Expanding your family with a pet rabbit can be a fun idea, but bear in mind that these pets need care just as much as a cat or dog. They generally live for eight to twelve years, so they require a long-term commitment. You need to follow some rules and prepare well before deciding to get one. Once you are ready to welcome a rabbit, you can learn how to care for it at home.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Buying the Supplies
Step 1. Purchase a large cage
Before taking your rabbit home, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. In this way, when the animal arrives home it will be able to settle more easily, because everything will be ready. The first thing you need is a safe cage. Even if your rabbit will often be outside his cabin, he should still have a safe haven away from it all, where he can be alone. He will sleep there every night and retire there when he feels annoyed or in danger.
You can purchase a large spacious cage or even a dog bed. Just make sure the rabbit feels safe inside
Step 2. Find the right material to cover the bottom of the cage
You have to choose the one that best suits your rabbit. Experiment with different solutions to find the one you like best. The most common options are paper shavings, straw and hay. Avoid wood chips, as they can be inadvertently inhaled.
If you decide to use wood shavings, avoid cedar, pine, and other flavored products
Step 3. Get a suitable litter box
Since your rabbit lives indoors, he needs a toilet bowl. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; your specimen may prefer a covered model or one with the sides of a particular height, which are neither too high nor too low. Start with a cat litter that is large enough for the rabbit to lie down comfortably inside.
- You could buy more litter boxes. This way, your rodent will be able to move around the house without having to go back to a specific spot to free himself.
- Also choose the type of absorbent material according to your pet's preferences. Experiment with different products. Most used ones include silicon cat litter, paper shavings, wood shavings (not pine or cedar), straw and hay.
- Make sure the litter is not lumpy and clayey. In those cases the rabbit may ingest or inhale it and feel sick.
Step 4. Buy a suitable bowl
Your rabbit needs a personal bowl. Make sure it is made of a heavy material, such as ceramic; it will be more difficult for him to overthrow it, a common habit of these animals.
Also make sure that the edges of the bowl are high enough to hold the food, but not to the point of preventing the rabbit from eating comfortably
Step 5. Get a bottle or bowl for water
Cages often come with bottles that act as water troughs, but it's still a good idea to get more. It is more natural for a rabbit to drink from a bowl, but it can be turned upside down, unlike the bottle.
Water bottles can be annoying for your rabbit. If you notice this problem, switch to a heavy ceramic bowl
Step 6. Give your rabbit plenty of hay
This is the most versatile element for a master. You can use it as a litter, food and entertainment for your pet. Choose only quality products. In almost all cases, Timothy grass hay is best.
- By eating hay, the rabbit gets the fibers necessary for its digestion.
- You can also put hay in its litter box.
- Rabbits love to dig in the hay. They often have a lot of fun doing this, especially if they find treats hidden from you, such as pieces of apple or cereal. You can have them dig into paper shavings as well.
Step 7. Add the right foods to the hay
The ideal ones for your rabbit are grass and hay, because his stomach has developed to metabolize them. Ideally, your pet's diet should largely consist of fresh green hay. Integrate it with small quantities of extrusions (you will recognize them because each piece is the same size), fresh fruit and vegetables. The most common vegetables include broccoli, carrot tops, chard tops, coriander, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, kale, and others.
- Do not allow the rabbit to eat only pellets, as it may become overweight and have health problems. Also avoid brightly colored rabbit foods, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit. Usually, they are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
- If you don't know what kind of vegetables to use, ask your vet or a local rabbit breeder for advice.
- Avoid supplementing your rabbit's diet with vitamins, healthy specimens don't need them.
- Despite common thought, too many carrots are bad for rabbits. They enjoy them occasionally, but they shouldn't eat them every day; once a week is enough.
Step 8. Make him have fun
Rabbits need toys like all other pets. Buy him a lot, like chew bones or a gallery with spaces to hide. Alternatively, you can make toys yourself, perhaps by taking a cardboard box and making rabbit-sized holes.
- An apple tree sprig can make a great chew toy. Make sure it is clean and untreated before giving it to the rabbit.
- If you choose wood from another tree, make sure it is not poisonous and let it dry for at least six months before giving it to the rabbit. Apple tree wood, on the other hand, does not require this precaution. Just make sure it's clean and untreated.
- Be sure to offer the rabbit different toys. Find out which are her favorites.
Part 2 of 4: Choosing the Right Rabbit
Step 1. Prepare to host a rabbit
It is not an animal that requires little care, but on the contrary it needs the same resources as a dog or a cat in terms of time, money and attention. You need a water bowl, quality rabbit food, toys and a litter box, plus good amounts of physical activity. If that's not enough, you'll need to give him your attention every day.
