rabbit care guide
A rabbit’s environment is where it lives - not just where it sleeps, eats, exercises and goes to the toilet, but any place that it has access to. The environment also includes all the objects a rabbit comes into contact with and the materials, such as bedding, that it needs to stay healthy and happy.
A rabbit should have access to suitable places and supplies to:
-
rest and sleep in comfort
-
eat and drink undisturbed
-
exercise and explore safely
-
hide when afraid or feeling insecure
-
shelter from the weather including wind, cold, rain and sun
-
play
-
chew whenever it feels the need
Rabbits should be protected from bad weather as well as strong sunlight or changes in temperature;
-
Outdoors, a cover, blanket or piece of old carpet or other insulation material could offer added protection on cold nights provided there is enough ventilation.
As for the summer heat; Rabbits by nature are cold weather animals. They can easily tolerate temperatures at 0 Celsius or lower providing they have shelter from the wind and wet conditions. They have trouble tolerating temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and must be kept out of direct sun light during the summer months.
-
Indoors, a rabbit’s living area should be placed in a cool room, out of direct sunlight and draughts.
The main part of a rabbit’s diet should be unlimited amounts of fresh hay (preferably Timothy or Meadow Hay), grass, and plenty of clean water available. As for vegetables, look for a selection of different veggies–look for both dark leafy veggies. But stay away from beans!
Here is a link of a vegetable list rabbits can eat https://www.saveafluff.co.uk/rabbit-info/safe-foods-for-rabbits
Most common illnesses among rabbits
- Cervical cancer: This is the most cancer among female rabbits. Some breeds have percentages as high as 50-80% for having this cancer. Therefor it is highly advisable to neuter rabbits at an early age (5-6 months) to avoid this.
- Hairballs (nope not just cats): when rabbits are sick with hairballs, they often lose their appetite stop playing, and being their active selves. Rabbits get this when they swallow a large amount of hair (sometimes after grooming) and it lodges in their stomach, unable to pass it. Rabbits are unable to vomit the large amount of hair as well. So, they will need a trip to the vet in order to recover from this.
- Parasites: Just like cats and dogs.. Rabbits also get infected with different internal and external parasites. Annual checkups will help your rabbit be cleared from this. As for external parasites, such as fleas, ear mites and ticks; if they are noticed then a visit to the vet is needed!
Routine veterinary visits:
Fun (important) tip: there are no regular or routine visits needed for your bundle of bunny fur. (At least in the United States). However, taking your rabbit to the vet every now and then just to clear them of minor problems to prevent any major illnesses or diseases that may turn for the worse is a safe idea. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Too many coco puffs around? Rabbits – can indeed be litter trained!
But, spaying or neutering must come first. It is almost impossible to litter train an unspayed or unneutered rabbit or else your home will just become one giant poo box.
-
A large-sized cat litter box is needed
-
Lining the litter box with old newspapers or straw/hay.
-
Contain your rabbit in a small area for a day with the litter tray (the cage or a corner of the room where you want to place the litter tray). Place handfuls of hay in a corner of the tray for your rabbit to eat as this will encourage the rabbit to spend time there.
-
Slowly increase the rabbit’s room space until it is using the litter box consistently.
*A tip is to keep the bag of hay near the litter box while the rabbit sits in it
refrences :
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/rabbit-care/common-rabbit-myths/
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/suitable-environment-rabbits
https://rabbit.org/faq-diet/
http://www.rabbithaven.org/litter-training/
http://www.bunnyhugga.com/a-to-z/housing/litter-training-rabbits.html