Tips For "Hopping Down The Bunny Trail" If you're looking for a different kind of pet, consider inviting a rabbit into your life. Rabbits are small and clean and can live indoors or out, making them more and more popular with city dwellers. If you're "on the bunny trail" here are a few things you will need to know.
Wild rabbits do not make good pets. Select instead a domesticated rabbit. There are many breeds from which to choose, each offering size, coloration and temperament characteristics. When choosing your companion animals, remember that your commitment is providing for the animal for the duration of its life. Take time to make sure you're starting with a young healthy bunny and that you're dealing with a reputable supplier.
Handling your new bunny insures that he will become a loving pet. But, as with any small animal, too much of anything can be harmful. Let him become accustomed to people and to his new home gradually. While your rabbit is still a baby, use both hands to pick him up. Put one hand under his chest and the other under his hindquarters. Adult rabbits can be picked up by holding the loose skin over the shoulders in one hand and lifting the rump with the other. Before allowing children to play with the baby rabbit, take time to explain that he is a live pet and not a toy. Show them how to properly pick up, hold and pet the animal.
As with most pets, one of the owner's biggest temptations is to overfeed. Offer your pet a pelletized rabbit food twice daily. Fresh vegetables and greens should be fed on a limited basis, no more than once a week. They are not necessary for your pet's health. Hay should be fed two to three times a week. Feeding dishes should be heavy and deep, to prevent tipping. Water is best provided in a specially designed water bottle that attaches to the hutch or cage.
There are a variety of rabbit hutches or cages available. When selecting one for your special animal, remember that a rabbit requires exercise. If he is going to be alone during the day, a larger cage will let him exercise. Bedding should be soft -- either hay, straw or wood shavings -- and should be changed two or three times weekly. The part of the cage used for urination should be cleaned daily. Disinfect the entire cage weekly. Cleanliness insures your rabbit's long term health.
Some allow their pet the run of the house and have successfully litter trained their rabbit. Rabbits can also be broke to harness and lead and can go outside for walks with you. Fenced yards also offer your pet a play and exercise opportunity, but you may want to supervise. Many wild plants and plants from bulbs are poisonous for rabbits.
If there's already a bunny trail to your front door, you'll find every thing your pet needs at your neighborhood Feeders Supply. Each store features an extensive line of foods and supplies for small animals, including bunnies. |