Rabbit Care and Tips

Pets complete a home for single people and families. Children often desire pets more than adults do as they think animals are cute and fun to have. Adults of course know the work required. Like any pet, rabbits need care. They need to go to the vet, get fed daily, and have their domain cleaned. When you decide to purchase a rabbit, you will need to know exactly what is required of you.

Before we get into your rabbit’s needs, you will want to know a few of the species available. Most common are cottontails, dwarf, and lop-eared rabbits for pets. The dwarf rabbit is small and best kept indoors, while the cottontails are not as sensitive to the weather and can be housed outside in moderate climates. The lop-eared rabbits like the cottontails grow to be a good size and have long floppy ears. The type of rabbit you wish to have for a pet will in part decide on the care.

First, like cats and dogs, rabbits require shots from the vet to keep them in good health. People carry diseases that can harm animals if we do not wash before and after we handle our pets. Rabbits can be susceptible to worms and other dietary parasites so it is important to take your rabbit for its vet visit when needed. Speak with a vet about your rabbit’s care and any questions you may have before you complete your purchase.

Rabbits eat pellets, hay, and vegetables. Most rabbits like to munch on carrots or lettuce. You want to feed your rabbit every day to ensure they are receiving the proper amount of food. Unlike cats that eat when they are hungry, a rabbit can overeat and become overweight. Some commercial feeds for rabbits contain nuts; however, these are typically not good as they are high in fiber. You can feed your rabbit fruit as a treat, but you should not do so daily.

Housing for a rabbit can be in your home or if you wish to keep them outside a wooden cage will work. Most outside cages are designed to let the waste fall through so they are not sitting on it or laying on it. The cage should be built large enough to house an adult rabbit with bedding spread out to make a nice little home. They should be given plenty of water and have it changed out daily. Having a backyard for your pet rabbit is a great idea. They can roam for a little exercise, which all pets need.

You will want to clean their cages out at least once a week or more depending on how messy or smelly it becomes. Your rabbit needs a clean environment just like you to eliminate the possibilities of disease. An important factor in having a long-living rabbit is their environment. Most rabbits live 5 to 10 years.

Rabbits with their fuzzy cottontails or floppy ears are just some of the cutest pets you can own. They are a medium maintenance pet with proper feeding and environmental care you can have your rabbit for years. Your children will enjoy showing off their pet rabbit to all their friends and beg you to take him to show and tell. Pets are needed to complete a family and provide enjoyment for everyone.

Your rabbit will enjoy a wide variety of activities which will help him (her) stay active and satisfied. There are many items you may have already that you can use to create toys for him, without having to go out and buy anything expensive and fancy. Here are some ideas for toys that your rabbit will enjoy playing with.

Cardboard

When you think of toys for your rabbit, think of toys he can chew on. Rabbits need lots of chewing to keep their teeth sharp. They enjoy munching on anything from toilet paper rolls, to cardboard boxes. You can use small cereal boxes, or even salt boxes with all salt and metal parts removed.

Willow Balls

Willow balls are easily found at the craft store. These pretty items are often used in home décor. However, they also make a great toy for rabbits; toys that can easily be pushed and batted around at will.

Pellet and Hay Sock

For this rabbit toy, you can put to use any clean, old sock that no longer has a match. Insert some pellets and hay, and tie it up to the end. You can use a ribbon or simply tie a knot at the end of the sock if it is long enough. Your rabbit will enjoy throwing this around.

Stuffed Animals

Because rabbits often groom each other when living in groups, they will usually do the same to a stuffed animal that is put into their cage. Choose a clean stuffed animal and remove all tags, plastic, and metal from it before giving it to them. Then put it into the cage and watch them play with their new stuffed friend.

Digging Sandbox

Some rabbits love to dig. If your rabbit is one of these types, simply purchase a long, flat container; a plastic one that is sold with a lid works well. You want the sides to be high enough to allow the sand to stay contained, but low enough that you can slide it under a piece of furniture when not in use if you wish.

There are many plastic container brands that carry long, flat containers that are specifically made to slide under beds as extra storage, and these are wonderful for this purpose. Fill the bottom of the container with sand, and let your rabbit use it while you supervise.

Muffin Tin Surprise

This is a fun little game that your rabbit will enjoy playing, and he will enjoy the rewards at the end as well. Take a muffin tin, and then sprinkle some dry treats in the bottom of each indent. Cut circles out of thick card stock paper that is just a little bigger than each of the holes, and then poke two holes in each circle.

Using a thick string, guide it through each of the two holes and bring the ends back together, tying the ends together to form a circular string. Place the circles on top of each muffin tin hole, and allow your rabbit to seek the treats beneath each of the circles.

Rabbits are curious critters and love to play. Create some more fun for your rabbit to spice up his daily life. By making these toys for your rabbit, he will be able to indulge in many great moments.