Having a new rabbit can be really exciting for someone who has never had one. It's a perfect pet for kids and teens around 10 (think rabbits can live up to 12!). Caring for them can be a lot of work, but it's not impossible and can be a lot of fun too.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Finding the Perfect Cage
Step 1. Find a cage
You need to have enough space to welcome your new friend, because he loves jumping here and there! Get a wooden or plastic crate with wire mesh. Remember that the cage should not have a metal floor. The paws of rabbits are not protected by pads, so they risk getting very injured in that way.
- If you have two rabbits, since they enjoy company, put them together in the same cage. Make sure they are not male, otherwise they could fight and kill each other. Two females, on the other hand, do not cause problems.
- You can take a male and a female, if you want to breed them or if this is the only choice. It is recommended that they be spayed or neutered.
Step 2. Don't settle for a cheap cage
Low-cost ones tend to break down very quickly and are made of materials that can be dangerous for some rabbits. In addition, they are very often small. Rabbits should have a cage that is at least 0.60 x 1.20 m so that they can jump comfortably!
If you can't find it, build it yourself! It's not as simple as buying it pre-made, but it could be so much better for your friend. Make sure it has wire mesh sides and a wooden floor
Step 3. Check and read the description of the cage
Make sure it's not broken or punctured.
- It is advisable to have a cover on the top if you intend to leave the rabbits outdoors. A good alternative, if it does not have a roof, could be to place a tarp over it.
- Get a cage that has a solid floor. Make sure you keep it safe from any predators.
Part 2 of 5: Feeding the Rabbit
Step 1. Consider what he eats and what he does not eat
If he is less than six months old, do not give him any vegetables or fruits, such as carrots, apples, corn, berries, etc. However, a small amount of leaves or hay won't hurt him. If he is over six months old, then fresh fruits, vegetables or vegetables are a really delicious snack for him.
Pellet feed is the main food it needs to feed when it is less than six months old
Step 2. Try to avoid zootechnical foods
Foods of this type are not always fresh and all the animals gathered around the food could make your rabbit sick.
It is not really recommended to give pellet feed to rabbits, but if that's the only option you have, then choose a brand like Oxbow or Sun Seed
Step 3. Don't overfeed him
It is not yet necessary to feed him every other day.
- If you have a large or regular sized rabbit, you need to feed it every day, as it burns carbohydrates and nutrients very quickly. If you don't, he may starve. At any time of day or whatever the weather, remember that it needs to be fed.
- Also, make sure she always has fresh water available. Fill all the containers to the brim. Rabbits drink a lot of water. When you pour the water into the bowl or container, make sure he knows how to use it properly to quench his thirst.
- It is advisable to feed small rabbits, such as the dwarf rabbit or the Miniature Lop every other day.
Part 3 of 5: Keeping the Rabbit Fit
Step 1. Let him run a little out of the cage
Do it only when you have the necessary comfort. Rabbits need to go out from time to time. Build an area around the cage where he can go out and jump. Never leave it alone outdoors. Birds could grab it and take it away.
Step 2. Buy a leash and a harness for rabbits
That way, he'll be safe if you want him to jump off his cage block.
Don't expect the rabbit to move diligently with you, like a dog does. When you take him for a walk, he guides you. From time to time he stops to eat the grass and can also stay in the same place for a while. If you don't feel like waiting, give it a little tug to make it move
Part 4 of 5: Doing Maintenance of the Cage
Step 1. Avoid sawdust and newspaper clippings
It could affect your health. Try not to use the litter box either unless you place it in the special container.
Step 2. Clean and change the litter box frequently
Rabbits usually go to perform their physiological functions in a specific place, so organize it so that it can be cleaned without difficulty. Their stools are very dry and round in shape, and therefore, it is not difficult to remove them. Try putting in some hay, which they will like to eat while they go about their business.
- Don't wait too long to clean the cage. It will become disgusting and smelly. If you keep the rabbit in a safe outdoor area surrounded by a fence, you can use a scoop to easily remove the droppings. Clean it every 2-3 days.
- Their feces are useful for fertilizing the lawn.
Step 3. Try teaching him to use the litter box
Educating him in this task will be of great help and, if done correctly, you can train him in no time.
It is a possible goal, although it may require some patience, especially when it comes to teaching them to go to the litter box. Be prepared not to be discouraged. Just like with other animals, yours is likely to get scared and unwilling to learn anymore
Part 5 of 5: Keeping the Rabbit Healthy
Step 1. Check the rabbit when it coughs, sneezes or expels liquid stool
If any of these or other symptoms occur, take action by taking him to the vet immediately.
Sometimes these symptoms are not very serious. Search the internet for a cure for symptoms in mild cases
Step 2. Take him to the vet for an annual checkup so he is always in good health
The vet already knows this, but to keep the rabbit calm during the visit, or at any other time, you need to hit him on the back. Give it a light swipe on both sides. Don't do it on your stomach, because it doesn't like it
Step 3. Don't bathe him
There is no need to wash it, giving it a bath, because rabbits clean themselves frequently and the oil naturally secreted by the body does not harm them. Water, on the other hand, could enter the ears, causing infections.
If the cage is not able to protect him from thunderstorms, snow or rain, even in this case it is likely that the ears can contract some infection
Step 4. Taking care of the rabbit's appearance from time to time can be a good thing
You can buy some fur care tools at pet grooming shops.
Step 5. Don't forget to trim the toenails
Yes, because they can get very long! You certainly don't want it to scratch you while you pick it up. Some rabbits are not that docile and can kick when you decide to hold them.
Step 6. Get him some toys
Rabbits like to play. Being very active and curious, they need a variety of games to keep them busy and out of trouble!
Advice
- Fill your rabbit with love and care and he will know how to reciprocate.
- Make sure you give him frequent love and attention, because if he doesn't have other mates, he will feel lonely.
- In summer, put ice-cold bottles in the cage, if it is outside. They will help keep it fresh and your friend will love to rub on it.
- If it is outside and you intend to put it inside because it is too hot, wrap it in a towel. Rabbits feel safe and comfortable when wrapped and it is also a good way to keep feces from falling into the house while you are holding them.
- Rabbits love cuddles, so be sure to show your little friend some attention.
- One way to keep it cool during the summer, if it lives outside, is to fill a large bottle of water and put it in the freezer. When it freezes, store it in a corner of the cage.
- It is advisable to buy a cage that has not only a solid floor, but also raised edges so that the rabbit does not kick the litter box out, causing it to fall onto the floor outside.
- Putting your hand directly under the nose and mouth is equivalent to an imposition, not an invitation to smell your own. He will likely scratch or hit you, as he considers it an offensive command when it comes from someone who is not a member of his party.
- In winter, put a stove in the cage and some blankets.
