I must start out this post by saying… I LOVE rabbits! Rabbits are adorable, fun and make excellent pets. They are quiet, clean and if handled correctly and often, very affectionate! Rabbits are great pets for older children that know how to handle animals (especially small ones). Rabbits tend to frighten easily and can scratch when struggling (ouch), so young children should be supervised. Younger children also tend to squeeze and drop small animals…not good if you happen to be a scared rabbit!
Rabbits do not live in cages…they live in what is called a hutch. Hutches can be purchased or, if you are a handyman, homemade. The bottom of the hutch is usually constructed of heavy duty wire so that the rabbit’s droppings can fall through onto newspaper. Your rabbit can live in an outdoor hutch as long as you live in an area that does not get too cold and his hutch is secure from predators.
Rabbits eat a diet of rabbit pellets (which you can purchase at a local pet supply store), timothy hay (which can be purchased from feed stores and some specialty pet stores), and vegetables… such as lettuce. They also require a water bottle in their cage. The water bottle should be filled daily with fresh water so that your little bunny doesn’t get parched!
Rabbits are smarter than you might think. Some pet rabbits, that are handled constantly and have formed bonds with their owners, can actually be potty-trained! They love to have free-roam play time so it is important that you schedule time for your rabbit every day so that he gets his exercise! Rabbits live approximately six to ten years…which is longer than other small pets such as gerbils and hamsters.
There are many different types of rabbits to choose from….some of which require more care than others. Fluffy Angoras require a lot of maintenance and must be groomed on a regular basis. The French Lop-Eared rabbit is a huge, plump bunny with wide ears that flop down to the side. These rabbits are too cute for words; however they are very expensive and too large for most people to accommodate.
Rabbits are relatively healthy animals and do not get sick often. Rabbits that are allowed outdoors can get fleas and ear-mites which you can easily treat with flea powder (consult with a vet before applying anything to your rabbit!). A common sign that your bunny is under the weather is fewer droppings in his cage. Yep, less poop means your rabbit is probably not feeling up to par. Another tell-tale sign of illness is if your bunny stops eating or eats considerably less than usual. If you think your little hopper is ill…do not medicate him with over the counter drugs. The best thing to do is take him to the vet. It is important to note that rabbits are generally healthy animals and rarely become ill.
If you are looking for a small pet (but not TOO SMALL!) then the rabbit may be right up your alley. Rabbits are adorable, fun and will…well, keep you hopping!
No comments:
Post a Comment