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Caring for your Rabbit |
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Rabbits are, indeed, the furriest, funniest and cutest pets to have in your home. They are playful, social and gentle creatures that can form close bonds with their owners and can be litter trained around the house. However, rabbits are not the easiest of creatures to care for especially for beginners in exotic pets. Fortunately, caring for your rabbit can be made easier with these easy and effective tips. Just keep in mind that rabbits need your love and attention as much as your dogs and cats need it, too. Indoors, Definitely To properly care for your pet rabbits, you have to allocate sufficient space within the house. This is because domestic rabbits possess different temperaments from their wild counterparts, which make them susceptible to the negative effects of abrupt movements and sudden noises, not to mention common predators. Indeed, pet rabbits can die from heart attacks induced by fear! In a Cage or Free to Roam, You Choose Fortunately, rabbits can either be made to roam as freely as they possibly could or be enclosed in cages with sufficient space. If you decide to let them roam, you must apply these tips: • Electrical outlets and cords must be kept out of reach and covered appropriately. You cannot risk electrocution for your pets what with their avid chewing habits. If you decide to keep them in cages, you must ensure that these enclosures allow rabbits to stand up on their hind legs and stretch their bodies. Ideally, you must ensure that the cages are about five times the size of the rabbits and filled with sufficient protection for their fragile feet. And don’t forget to let them out at least several hours each day for their daily exercise. Beddings and Litter Boxes If you want to litter-train your bunnies, be sure to include litter boxes in the cage or in various places of the house. To make these litter boxes, make sure that these are made of organic materials like wood pulp, paper and citrus. Always remember to place fresh hay daily as rabbits will take small snacks while relaxing in their cozy litters. Healthy Food Stick to basic rabbit food like Timothy grass hay, leafy green vegetables like collard greens, fruits like apples and blueberries. You have to control the portions provided as rabbits can easily get health problems like diarrhea and obesity. Often, it is best to introduce variety to their diets one vegetable, one fruit at a time. When they have become accustomed to the foods, you can then feed them at least three different vegetable types per meal. And don’t forget to provide them with clean and ample water supply every day. However, to properly care for your pet rabbits, you must handle them with care, literally. Rabbits have very fragile skeletons, especially in their spines, which make them highly susceptible to fractures. Since rabbits are prey animals, too, don’t startle them when handling them. It takes practice but it is possible. And there you have it – basic tips for caring for your rabbit.
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