How To Care For A Rabbit
With a gentle nature and a trusting personality a rabbit makes a great choice as a pet.Rabbits enjoy being petted, stroked and cuddled, even by children.It is important to remember that rabbit care is essential and as with any other pet, a responsible owner will do all in his or her power to ensure their rabbit is healthy.Looking after a rabbit is fairly simple, but before buying a pet rabbit please read these quick tips and guides to see if you are making the right choice.
Every rabbit needs a hutch, a place of its own to snuggle down to sleep and run around and play.The hutch will need to have adequate height to allow the rabbit to stand on its back legs. It also needs to be wide enough for the rabbit to hop around.It should also be wide enough to allow the rabbit to hop at least four full hops in any direction.Plan out your hutch in zones, so there are separate areas in which the rabbit can play, sleep eat and go to the toilet.You will need a larger hutch if you have two or more rabbits.To ensure the rabbit is warm at night you must invest in a good quality bedding.On the base of the hutch you should line it with newspaper and importantly you should use dust free straw.Think carefully about where you position your hutch. Do not allow it to stand in direct sunlight for long periods of time and make sure it is in a well ventilated spot.Remember to cover the hutch at night so the rabbit cannot be easily spotted by threatening anilmals like cats and foxes.In addition to your hutch consider buying a run. Rabbits enjoy being allowed to hop around and a run provides them with a protective area in which to do this.
A rabbit needs a specific diet and digestible and non digestible fibre is important.This is necessary because food actually passes through a rabbits system twice.Do try and avoid the mass market muesli type foods available as these can be high in sugar and starch which can lead to increased weight gain, obesity and even diabetes.The best type of rabbit food is usually available from a specialist retailer and will have been extensively tested and formulated.You can buy specialist rabbit food online or through your vet.In addition to rabbit food you can always treat your rabbit to everyday food items like turnip, celery, carrot and apple.
Caring for a rabbit really isn’t difficult, but caring responsibly is sure to lead to a healthier and happier life for your pet, so by providing it with a good sized hutch, quality pet food and a health care plan you are doing your very best to be a responsible pet owner.