- Rabbits have unique personalities and require special attention. Choose one that needs less care if you don't feel you have the time and money to care for a rabbit.
- You should spend at least 3 hours a day with your rabbit, in and out of its cage. Rabbits feel lonely and depressed if they don't have intercourse with humans every day. Make sure you have enough time for your pet.
- If you can't spend enough time with your rabbit every day, reunite him with another of the same species. Be sure to put them in separate cages until you have introduced them with proper precautions so that they can tie up. Rabbits do not like sharing their personal space with others unless they have a special bond with them.
Step 2. Decide what kind of rabbit you want
You have to consider many factors. Do you want a specific breed, perhaps with a pedigree? There are many different breeds, of various colors and sizes. You also have to choose whether to get a male or female rabbit and what age it should be.
If you're not sure which breed to buy, do your research
Step 3. Find a shop to buy a rabbit
There are many, but you will probably have to make your choice according to the type of breed you want. If you don't have any particular preferences, you can go to an animal shelter and choose a rabbit there. The specimens in the shelters have the advantage of being already large, having passed the complicated phase of adolescence and are usually neutered.
- You can buy one at a pet store. The quality of these exercises varies widely, so look for ones where animals are best treated and where staff are competent.
- If you want to buy a specific breed, you can look for breeders who care for that breed. This way, you can also get more information about the specimen family. Furthermore, farmed animals have a tendency to socialize better with their owners after adoption, because they have been in contact with humans since birth.
Step 4. Observe how the puppy interacts with his parents and with other rabbits
If you want to get a puppy, you have to follow certain guidelines.
If you notice anything unusual, ask the breeder about the personality and temperament of the parents. They may behave differently with you because you are a stranger
Step 5. Choose a friendly puppy
When deciding which pet to take, look at the size, color, temperament and health of the parents to get an idea of how the puppy can grow. Try playing with the parents to find out firsthand how they react and understand how the puppies will behave. Also notice how the little ones react to your presence. Don't choose those who hide against their mother, even if they pity you, because they probably won't be a great company. Rather, choose the one that jumps towards you and sniffs your fingers. To be sure of your decision, you need to check the health of the animal that hit you. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Clear and lively eyes, which do not have mucus, crusts or other foreign elements;
- Clean ears, without earwax and free of bad odors;
- Clean fur, free of tangles and bad smells;
- Absence of ticks, fleas and other parasites on the skin;
- Absence of lumps or problems in the fur in the anus area, which can indicate serious health problems
- Reactivity and excitement, without manifestations of excessive agitation or nervousness;
- Absence of signs of illness, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, hair loss or dental problems.
Step 6. Adopt an adult rabbit
Compared to a puppy, you have to follow different criteria when choosing an adult dog. Go to the place where you have decided to buy the animal and look for the specimens that have already grown. Make sure they are happy, that they react well to the man, and avoid those who seem mean or aggressive. It is very important that they are healthy.
- The characteristics of a healthy adult rabbit are the same as those listed for puppies. Check for all external signs, including the health of your eyes, ears, and fur.
- Animal shelters are ideal places to adopt adult rabbits. Often you will find them already neutered and you will have the chance to give a second chance to an unfortunate specimen.
Step 7. Choose your favorite
After checking the health of all the rabbits, you can decide which one is your favorite. Don't rush - the specimen you choose will spend the next eight years or so with you, so you need to find one you get along with. Play with the rabbits you like to find out which one is right for you. See if the affection is reciprocated.
- Remember that rabbits can be shy and nervous around men they don't know. Look for signs that show good temperament and strong social skills.
- Once you have found the right rabbit, ask the breeder some follow-up questions before taking him home. Ask about her eating habits, litter and age.
Part 3 of 4: Bonding with the Rabbit
Step 1. Observe the puppy carefully after taking him home
When you bring a rabbit home for the first time, you need to check how it interacts with the environment. See where he needs, how he reacts to other people in the house and to toys, which ones he ignores and which he likes, if he feels comfortable in the room you placed him in.
- Don't worry if the first time you bring him home he sits in a corner for a few minutes, eats and lies down. Don't disturb him, whatever he does; he is getting used to the new environment.
- During the first few days after moving, do not let him out of the cage. Make time every day to sit next to him and talk to him in a low, calm voice.
Step 2. Get him out of the cage so he can explore
When your rabbit seems to have gotten used to your presence, you can let it loose. Close all doors to the room where the cage is located. If an entrance does not have a door, lock it temporarily, then let the animal out of the cage. Don't pick him up - open the door and let him jump out on his own.
