Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Bunny Care Sheet
GENERAL
Rabbits can share a home or be cage kept. When sharing your home there are a few things to do first like: Harmful Plants, Electrical equipment (power cords, sockets, etc.), choking hazards. You really need to think like you are bringing a baby into your home that is unaware of the dangers like such listed. Here is a good site to find harmful plants - http://adoptarabbit.org/articles/toxic.html.
On caged rabbits depending on where your rabbit is being kept depends on the type of flooring the rabbit should have such as inside and easy to clean cages make it have a hard floor, which in return will make you clean your bunny’s cage more often. Now for an outdoor cage I recommend a welded wire base which allows all of the rabbits dropping to drop below
HOUSING
As rabbits are happier indoor they do not have to stay indoor if you have an outdoor cage just make sure that it is sealed up well enough to keep all predators out! The cage must be atleast 4x larger than your bunny. In the case of keeping your rabbits happy bigger is ALWAYS better.
Bedding is not always needed but does help on odor such as rabbit safe pine shavings or any other rabbit safe bedding will ultimately keep any odor you have down.
Giving your rabbit something to hide in (rabbit hutches, shoe boxes with holes, ect.)
Keep lots of toys such as untreated blocks, wicker baskets, cardboard boxes pine cones, will always keep your rabbit busy.
DIET
A healthy diet is based on good quality rabbit food and ample fresh timothy hay. Add at least 2-6 cups of fresh vegetables each day. Good choices are dark green leafy vegetables and root vegetables. Small amounts of fresh fruit may be given as a treat. ALWAYS keep water in you bunnies reach!
CLEANING
Remove your bunnies droppings daily and wash food dishes, water bottles and the cage bottom weekly. Always rinse and dry the cage well before returning your pet.
HEALTH
Rabbits are prone to intestinal blockages, due to swallowing hair while grooming. Regular grooming can help minimize this problem. Be alert and consult an exotic animal veterinarian if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: lack of appetite; change in droppings; bloated abdomen; runny nose; labored breathing; head tilt; urinary problems; lumps or bumps.
WARNINGS
Antibiotics of the Penicillin family, such as Amoxicillin, are toxic to rabbits and should NEVER be used.
FERTILITY
All pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered by an EXPERIENCED rabbit veterinarian to avoid unwanted babies. Spayed or neutered rabbits also live longer, healthier lives and make better companions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)