Bunny Care

Pet Lodge USA - Bunny

Bunnies are rabbits. The names are interchangeable.

It is recommended that you have your rabbit neutered at the age of 3 1/2 to 6 months old.

Protect your rabbit

Any electrical cords which are within reach of your rabbit must be encased in vinyl tubing. Shear one wall of the tubing down the length so that the cord can be pushed inside of it. Be watchful so that drapes, curtains, furniture, and rugs are not chewed on! A good deterrence is giving alot of attention with toys or something chewable that is safe. Rabbits one year old and younger are, in general, more likely to do damage than older ones.

Housetraining

Once your new pet has arrived at your home, housetraining is in order. Start with using a cage and make cage a time of learning for the rabbit. Attach or set a litter box in a corner of the cage for the "bathroom". By doing this, your rabbit will learn and understand that a litter box is to be used when it is potty time. After the litter box has been used many times, then you can put a litterbox in each corner of the room where the pet will roam. Once in place, let your rabbit out of the cage for some much-needed exercise!

Give Praise

Give treats and petting and praise, but DO NOT PUNISH the rabbit. Punishing a rabbit is not an effective way to housetrain.

Food Dos

It is suggested to have food with high-fiber content (at least 18%), with a low protein content (maximum of 14%).

Feeding

A rule of thumb is to give 1/4 cup per each 5 pounds of body weight, once a day. This is important, because overfeeding could lead to obesity! Rabbits act like they are hungry, though they are not. Also, each day give a large handful of leafy greens (always fresh!). Only add one vegetable to the current diet at a time, BUT stop giving it if it causes diarrhea or soft stools. Also, you may give unlimited amounts of oat, timothy, or grass hay. The most important part of a rabbit's diet is hay, because it helps toward better digestion. Note: Do not give alfalfa hay to rabbits over 6 months old (the protein content in it is too high. Any dietary changes should be done SLOWLY, and food newly introduced should only be in small amounts.

Remember that rabbits produce fecal droppings (round, dry, and small). However, they also discharge cecal pills (soft, sometimes clustered, partially formed droppings). Your rabbit must eat their cecal pills so that their digestive process is completed.

Water

Always have fresh water available in a heavy crock or a water bottle. Change water at least once a day and clean the container as needed and at a very minimum of once per week.

Treats

Treats should also be given once a day. Examples of treats: A small carrot, a few raisins, slice of a pear or an apple, or a banana slice (1" long).

Food Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place.

What NOT to Feed!

Peelings, meat, crackers, spoiled greens, cookies, fried or cooked food.

Grooming

Brush your rabbit often. This helps keep hairballs to a minimum.

Helpful Hints

Routinely check nose, eyes, teeth, ears, appetite, weight, and droppings for any abnormalities.

Your Rabbit Around Other Pets

Indoor cats and rabbits can get along well. So can well-mannered dogs and rabbits. Supervise when another pet is in the same room with your rabbit for protection. If you want another rabbit, keep in mind that they should be introduced with short time periods together, and both should be neutered!

Exercise

Though you won't be needing free weights, as your rabbit won't be pumping iron, it is recommended that you provide at least 30 hours per week of time and space for activity.

Pine & Cedar Shavings

These shavings are harmful to your rabbit (and other pets). From softwood beddings there are produced hydrocarbons which can cause both liver and respiratory damage. On the tray in the cage use newspaper. Use organic litter in litter boxes.

Medications

Antibiotics may treat many rabbit diseases. DO NOT GIVE oral drugs of the Penicillin family, ie: Amoxicillin. There is the risk of killing good bacteria in the intestines.