Pet Rabbit Care; 4 Basic Tips to Get You Started
Monday, September 29th, 2008
Pet Rabbits care and concern should be paramount, especially if you are getting someone in your family a Rabbit for a Birthday or Holiday present. While the Disney movies always make the fluffy little rascals so cute, there are some basic that you have to be aware of before bringing them home to be loved and cared for.
First, you have to realize that rabbits are creatures that like to roam in groups, by and large. Additionally, the usually stay within a region as a creature and are not know to wander far from that area they are familiar with. Because the nature of rabbits are of a fairly docile creature, they are usually easy game for prey.
With house rabbits, you have got to know a bit of the history so you can accommodate them as a pet. With that in mind, let’s look at 5 basics to keep them happy in your home.
First, their home. Rabbits don’t like to be caged all day, but they must feel safe. Many like the idea of a larger cage that the rabbit can go in and out of and allow the rabbits to roam. Be sure to make sure you rabbit-proof the home and give them something to use for waste. Believe ti or not, rabbits will use litter boxes, just make sure they don’t share it with a cat…that is trouble with a capital “T”.
Second, use anything but Cedar, as it can harm rabbits, for their bedding. They love a soft blanket that they can nest in. I have seen may take old towels and cut into several nice size shapes and let the rabbit arrange as he chooses.
Third, rabbits are vegetable lovers, so resist the need to give them stuff you think they might like. This means that your favorite house plant will look good to them, so just be aware. Know that Rabbits have small digestive tracts and you have to be careful to give them too much as they will eat most anything if you let them. The idea that the furry little friends only will eat lettuce is not so much true as lettuce does nt haove a lot of nutritional value. Let the eat other veggies as well such as; carrot tops, spinach, broccoli, and other green vegetables. Vary it up and your pet Rabbit will love you. And don’t forget the fresh water; and a clean, cool environment.
Fourth, the handling of your pet Rabbit. Remember that Rabbits are very sensitive creatures, especially with their ears and eyes as those are their predator defense mechanisms. Their ears are an indicator as to what they are sensing as the ears will stand up when they sense something. Respect their senses and never pick them up by their ears. Always place a hand under their chest between the front feet and the other hand under their butt. This will give them a comforting feeling and allow them to feel safe with you. Also, never touch their nose.
A Rabbit is a pet that could live anywhere from 7 to 10 years on the average with proper care, with some rabbits living into the teens. Take care of them and, like any other pet in your home, they will probably become a treasured member of the family adored by all.
By: DA Southern
About the Author:
First, you have to realize that rabbits are creatures that like to roam in groups, by and large. Additionally, the usually stay within a region as a creature and are not know to wander far from that area they are familiar with. Because the nature of rabbits are of a fairly docile creature, they are usually easy game for prey.
With house rabbits, you have got to know a bit of the history so you can accommodate them as a pet. With that in mind, let’s look at 5 basics to keep them happy in your home.
First, their home. Rabbits don’t like to be caged all day, but they must feel safe. Many like the idea of a larger cage that the rabbit can go in and out of and allow the rabbits to roam. Be sure to make sure you rabbit-proof the home and give them something to use for waste. Believe ti or not, rabbits will use litter boxes, just make sure they don’t share it with a cat…that is trouble with a capital “T”.
Second, use anything but Cedar, as it can harm rabbits, for their bedding. They love a soft blanket that they can nest in. I have seen may take old towels and cut into several nice size shapes and let the rabbit arrange as he chooses.
Third, rabbits are vegetable lovers, so resist the need to give them stuff you think they might like. This means that your favorite house plant will look good to them, so just be aware. Know that Rabbits have small digestive tracts and you have to be careful to give them too much as they will eat most anything if you let them. The idea that the furry little friends only will eat lettuce is not so much true as lettuce does nt haove a lot of nutritional value. Let the eat other veggies as well such as; carrot tops, spinach, broccoli, and other green vegetables. Vary it up and your pet Rabbit will love you. And don’t forget the fresh water; and a clean, cool environment.
Fourth, the handling of your pet Rabbit. Remember that Rabbits are very sensitive creatures, especially with their ears and eyes as those are their predator defense mechanisms. Their ears are an indicator as to what they are sensing as the ears will stand up when they sense something. Respect their senses and never pick them up by their ears. Always place a hand under their chest between the front feet and the other hand under their butt. This will give them a comforting feeling and allow them to feel safe with you. Also, never touch their nose.
A Rabbit is a pet that could live anywhere from 7 to 10 years on the average with proper care, with some rabbits living into the teens. Take care of them and, like any other pet in your home, they will probably become a treasured member of the family adored by all.
By: DA Southern
About the Author:
DA Southern is not a Doctor and doesn’t even play one on TV, but has had a long obsession with pets and their care as a result of many years working with various Animal Rescue Organizations. Visit him at his blog and get involved with the Pet Care Newsletter.
