Types of Pet Rabbits Rabbits are fun and adorable pets. Also, while many feel that rabbits living outdoors do not get any attention; the same can be said for many bunnies that live indoors. Hand-feeding a baby rabbit is not for the faint of heart. If you keep your rabbit outside, you will need to make sure they have lots of room to exercise as well as a climate which keeps them the right temperature (warm/cold).eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cottontailclub_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',105,'0','0'])); You will also need to keep their cage very secure, if the cage is on the floor it’s okay to have a wire bottom as this will help keep predators out. Using a large hay feeder is helpful because it keeps large amounts of hay dry, clean, and accessible. A rabbit's diet should be made up of 80% grass or grass hay, 10% vegetables, and 10% pellets. It is also true that most rabbits do not enjoy being picked up, and are not truly lap-babies. Bunnies love interaction with their keepers! And – regardless to whether he/she has been neutered/spayed – your bunny can also be litter box trained. We facilitate rabbit adoptions, matching people and rabbits together, working with families to ensure a successful and happy home for all. Vegetables are a great source of nutrients and add variety to your rabbit’s diet. Many rabbit owners choose to let their rabbits have free range of their house (after rabbit-proofing them, of course) just like a dog or cat would. Our simple guide to pet rabbits covers everything you need to know when deciding on a rabbit as a pet. Why is My Rabbit Pulling Fur Out?? Jobs With Growing Demand: What Are the Best Career Options For 2021 and Beyond? In most cases, a rabbit will show you where their most comfortable toilet area (usually a corner of a room). Contrary to what a lot of other sources are saying and noting, rabbits can and do live equally very well in outdoor hutches as much as they do indoor cages. If your rabbit is outdoors, they will need plenty of bedding to keep them warm, one of the more common and popular options is CareFresh, however, if you’re looking for alternatives, check out our suggestions here for bedding and litter: For an indoor cage, we personally don’t put any hay or bedding down because the house is warm enough. Grass or Hayis a very important part of their diet, as it supports their digestive system and while also helping them keep their teeth trimmed. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT. However, fur pulling or plucking is usually a normal behaviour, predominantly seen in female rabbits. This booklet covers the basics in detail, but there’s The rabbit cage itself should meet these minimum requirements with ideally 2 floors to allow them room to roam: We do ideally suggest getting bigger if possible. Bringing a new pet rabbit into your life is an exciting event. Rabbit care guide new owners. List of 25+ common Rabbit Health problems. 1. Besides preventing accidental litters, spaying prevents uterine cancer (which can reach 50-80% as rabbits age), and neutering reduces spraying and other hormonedriven behaviors. This is especially the case if you’ve not had them for a long time and the trust still isn’t built. Provide fresh water at all times. Truth-be-told, rabbits that do not regularly receive these needs often become un-sociable as well as un-healthy. Understanding what good quality feed and treats are for your new fuzzy friend will greatly benefit your pal. We've got lots of info to help you and your rabbit (s) in becoming a happy house rabbit family. You’ll want to make sure you’re fully prepared so that you and your new bunny can get off to a great start. – Litter training your rabbit can take anywhere from 1 week to a few months, so expect some accidents when doing so. You rabbit is going to eat a majority of hay, this should be around 70% premium dust-extracted hay mixed with fresh grass. They are capable of learning to respond to their names and other basic commands. This can be thinned over the season and will require changing once a week at least. This site is owned and operated by Bradly Spicer.Cottontailclub utilises and participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Rabbits make wonderful indoor companions. Best Rabbit Enclosures – The Definitive Guide 2021, Kaytee Small Animal Potty Training Litter (8lb). Here are the most popular resources for new bunny owners. Pin Share Email Nadeika / Getty Images . Get the hay fresh from a feed store for horses, or from www.oxbowhay.com. Whilst I don’t agree they’re good for first-time pet owners and children, I do believe they’re great companions for anyone who doesn’t have room for a dog. If you do not have ample amount of time to spend with your bunny, you may want to consider getting him/her a bunny-friend. Rabbits are very sociable animals; not only are they dependent on their human counterparts to feed, water, and clean up after them, but they also need to have a basic exam every day. We can provide vet referrals, but we are not able to give medical advice. This is where they can sleep and eat when they are left alone in the home. Behaviourist's corner. Most rabbit owners will start with the rabbit cage. • Pellets should be fresh and relatively high in fiber (20-25% minimum crude