Rabbit Care
Many people choose to purchase a rabbit as a pet because they believe that rabbit care is simpler than that of a dog or cat. While this is partially true as a rabbit will not demand your attention throughout the day, proper rabbit care actually consists of most of the same responsibilities of any other pet. They need a cage to call home, proper food, proper handling, and daily cleaning and exercise.
One of the first things you will need to take care of before purchasing a rabbit is creating a home that is suitable for the animal. They have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years so they need a sturdy home that allows enough space for them to exercise and is constructed from wood or wire.
Plastic is a poor choice for a rabbit pen or hutch because they will simply gnaw through the plastic in a few weeks, or sometimes even in just a day. Their home needs to be kept clean and dry and should have a litter lining that is changed at least every three days. Most rabbits can be trained to use a litter box which minimizes cleaning if you include one in their cage.
Rabbits are herbivores meaning that they require a steady diet of fruits and vegetables such as hay, romaine lettuce, cauliflower, cabbage, apples, and dried bananas. Most people purchase pellet food from the pet shop, but your rabbit should be limited to 4-6 ounces of pellets a day as they have sensitive digestive systems.
Alfalfa hay is also a great supplement as it helps rabbits digest their food and prevents hairballs. It is also a fairly inexpensive treat that your rabbit will enjoy. Rabbits should also have fresh water every day and the water bottle or bowl should be cleaned regularly to prevent disease.
Rabbits are generally healthy animals, but they can develop certain illnesses and infections so you should keep an eye on their health. A healthy rabbit will not have diarrhoea or dull eyes. You should check them regularly for mites and fleas as well especially if you have other pets in the home since these are easily transmitted between animals.
The most common health problem among rabbits is respiratory problems which can result in death if not treated promptly. Sneezing, a very wet nose, and any nasal discharge are all signs that your rabbit should be taken to the vet for treatment.