- Sit in the center of the room and do some activity that you can do in silence: read, listen to relaxing music or write.
- Keep some vegetables on hand if the rabbit is curious.
Step 3. Allow him to interact with you
When your rabbit comes out of the cage, let him paw freely. Don't push him to come to you and try not to move him too much. Eventually he will approach on his own, curious about what you are doing and who you are. At that moment, let him sniff you, then give him a small piece of greens, about the size of a fingernail.
If he seems cautious to you, stay still and speak to him in a calm tone of voice. Don't move too abruptly or you might frighten him
Step 4. Wait for him to approach you
If your rabbit takes a while to get close to you, don't rush. If when he finally gets close he doesn't take the piece of vegetables, put the food on the ground and go back to your business. Ignore the animal until he comes back for the treat and let him eat it in peace.
When he has eaten the first piece, offer him a second. If he comes over to eat it, stay still and talk to him in a low voice
Step 5. Caress it
When your rabbit approaches and lets you feed it, slowly start patting it on the head after it has finished eating. If he stands still or lowers his head to the ground, continue. If, on the other hand, he gets upset or runs away, stop and go back to your business. You will have to wait for it to get close again and try again.
If it bites you, squeak loudly. This will let him know that you are in pain and that he was the one who hurt you
Step 6. Keep trying
If you can't make a relationship with your rabbit, you need to persevere. Keep offering him food, petting him, and ignoring him altogether. When he gets close, feed him again. If he hits you with the head, he wants your attention and you should pet him.
Repeat these tips for a few days, until you have created a good bond with your new pet
Part 4 of 4: Keeping the Rabbit Healthy and Safe
Step 1. Find a veterinarian who has experience in rabbit care
When buying a rabbit, you need to make sure you know a vet who can give him the kind of care he needs. Find a professional who has a lot of experience with rabbits and other small animals, which need different attention than dogs and cats. Bring your puppy right away for a check-up to check his health.
- Like all other pets, take your rabbit for regular checkups.
- If you always go to the same vet, he will already know the animal in an emergency and the procedures will be easier.
Step 2. Handle it properly
Before taking it home, make sure everyone knows how to handle it properly. To grab a rabbit correctly, lift it by keeping one arm along the side of the body and the other hand behind its rear. As you raise it, bring it closer to your side to make it feel even more secure.
Rabbits can cause problems when they are frightened: they can try to escape from the situation that threatens them, for example an incorrect grip, even breaking their back in an attempt to wriggle and consequently die, due to paralysis
Step 3. Rabbit-proof your home
Before you buy any of these animals, you need to make sure that they can't get hurt by scurrying around the house. Rabbits also chew on any cables they can reach, so be sure to cover or make all electrical, computer, and other wires inaccessible. Purchase hard plastic conduits or conduits to run the cables through to hide them.
- You can also attach cables behind furniture or on walls to keep them out of the rabbit's reach.
- Avoid running cables or wires under the carpet - this creates a fire risk.
Step 4. Avoid pampering him too much
While it looks like a cute little furball, it doesn't appreciate being touched too often. These animals are afraid of being hugged, especially if you lean over them and try to lift them. Since they are prey animals, this evokes in them the instinct of having to defend themselves from hawks and other birds of prey, frightening them.
- Some specimens tolerate being stroked for long periods of time, but many more enjoy contact for only a few seconds. In some cases, they may even bite you when you stop.
- This preference varies from animal to animal. Judge your rabbit's personality and find the best way to have a relationship with him and pick him up.
Step 5. Teach your children how to interact with the rabbit
Children, especially rambunctious ones, can scare rabbits tremendously. These animals have the sensation of being attacked by a predator when a small child screams and fidgets in their presence. Never allow your child to chase the rabbit around the house or pick him up after a long run. The animal would feel threatened and could react violently.
Many children cannot be delicate and can injure a rabbit by trying to stroke it. Do not purchase one of these animals if your child is under the age of six
Advice
- If you are going to get a pair of opposite-sex rabbits, you need to spay them. Remember that two children of the same mother will also reproduce with each other. Furthermore, female rabbits become sexually active already after five months of life. If you don't neuter the male, he will urinate all over the place and try to copulate with animals of all kinds.
- Check your rabbit's teeth once a month. They can become misaligned and need to be filed down. If you notice a misalignment of the teeth, a lot of drooling near the mouth or feeding problems, take him to the vet.
- Help your rabbit not to overheat. Since these animals have thick fur, they are best found in cool environments.
- Never scare your rabbit, as he may suffer from a fatal heart attack.
