Caring for pet rabbits can be a rewarding experience, yet it also requires some research and dedication. Rabbits are beautiful, social animals that bring joy to many households. As with any pet, being a responsible rabbit owner means understanding and providing the care they need to live a healthy and happy life. If you’re new to bunny ownership, then this beginner’s guide from Bunnyhorde will provide the basics of pet rabbit care so you can make sure your furry friend is content in their home.
What do rabbits need?
Rabbits need proper housing, nutritious food, exercise and regular veterinary care to keep them healthy and safe. If you’re buying or adopting a rabbit for the first time, it’s important to consider how much space you have in your home for your pet and its enclosure. You should also consider any other pets in the household (especially cats or dogs) who may not get along with a rabbit if they are allowed too close or unsupervised.
Housing requirements
The most important part of caring for your rabbit is ensuring that it has a suitable living environment. The size of the habitat will depend on the size of your rabbit – a medium-sized adult will need at least 4 square feet with 12 inches of vertical space – but it should always be large enough to give them plenty of room to move around. In addition, cages should include litter trays filled with hay or wood pellets, and hiding places such as cardboard boxes that provide places for privacy and relaxation away from potential predators such as cats or birds outside the cage.
Diet considerations
Diet is essential to keeping rabbits healthy; fresh hay should make up 80-90% of their diet, while fresh vegetables should make up 10-20%. A small amount (approximately 1 teaspoon per 2lbs of body weight) of high quality pelleted food can also be added, but avoid feeding treats more than once a day as these can cause digestive problems due to the high sugar content in many treats marketed specifically for rabbits (such as carrots). Almonds are particularly dangerous due to their high fat content, which can cause gastrointestinal problems if eaten in excess by rabbits.
Exercise needs
Your rabbit needs daily exercise outside his cage to stay physically healthy; this includes playtime with toys such as balls or paper shredders that he can kick around during supervised time outside his cage! Even just running around the house is good exercise, as rabbits love to jump around and explore new areas! In addition, offering cardboard or tube tunnels provides mental stimulation when placed in their habitat, so even if you don’t have much space outside their cage, there are still ways for them to explore safely indoors without risk from predators or domestic pets such as cats/dogs.
Grooming tips
Regular grooming helps to maintain good health and hygiene for pet rabbits; brushing twice a week will remove excess hair, preventing intestinal blockages caused by ingesting too much hair during grooming! Regularly cleaning out enclosures of droppings will keep bacteria at bay, while trimming nails every few weeks will keep paws healthy without causing pain when jumping on furniture/rugs etc. Occasional toothbrushing will help prevent tartar build-up, but only use toothbrushes specifically designed for small animals – never use human toothbrushes on pets!
Veterinary care
Most importantly, regular check-ups at an exotic vet clinic will help to detect any potential illnesses early, before they become serious health problems requiring costly treatment down the line – plus vaccinations protect against common rabbit diseases such as RHDV1 & Myxomatosis, which could otherwise prove fatal if left untreated! And annual check-ups help to monitor tooth wear/weight changes/digestive health etc., all necessary steps towards the overall wellbeing of owning one of these fluffy little critters!
The bottom line
With proper care and attention from knowledgeable owners, rabbits can thrive in a domestic environment where they receive plenty of love and affection throughout the day! Understanding the housing requirements, dietary considerations and regular preventative care visits will ensure long-term happiness for both you and your furry companion for years to come!