you can put newspaper in it, so you can simply remove them for easier cleaning. Dirty litter, food out of the bowl, vegetables and fruit not consumed in a short time must be removed daily. Clean the hutch when the rabbit is in the pen so he can get some movement. Clean the bowl and change the food every day.
Step 4. You must have a drinking bottle for the rabbit
The best type is the one that attaches laterally to the outside of the cage, so that only the spout faces inward. It is preferable because the rabbit cannot turn it over. The drinking bottle must be cleaned and filled with fresh water every day.
Step 5. Feed the rabbit fresh fruit and vegetables and pellets every day, and make sure it always has a good supply of fresh hay
Give alfalfa hay to bunnies until they are full grown and mixed grass hay to adults.
Step 6. Brushing the rabbit is also important
If you have a short-haired rabbit, brush it once a week. Get a rabbit-specific brush and brush it gently. If you have a long-haired rabbit, you need to brush it every day. You need to trim the fur or take it to a groomer to shorten it so it doesn't get too long. Long-haired rabbits need to be brushed every day to keep the fur from forming knots.
Advice
- Get some sticks and build a perch. Your rabbit probably won't sit in it, but sticks are great for getting teeth.
- When cleaning the drinking bottle, wash the nozzle well with hot water to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
- If your rabbit starts to suffer from leg irritation from wire, you can buy plastic protectors at a pet store.
- Buy a rabbit hutch with a convenient access route to make cleaning easier.
- You can purchase wooden sticks at any store with a large hobby or DIY department.
- If you buy a cage with a wire floor, the rabbit will have sore paws after some time.
- When the rabbit is in the pen, feed him some dandelion (if it does not contain pesticides).
- Read a book on how to raise rabbits.
Warnings
- Do not give the rabbit excessive amounts of fruits and vegetables: they can cause diarrhea.
- Rabbits don't need to bathe; it's stressful for them.
- Avoid giving the rabbit chocolate, because he would like more and could die if he eats a lot of it. If you really need to share some, don't give him more than a piece the size of your little finger nail.
- Never cut the fur on the rabbit, unless it is Angora breed. If you don't trust cutting your Angora rabbit's hair yourself, ask an experienced breeder to do it. You can learn from him, who will teach you how.
