Rabbit Care
Rabbits are rewarding and popular pets. They can become part of the family, children should only look after rabbits under
parental supervision.
The dutch rabbit requires very little to no grooming, there feet can be cleaned with a mild baby wipe if they are excessively dirty or stained. Moulting hair can be remvoed with a damp hand.
Rabbits with long fur take much more looking after as the fur can become matted quickly and therefore requires daily grooming.
Most rabbits are happy living either indoors or outside but, if choosing to keep them as house rabbits, extra care must be taken to keep them safe in their indoor environment.
The best time to buy rabbits is when they have been weaned from their mother at about six to eight weeks old. Rescue centres such as The Blue Cross usually have all ages of rabbits ready to be placed in the right homes, and adults can also make rewarding companions – some people prefer to take on an older animal. The other alternative is to buy from a reputable breeder or hobbyist where they are prepared to give as much time as you need in order to make the right decision.
Outdoor rabbits need plenty of room with a hutch large enough to be able to stand on their hind legs, have the opportunity to stretch out, and hop around. There must also be a private compartment for them to retire to when they wish for some privacy. A good rule to remember is that you should buy the biggest hutch that you can afford and accomodate. We have suitable hutchs here at below pet shop prices to make sure our babies get the best start in life.
The best type of bedding is clean, bagged straw, available from all good pet shops. You should also cover the base of your hutch in wood shavings.
It is easy to litter train a rabbit. Once you are aware which corner they prefer to use as a toilet, place a litter tray there big enough for your rabbit to use comfortably. This will make it far easier to keep the accommodation clean.
Hay or grass should be the basis of your rabbit’s diet, and a few fresh vegetables should be offered as well. Mixed coloured rabbit food can cause selective eating, small quantities of high-fibre pellets are a better choice.
Make sure, if using a water bottle, that it is working properly. The plastic bottles with the metal drinking spouts work best.
All rabbits need daily stimulation to maintain physical and mental well-being. Encourage your rabbits to practice their natural behaviour by providing safe things for them to chew, rabbit toys are alo readily available either here or from any good pet suppier. Also try to provide tubes for them to run through and hide in. Another idea is to set up a cardboard box with an entrance and an exit your rabbit can hop in and out of. Fill the box with shredded paper. Also try hanging some root vegetables on a string for them to nibble.
Rabbits that are regularly and correctly handled from an early age can learn to tolerate the experience, but remember that most will never feel comfortable, as it is not natural for them to be lifted up with their paws off the ground. This is why as a general rule you should buy from a breeder or hobbyist who has will devote time to each baby bunny.
When you do need to pick up your rabbit, the safest way is to slide one hand underneath the body and in-between the front legs, with your other arm around its hindquarters, supporting its body weight. Place the rabbit against your body with its head towards your arm. Never pick a rabbit up by its ears or by the scruff of its neck. Always put a rabbit down gently, hind legs first, on a non-slip surface.
You will be provided with a care sheet, and some food that our rabbits are used to should you decided to home one of our bunnies. For more information please call me or use the contact form.