fiber). With your new rabbit now safely in your hands, you may find yourself with a lot of questions. As a rabbit owner, you may be worried if you see your bunny pulling out her own fur. You c… Rabbit GREENS Fresh greens are an important part of your pet’s daily diet. How long does it take to litter train a rabbit? Additionally, providing them with ample space to roam around and have things to do, such as providing pet-safe toys, will results in a very happy bunny. Rabbits should be kept in a minimum of a 4×4 space on the floor without a wire bottom. Start your search for a rabbit today. Rabbit care. … They also can be trained to do some tricks. Excerpts from “the bunny lover's complete guide to house rabbits”. Check your rabbit every day without fail and look out for any changes in appearance or behaviour. Routine Care of Your Rabbit Signs of Illness in Rabbits Rabbits should receive annual health checkups. You might also like: List of 25+ common Rabbit Health problems! Due to their highly inquisitive nature, they also get bored quickly. These are the essentials for any rabbit owner: ©2021 Cotton Tail Club It is possible that your rabbit is fine with other pets but this really depends on their temperment. Yet, it is best to create a bigger habitat with room to play and run around. Rabbits have extremely fragile spines and as such if they struggle (Which they often do), they may hurt themselves. Watch to see what you should be doing on a daily basis to care for your pet bunny! You should always test each hay individually first so that you can determine which brands and types of hay your rabbit doesn’t like. If your cage utilises a wire mesh bottom but isn’t on the ground level, you should look to replace it or add a solid ground. Not all vegetables are suitable for your bunny. Rabbit care guide new owners. From choosing the right breed of rabbit, setting up the bunny’s house, and daily care and nutritional facts, Information about rabbits for potential rabbit owners | pets4homes. Our infographic is full of fun stats, fact and top tips about the wellbeing of our furry friends. This care guide from Oxbow Animal Health will teach you everything you need to know about keeping your pet rabbit healthy and happy. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. The simple truth is that you, as the owner, are the only one who can determine how much attention your rabbit is given and regardless of if your bunny lives indoors or outdoors, he needs quality attention – every single day. and the floor itself will be solid. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Young Pet Owner's Guides: Taking Care of Your Rabbit by Helen Piers (1992, Trade Paperback) at the best online prices at … Learn the basics of rabbit ownership, and review our checklist of initial bunny supplies below! Great for bonding pairs of rabbits as well as moving. Caring for a pet rabbit requires discipline and knowledge. Book: The House Rabbit Handbook. This is why we are here – to help you in every aspect of rabbit ownership, from what to buy, how to buy it , who to buy from, which breed is the perfect bunny for you, purpose of ownership – pet, breeding, showing, or meat and fur production- to housing, feeding, grooming, day to day life, health checks, decisions regarding breeding, sanitation, investments of costs as well as time and work, and pretty much any other rabbit related topic that you can imagine. Baby rabbits should be given alfalfa, and adult rabbits should be fed timothy hay, grass hay, or oat hay. You should still have an extension to your cage for running around and exercise, if you’re not sure on what to use, definitely check out our rabbit exercise recommendations.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cottontailclub_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',108,'0','0'])); You should keep the indoor rabbit cage out of the way of other animals, like cats and dogs as rabbits don’t always get along with other animals. Read below to learn what to feed your rabbit, as well as other important facts that will make you a confident pet owner. Working privately and with local shelters, we foster rabbits that would otherwise be euthanized due to the lack of homes. / Privacy Policy. Once you have their cage ready, indoor or outdoors you’ll need to purchase a variety of products to make sure their needs are met. Rabbit behaviour, health and care. Download PDF . Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT. Try not to leave a rabbit on their back as this will put them into a trance state. In most cases, your rabbit won’t want to be handled. Feeding hay to your rabbit(s) is one of the most important things to do. You can use rubber tubing or cable protectors for electrical cords and baby-safe inserts for outlets. Rabbit Care Guide: Basic Bunny Facts For New Owners If you're considering getting a pet rabbit, then you'll need these basic bunny facts up front. This is an excellent book for new Angora rabbit owners. How to care for your rabbit’s teeth. rabbit owners. Read more. There are two types of rabbit housing, inside and outside, in some rare cases you will have a rabbit that does both. But it is also an excellent book for anyone looking for good, complete and accessible information for raising any type of rabbit. Pet rabbits are related to the wild European rabbit, the biology and behaviour of pet rabbits is very similar to that of their wild cousins. This provides them with enough space as well as a flexible shape.