The right way to care for your pet rabbit
Everyone loves bunnies because they are soft, fluffy, cute, cuddly and super friendly! Sadly, these intelligent, little animals are often purchased on a whim. Many people don’t realize the responsibilities that go with caring for these cute little furballs. So, when they get tired of the chores associated with pet rabbit care, they end up abandoning their pet rabbits either in the street or in shelters.
Caring for your pet rabbit doesn’t have to be a tedious task if you know how to do it right. Here’s a pet rabbit care guide that will help you get the most enjoyment out of your everyday pet rabbit care.
Before you get a pet rabbit, the first question to ask yourself is, “Am I ready for a pet rabbit?” They have a long lifespan (approx. 10 years) so bring them home only if you are prepared to take on their responsibility, long term. Rabbits are beautiful creatures, brimming with personalities but owning them is not all huggles and snuggles. They have some quirks you should know about:
Bunnies chew through everything. From computer cables to smartphones to slightly frayed rugs, they’ll find a way to chew through it. So, if you’re thinking of giving your pet free reign in the house, make sure it’s bunny proof!
They poop a lot. Bunnies can leave trails of round pebble-sized droppings in their wake but, it’s not messy. And they also eat their own poop. Thankfully, just like cats, rabbits can be litter trained.
Similar to dogs, these little furballs like to mark their territory. To avoid this problem, it’s a good idea to get your pet spayed/neutered.
Rabbits get bored easily. If rabbits are not mentally stimulated, they’ll make their own fun chewing your possessions. To avoid this issue, you can provide them with a cardboard box filled with bunny toys, empty toilet paper rolls, and other paper products that you no longer need. Later on this article, we’ll discuss more fun DIY activities for your bunnies.
Rabbits don’t like to travel. This is because they get stressed out in unfamiliar environments. It’s best to have a good pet sitter at home when you are away.
Bunnies are gregarious animals. They love to stay in groups and feel lonely in the absence of other rabbits. So, it’s always good to adopt 2 compatible furry pals instead of one.
Rabbits may be a handful at times, but they can make delightful pets if given a little love and care. So, if you are ready to take the next step, here are some tips you need to know to keep your rabbits healthy, happy and comfortable always:
While most people love to keep their bunnies indoors, they are more than happy being kept outdoors. If they are kept in a safe and secure hutch, your rabbit can call it home.
Here are some important things to keep in mind if you wish to keep your bunnies outdoors:
If you want to let your bunny roam around the house, here are some tips to make your house “bunny-proof”:
Make sure to empty your bunny’s litter box every day and clean their crate once a week.
A healthy and nutritious diet is important to ensure your bunny is in good health. Vegetables, fresh grass, and hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit’s diet. You can also feed your bunnies commercial rabbit pellets. However, be careful with them because they contain a high in calorie count, so it’s better to stick to a home-made diet. You can buy hay from local feed or pet stores. Make sure to refresh the hay often in order to avoid unwanted parasites and infection.
2-4 cups of varied veggies should be provided to your rabbits daily. Here are some vegetables rabbits absolutely love:
As a rabbit’s digestive system is very sensitive, here are some food items to absolutely avoid:
Rabbits are wonderfully clean and hygienic animals, who groom themselves to perfection. Yet some grooming is required to keep them in good shape. Here is what you need to do:
Just like cats and dogs, rabbits are quite trainable. It may take some time and patience, but it’s totally worth it. Training your pet rabbit and understanding their behavior is a wonderful bonding experience. This helps you understand them better and appreciate their uniqueness. Training your pet includes – litter training and redirecting their natural behaviors like chewing and digging.
As discussed earlier, rabbits tend to get bored very easily. To keep them stimulated and happy, you can make some inexpensive toys at home. Here are some fun ideas to keep your bunnies mentally stimulated:
Cardboard boxes with door holes, where they can play hide and seek with their friends.
You can use an old deep tub and fill it with soil for them to dig in.
You can hide treats in their hay.
The best way to keep your bunny happy is to get them a friend. 2 rabbits are always better as they can keep each other company. Your bunnies can groom each other and flop on the floor next to each other. Awww!!
Rabbits are one of the fastest breeding animals and their desire to mate can be really strong. So, unless of course, you want a house full of cute little bunnies, it is important to get your pet rabbits spayed or neutered. It also keeps unwanted behavior at bay, like marking their territory. Additionally, it increases their lifespan and helps avoid many diseases. So, get your bunnies spayed/neutered as soon as they reach the right age.
It is very important to understand your bunny’s body language in order to detect any problems early. Here are some signs to look for:
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of getting a cute, fluffy pet rabbit. Knowing how to care for your pet properly is the key to enjoying their wonderful companionship for years.
About the Author
Anoop Nain is a proud father of four rescued dogs and two Flemish giant rabbits. Besides being a full-time dog father, he is a freelance content writer/blogger and an educationist, with more than 6 years experience in the field of content writing.
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My little niece has been thinking about getting a bunny this year. It is good to know that she should think about getting it neutered. That seems smart because I am sure that my sister wouldn't want to have more than one at a time.