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Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
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House rabbits need to play to keep their minds active. Rotating through a collection of toys provides variety and keeps their interest. Toys must be non-toxic and include cardboard boxes with holes cut in them, toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay, a ball with holes for food to tumble out, plastic rattles for the rabbit to toss, stray mats, or untreated wicker baskets. Some rabbits enjoy cloths that are dangled in their cage. All house rabbits need wood toys that they can chew on to wear down their teeth, which will continue to grow if they have nothing to chew. Toys can be purchased at a pet store, or they can be handmade. |
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
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A house rabbit needs at least two hours daily out of his cage to run and explore. He is provided an area where he is free to roam in which hazards (to house or bunny) have been mitigated. For example, to prevent electrocution, an owner will hide electrical cords cover them with flexible clear tubing (slit lengthwise), such as that purchased in the plumbing section of a home store. Another commonly protected item is woodwork, which is subject to being chewed; this problem is mitigated by providing something in the room that will attract the rabbit to chew instead, such as an old phone book, large pieces of paper, or a toilet paper roll. Despite the hazards of a house, it does provide an inherent shelter; house rabbit owners do not leave their rabbits outside unattended, since prey animals may attack, or there may be pesticides that can harm the rabbit. |
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
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A rabbit is easy to litter train, especially if the rabbit has been spayed or neutered. When a rabbit is placed in a new area, it is common for him to mark the area with his droppings. After he gets acquainted to the area, he naturally starts favoring a certain location. A litter box, usually a small cat litter box, filled with about one inch of non-toxic litter, is placed there. Most pet stores carry safe litter that is easy to handle, clean, and absorbent. Sawdust pellets (wood stove fuel pellets), Carefresh, and Yesterday’s News are popular. Litter made from pine or cedar is not used because inhaling the aromatic oils in them may cause liver damage to the rabbit. Placing the hay close to the litter box can speed up the training, since rabbits like to defecate and eat at the same time. |
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
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Emergency health concerns, such as a rabbit not eating or head tilt require immediate veterinary attention. A veterinarian can also assist with chronic conditions such as malocclusion.[1] In most regions, house rabbits do not require vaccination; however, in the UK they do to protect against myxomatosis and hemorrhagic viral diseases.[2][3] Some owners visit a vet for advice on topics such as diet, although others rely on their own experience or the experience of others, such as knowledgable people in a house rabbit organization. In any case, house rabbit organizations recommend finding a vet before an emergency occurs, since not all vets are knowledgeable about rabbits. The House Rabbit Society maintains a list of veterinarians who practice veterinary medicine on rabbits. |
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
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Rabbits need a pen that is at least 4 times the length of the rabbit. A dog training folding fence 26 or more inches tall serves as a simple pen. Other people buy large dog cages. House rabbit organizations caution against using a grid floor, as this will cause sore hocks (sores on the bottom of the rabbit’s back feet). Carpet or linoleum can be added to a cage that has a grid floor to protect the rabbit’s feet. Another option for a rabbit cage is a multiple-level condo. The rabbit condo can be made by using cable ties and storage cubes (sample building instructions). This provides the rabbit plenty of jumping options and variety. Basic necessities for the cage include a litter box, water, food bowl, hay, and toys. |
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Friday, 25 July 2008
