A domestic rabbit can live for up to 10 years. To keep them happy and healthy, follow these instructions carefully.
Steps
Step 1. Find an area of your garden that is sheltered from the sun
This is the best area for your bunnies, as they need to be away from excessive heat. Rabbits suffer from heatstroke because they sweat only where they have pads in their paws. If you live in a snowy or cold area, you will need to keep them inside all the time except in summer, if it's not too hot. The only danger more serious than heat is cold. However, the radiator is not good either, because rabbits curl up close to it with the risk of getting burned and there is also the possibility that they could cause a fire.
Step 2. Get a mesh that is tight enough to keep their heads out of it
Make sure it's not lead. Steel is fine, but there are also other quite safe varieties. Ask the store manager if the net you have chosen is good for rabbits.
Step 3. Get some wooden planks to which you will attach the net
Get poles with a wide base so you don't have to drive them into the ground. Rabbits could tunnel (it's natural for them) and bump against the tips of the posts with the risk of injuring their claws, teeth and body.
Step 4. Take a staple gun and start sticking the net
Be careful that rabbits can't get between one paper clip and another. Leave the base open unless there are pipes nearby.
Step 5. Carve a door out of a piece of wood
Put something close to them so you can keep an eye on them. Place wire on the roof to keep predators away (don't think you can avoid them - predators are everywhere).
Step 6. Finished
Add some safe toys, food and water containers (fill the containers of course), and put a rug or plaid (which you don't mind getting dirty) on the floor if you haven't left it open. Make the cage as pleasant and cozy as a home.
Advice
- Get lots of rabbit-safe toys! Bored rabbits are destructive.
- Avoid placing the cage too far from your home to avoid exposing rabbits to dangerous situations.
- Give them moderate portions of carrots. They are sugary and caloric. One carrot a month is enough, but avoid them altogether if possible.
- Try to keep them as safe as you can. Other animals can scare or eat your rabbits.
- Build a cage at least 1.5m by 2m and high enough so that the rabbits don't touch the wire mesh when they jump. If you have more than one rabbit, make it even bigger.
- Rabbits need constant care and regular visits to the vet. Think very carefully about whether a rabbit is ideal for you, or you may have problems with your furry friend.
- If they escape to your fenced yard, use a cat trap. The quietest you can find, because rabbits can literally scare the hell out of you.
Warnings
- If there are raccoons, birds or anything else, be careful that the net is tight enough to prevent them from getting close to your bunnies.
- Don't try to take them by the "scruff", the skin behind the neck. They have no scruff. Other animals have thicker skin and a less vulnerable spine, but most have no "scruff". Their backbone could break.
