Rabbits
(sample specie, European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus))
The pet rabbit as we know it today originated from the wild rabbits of Europe and Africa. We began domesticating rabbits in the Middle Ages.
They are fragile animals and are most active in the morning and evening. They prefer to sleep during the day and through the night. Rabbits have different life expectancies depending on the breed and can live as little as 5 years or as long as 15 years.
Rabbits and hares are not the same although they can breed. Hares are generally larger, have longer ears and longer hind legs. Hares are born with a full coat of hair and their eyes open. Rabbits are born hairless and with their eyes closed. Hares hide in plants while rabbits hide in burrows or depressions in the ground. Hares prefer being alone while rabbits enjoy the company of others.
Rabbits as Pets
Rabbits are very tame and not demanding. They can be trained to learn commands and play games even be trained to use a litter box. Rabbits make very little noise so bothering your neighbors will not be a concern. Rabbits love to be handled, like attention, and tend to be active when most people are home. Because of all these attributes they can make an excellent pet.
Rabbits are very tame and not demanding. They can be trained to learn commands and play games even be trained to use a litter box. Rabbits make very little noise so bothering your neighbors will not be a concern. Rabbits love to be handled, like attention, and tend to be active when most people are home. Because of all these attributes they can make an excellent pet.
Care Sheet
What do I need for my pet bunny rabbit?
Now that you have decided on a pet rabbit you should have all supplies necessary before bringing it home. A bunny with a safe home, the correct food, and appropriate furnishings will be a happy and healthy pet. This care sheet will guide you in having everything you need.
Now that you have decided on a pet rabbit you should have all supplies necessary before bringing it home. A bunny with a safe home, the correct food, and appropriate furnishings will be a happy and healthy pet. This care sheet will guide you in having everything you need.
Cage and Habitat
You will need a cage that is at least four times the size of your rabbit or an outdoor hutch at least 30 x 36 x 20 inches. Avoid wire mesh flooring and don’t use glass cages or aquariums. Always go with the biggest cage possible.
You will need a cage that is at least four times the size of your rabbit or an outdoor hutch at least 30 x 36 x 20 inches. Avoid wire mesh flooring and don’t use glass cages or aquariums. Always go with the biggest cage possible.
Hay or straw is needed as a nesting area for outside rabbits.
A litter box and litter for indoor rabbits. Paper based litter works best and do not use clumping litter.
A water bottle or water bowl. Water bottles are easier to maintain.
Food bowl for pellets and a feeder for hay.
Your pet rabbit also needs toys and chew toys.
Food & Supplements
Grass hay such as Timothy and alfalfa hay is an important part of your pets diet.
Grass hay such as Timothy and alfalfa hay is an important part of your pets diet.
Commercially available rabbit food pellets.
Some occasional treats will always be welcomed by your rabbit.
If you are unsure that your rabbit has a well balanced diet, dietary supplements are a good way to ensure you pet gets all the nutrients he needs.
Other Supplies
Brushes and combs for grooming, especially if you have a long haired bunny.
Brushes and combs for grooming, especially if you have a long haired bunny.
Food & Diet
To have a happy and healthy pet rabbit you want to make sure he has a nutritious diet. Be sure to include hay, pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and treats to add variety and a well balanced diet. Below is a list of foods to keep your bunny well fed.
Hay
Hay is necessary for your rabbit’s diet to stimulate intestinal movement and help wear down the teeth. Offer as much hay as your pet wants to eat. The hay should have equal portions of stems and leaves and be green. Grass hays such as Timothy, orchard, oat, brome, Burmuda and Johnson are excellent choices.
Hay is necessary for your rabbit’s diet to stimulate intestinal movement and help wear down the teeth. Offer as much hay as your pet wants to eat. The hay should have equal portions of stems and leaves and be green. Grass hays such as Timothy, orchard, oat, brome, Burmuda and Johnson are excellent choices.
Rabbit Pellets
Commercial pelleted food is available on in many varieties. Pellets that are about 25 percent fiber and a low fat content are best. Rabbits have low fat requirements so their diet needs only to contain 2 percent fat. Smaller pellet sizes are better for young rabbits.
Commercial pelleted food is available on in many varieties. Pellets that are about 25 percent fiber and a low fat content are best. Rabbits have low fat requirements so their diet needs only to contain 2 percent fat. Smaller pellet sizes are better for young rabbits.
Vegetables
Your rabbit should eat up to 2 cups of vegetables a day. Bunnies will enjoy carrot tops, carrots, broccoli, parsley, chicory, endive, kale, mustard greens, green peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, dandelion greens and dark leafy lettuce.
Your rabbit should eat up to 2 cups of vegetables a day. Bunnies will enjoy carrot tops, carrots, broccoli, parsley, chicory, endive, kale, mustard greens, green peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, dandelion greens and dark leafy lettuce.
Treats
Rabbits love sugary foods as treats. Offer only a small amount of these treats a day. Your rabbit will enjoy apple slices, pears, kiwi fruit, melons and strawberries. There are also a wide variety of commercially available bunny treats. Use sugary treats in moderation to prevent obesity and intestinal problems.
Rabbits love sugary foods as treats. Offer only a small amount of these treats a day. Your rabbit will enjoy apple slices, pears, kiwi fruit, melons and strawberries. There are also a wide variety of commercially available bunny treats. Use sugary treats in moderation to prevent obesity and intestinal problems.
Water
Compared to other animals rabbits drink a lot of water so your rabbit should always have fresh water available. When your bunny doesn’t have enough water he will eat less food which creates an unhealthy situation.
Compared to other animals rabbits drink a lot of water so your rabbit should always have fresh water available. When your bunny doesn’t have enough water he will eat less food which creates an unhealthy situation.
Supplements
With a well balanced diet, a dietary supplement isn’t always necessary. But it never hurts to make sure your pet gets everything he needs.
With a well balanced diet, a dietary supplement isn’t always necessary. But it never hurts to make sure your pet gets everything he needs.
Stool
Rabbits have soft and hard stool and they will eat the soft stool. It may seem gross, but don’t stop your pet from eating his own poo. The soft stool has nutrients that are important to your bunny’s health.
Rabbits have soft and hard stool and they will eat the soft stool. It may seem gross, but don’t stop your pet from eating his own poo. The soft stool has nutrients that are important to your bunny’s health.
Change
Always introduce new foods or changes in diet slowly. Making changes too rapidly will change the natural flora in your rabbits intestines which can cause bacteria to grow in his intestinal tract. This can be toxic to your pet. Changing his diet slowly over a four to five day period will prevent this.
courtesy: http://petrabbitcare.org/
Always introduce new foods or changes in diet slowly. Making changes too rapidly will change the natural flora in your rabbits intestines which can cause bacteria to grow in his intestinal tract. This can be toxic to your pet. Changing his diet slowly over a four to five day period will prevent this.
courtesy: http://petrabbitcare.org/
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