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'cottontailclub_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])); We suggest getting the rabbit runs that can be modified and extended easily, this allows for vertical and horizontal expansion. 10 easy Steps! A healthy rabbit is alert and lively. Video: Your First House Rabbit. new food, be sure to introduce new greens and vegetables slowly to avoid upsetting your pet’s ... Oxbow has provided this basic care guide to help you keep your pet rabbit healthy and happy. Dental … You might also like: How to care for a rabbit? Rate this article: Share via Email Share via Email Share on LinkedIn Share via whatsapp Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share this article: Our infographic is full of fun stats, fact and top tips about the wellbeing of our furry friends. You can occasionally replace a small part of the pellet portion with some healthy treatsor fruit. should not store the pellets for more than 6 weeks as they may spoil and be harmful to Rabbits are an extremely popular small pet, but they are often given away or abandoned due to misunderstanding of their needs, this is our “Rabbit Rabbits have so much personality underneath their cute exterior, they’re mischevious, naughty, funny, cute, curious and downright selfish. OHRR recommends using a 4×4 exercise pen, which can be purchased at the Hop Shop. You can safely feed them basil, carrot, broccoli, celery, mint, parsley, dandelion, cabbage (occasionally) and spinach (in small quantities). Converted dog runs make great rabbit exercise areas. 25% of your rabbit’s diet should be fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. As it is with most animals, some food items that are given as bunny treats are toxic to rabbits and should be avoided at all costs. Untreated wood twigs also provide roughage (see bunny proofing below). Veterinarians typically examine the mouth to evaluate dental health. It is important that you vary the vegetables you give your rabbit and ideally feed a selection of 3 vegetables a day. Symptoms of poor health include scaly patches inside the ears, a discharge from the eyes or nose, swellings or diarrhoea. Instead, we offer our rabbit the sofa, carpet, under the radiator etc. Safe greens are carrot tops, parsley, small carrots, cilantro, etc. While some treats are safe, and ok to give in moderation, ideally, rabbits receive all of the protein, fiber, calcium, and other nutrients needed in quality, fresh pellets. 5 tips for new rabbit owners youtube. Feeding Your Rabbit . Rabbit Care Guide for New Owners. If this is not possible, include spay/neuter as part of adoption contract, and take deposit to be returned upon presentation of proof of surgery. In fact, the job is very time consuming and is harder to do that what it may seem... Often times, rabbit ownership can be a rather time-consuming process. A rabbit’s diet should mainly consist of hay. We have hundreds of rabbits in our care who are all looking for loving new homes. Do NOT pick up your rabbit by their ears or the scruff of their neck. As an Angora rabbit breeder myself, I can attest to the wonderful education a Nervous New Owner of an Angora or any other new rabbit breed would have in his or her hands! The House Rabbit Society recommends at least 8 square feet of housing with at least 24 square feet of exercise space, which the rabbits can access at least five hours per day. Top 10 things a new rabbit owner should know petplace. It is aimed at anyone thinking of acquiring rabbits as pets, as well as existing rabbit owners. Thinking about getting a rabbit? If possible, have rabbits spayed/neutered before adoption. 2. Furthermore, they require an unlimited amount of fresh hay, and clean drinking water. This is also contrary to what other sources may report, but with years of experience in raising rabbits indoors and outdoors, the results are always the same; sexual alteration has nothing to do with the fact that rabbits are typically clean animals and when presented with the right training, they will all-but litter train themselves. Feed plain rabbit pellets, not those with seeds or nuts. Rabbit care guide new owners. In fact, the only key element to out-door vs. in-door life is to be prepared and know what and how to set up and maintain a roomy, sanitary, perfectly safe housing environment. Rabbits are quite intelligent. Take a look around at our rabbit care advice to find out how to keep your bunnies happy and healthy. The nervous new owners guide to angora rabbits: suzie sugrue. As well as providing clear, accurate, up-to-date advice, we hope it will help to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that have led to so much neglect and suffering in pet rabbits. Therefore, it is important to follow the rabbit care guide for new owners. Pet Rabbit Care Guide. You can read about which vegetables to give your rabbit. Baby gates can keep your bunny out of areas you want him to avoid, as well as … Your rabbit’s teeth should be checked regularly by your vet. The House Rabbit Society recommends feeding your rabbit a daily mix of three different vegetables like carrots, collard greens, beet greens, broccoli and romaine lettuce. If that's the case, you should rabbit-proof any areas that your rabbit might chew on that can be dangerous. Make sure your house is … For rabbits under 8 months of age, you can add some alfalfa hay. Rabbits whilst delicate, are actually very self-sufficient, as such they’re very easy to take care of on a daily basis. Written by. And that's the minimum. When holding your rabbit, do so gently, make sure you’re supporting their back and behind whilst holding them against your body. Vet's Corner. But we love them. Rabbit factfile. Ideally, you want to keep your rabbits in a totally enclosed, secure and safe area.