Pet Tips: A Guide To Rabbits

Before selecting your new pet, it is important to understand the characteristics of most domestic rabbits to determine if a rabbit is the right choice for you and your home. Rabbits are comparatively easy to take care of and can easily be trained to utilize a litter box for easy cleanup. Rabbits possess calm, quiet characteristics and do not exhibit aggressive behavior toward their human families. They are intelligent, affectionate, social animals and can become wonderful companions if properly socialized through frequent interaction with their owners. Rabbits also possess a need for companionship with other rabbits, so consider purchasing two rabbits when selecting your new pet. Multiple rabbits communicate and bond by using movements and gestures fluent to their own kind, something that we humans cannot offer to our pet rabbits. A solitaire rabbit can easily become bored, lonely and depressed, causing hyperactivity, destructive behavior and withdrawal. Starting out with two rabbits will relieve these tendencies and provide happiness and companionship for your pets, along with pets that are well behaved for their owners and easier to care for.

Before bringing your pet rabbit home for the first time, it is important to purchase a cage that will provide adequate space that is necessary for your rabbit's health, comfort and well being. Rabbits do not feature padded feet like cats, dogs and other animals, so cages with wire bottoms cause painful irritation to most rabbits and do not work well as adequate rabbit housing. Be sure to choose a cage with a plastic floor that will provide a smooth, firm surface for your rabbit. If you must utilize a wire cage, make sure to cover the wire surface with newspaper, cloth or a towel and give your rabbit plenty of alternate surfaces to rest off the wire surface. Whichever cage you choose, it is recommended that you choose one that features a slide-out compartment underneath, which will allow for easy removing and cleaning. When choosing a cage, also look for one that provides adequate space for movement. Ideally, rabbits need a cage that is four times their own size. Also, if you have the space for a larger, more complex cage, consider purchasing or building a cage that features multiple stories with plenty of space for running, climbing and other exercises. Along with a cage, you will need to purchase a pan or litter box to place in the corner of your rabbit's cage, as well as food and water bowls. Toys and other objects are also recommended in order to keep your new pet happy and entertained, such as cat toys, balls, baby rattles, cardboard boxes, plastic Slinkies and other rabbit-safe toys.

After bringing your new rabbit home, it is important to establish and continue a proper diet to ensure a happy, healthy pet for years to come. The main daily diet of your rabbit should consist of a quality pellet mixture that is available at most pet supply stores. Pellets can quickly spoil and become unusable, so purchase new pellets every six weeks. Rabbits also need daily offerings of timothy, oat or alfalfa hay, which is also available at many pet supply stores. Providing hay on a daily basis provides a natural way of clearing blockages and reduces hairballs in your rabbit. Be sure to give your pet rabbit several fresh vegetables daily, such as celery, carrots, green peppers and broccoli stems. Of course, make sure fresh water is also available to your rabbit at all times.

Once your rabbit is comfortable in his or her new surroundings, litter box training is essential in ensuring a healthy environment and easy cleanup. Rabbits naturally choose only one or two locations to urinate, usually in the corners of their cages or habitats. Observe your rabbit's established "spot" and place the litter box in that location. Because rabbits spend a considerable amount of time in their litter boxes, as well as nibbling small amounts of litter, choosing the right type of litter is very important. Organic litters produced from alfalfa, oats, citrus or other paper materials are suitable for use in your rabbit's litter box. Avoid litters made from pine, cedar shavings or wood chips, as these products and similar materials are considered dangerous to rabbits and may cause liver damage. As a simple alternative, hay can be used in your rabbit's litter box, which will need to be changed on a daily basis. If your rabbit has an "accident" outside the litter box, clean up the spot immediately with soap and water, vinegar or club soda.

When choosing and owning a pet rabbit, it is important to become familiar with the needs and characteristics of these pets and to gain knowledge of the best methods in which to care for them properly. Keeping your rabbit healthy and active will ensure a happy pet that will enrich your family's life for years to come.