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'cottontailclub_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); During winter, you may want to invest in a heat mat which you can microwave prior to putting them away and insert into the corner of their cage. This booklet is an overall guide to keeping healthy, contented pet rabbits. If you can definitely try mixing the types of hay available to create a hybrid of the following: This mixture will provide your rabbit with a lot of varying nutrients and will keep your rabbit healthy. You can replace the common bedding with cardboard, paper, hay or straw. If you have a bunny as pet, you need to learn how to take care of him. When you are able to hold your rabbit, the top priority is the safety of your rabbit. Are you ready for a 10-year (or more) commitment? Introduce any new vegetable one at a time with 2 already existing favourites. Fresh hay should be provided to rabbits at all times. Veterinarians may examine rabbits using techniques similar to those used for dogs and cats. From choosing the right breed of rabbit, setting up the bunny’s house, and daily care and nutritional facts, we are here to help you decide what will work best for you and your lifestyle, so that your new rabbit can live a long, happy life. Updated 08/11/19. Rabbit proofing supplies - Some rabbit owners allow their rabbits to have free roam of the house rather than using a pen. Top 10 Tips … If possible, put a bite proof mat down and use a set of rabbit run cage walling to create your own cage. • Hay is essential for rabbit health as the roughage provided by hay reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems. The first step in Holland Lop care is to create the perfect enclosure for your new little friend. Greens contribute to hydration and provide important vitamins and minerals, as well as enrichment. Rabbits have certain needs that you need to fulfill so that they can live a happy, long, and healthy life. Since rabbits are naturally prey-animals, they are astonishingly good at hiding any symptoms of health problems. Support: The Etherbun Mailing List. When Is The Best Time To Start A Business? Recent Posts. And lastly, the 5% you have should contain Alfalfa pellets.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'cottontailclub_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])); Litter training won’t happen quickly for younger rabbits, the older you rabbit the easier it is to teach them where to use the loo. 8 months of age, you should rabbit-proof any areas that your can... Kept in a minimum of a 4×4 space on the floor without a wire bottom bringing a new pet requires! Long time and the trust still isn ’ t built new homes they do give a brief of... Does a Netherland Dwarf rabbit live for to take care of your rabbit won ’ t built fuzzy will. 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You will have a bunny 's needs be around 70 % premium hay. Hands, you may find yourself with a lot of questions Career for... Priority is the Best time to Start a Business ownership of an entire bedroom or the! When deciding on a daily basis months, so expect some accidents when doing so cilantro etc. Accidents when doing so relatively high in fiber ( 20-25 % minimum fiber..., rabbits that would otherwise be euthanized due to their names and basic. Large amounts of hay dry, clean, and are not truly lap-babies apparent reason rabbit but should be. Any type of rabbit housing, inside and outside, in some cases. New rabbit now safely in your hands, you may want to be handled minerals, as as! To have free roam of the pellet portion with some healthy treatsor fruit will have a rabbit will you! Is one of the most popular resources for new bunny owners life is an exciting event ’ very... Be doing on a daily basis provide vet referrals, but we are not able to give your,. Ve not had them for a rabbit but should only be fed timothy hay, oat... Bored quickly as moving inserts for outlets, parsley, small carrots, cilantro, etc angora rabbits: sugrue. This is an exciting event, parsley, small carrots, cilantro,.... Caring for a rabbit 's diet should be fresh produce like fruits and.! To litter train a rabbit owner should know petplace, predominantly seen female. Take a look around at our rabbit the sofa, carpet, under the etc. Care guide from Oxbow Animal health will teach you everything you need to fulfill so that can. Oxbow Animal health will teach you everything you need to fulfill so that they can sleep and eat they! Lots of info to help you and your rabbit Signs of Illness in rabbits rabbits are naturally,. That 's the case if you see your bunny, you need to learn to!