Basic needs of a rabbit
The rabbit is a very unique animal with unique senses, likes and dislikes. To own a rabbit I use to say is a form of being unique – no exaggeration! And to be able to successfully take care of and raise a rabbit is even more matchless. It takes a really calm mind to understand and appreciate and look after them. Over the years of my living with rabbits, 1 in my room and a hundred+ in my backyard I have compiled a list of their basic needs which I feel might be useful to you. Check them out:
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| good rabbit hutch |
A suitable place to live
Do not put your rabbit in direct sunlight or a drafty area. If the temperature reaches above 75-85 degrees bring the cage in a cooler place. Rabbits become overheated easily and make sure they have adequate ventilation. Keep your rabbit in a cool area.
Quality hutch for outdoor protection or good quality wire cage for indoor/shelter areas should be used to house them. All cages should have a piece of plywood approximately 1/4 of the cage. This allows the bunny to sit on a smooth surface occasionally. The plywood will have to be replaced as it gets soiled. Provide 1-2 inches of bedding and change regularly to provide a clean and healthy environment.
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| rabbit diet |
Provide rabbit pellets as well as timothy hay. Once your rabbit has reached 4 months of age small amounts of fresh vegetables can be given daily. Dark leafy greens are best: spinach, kale, broccoli Vegetables not eaten within 24 hours should be discarded. Fresh chopped apples and carrots can be offered once a week.
Provide fresh, clean, chlorine-free water daily.
Provide exercise and activity for the rabbit
Provide fresh, clean, chlorine-free water daily.
A bored rabbit is prone to undesirable health conditions, like obesity, heart attack and parasite attack to mention but a few.
Rabbits need regular and frequent opportunities to exercise every day. Try to make sure your rabbits have access to a large area to exercise during their most active periods (early morning, late afternoon and overnight) and, ideally, their main shelter and living enclosure should be permanently attached. Cages used to house rabbits indoors should be spacious enough and equipped to allow for normal rabbit behavior like chewing, digging and running.
Rabbits need regular and frequent opportunities to exercise every day. Try to make sure your rabbits have access to a large area to exercise during their most active periods (early morning, late afternoon and overnight) and, ideally, their main shelter and living enclosure should be permanently attached. Cages used to house rabbits indoors should be spacious enough and equipped to allow for normal rabbit behavior like chewing, digging and running.
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| entertain the rabbit |
Rabbits are naturally sociable and normally prefer to be with another rabbit. A rabbit left on his/her own can develop abnormal behavior and may suffer if left without company and nothing to do for long periods of time.
A good combination is a neutered male and a neutered female. It’s best to get your rabbits neutered, unless they are intended for breeding and provisions have been made to care for both parents and offspring. Rabbits that are brought up together will usually get on with each other, but if introduced for the first time as adults they may fight. Neutering reduces the likelihood of fighting in both male and female rabbits, and has other benefits. If you take the time to handle your rabbits regularly they will learn to see you as a friend and companion, so handle them gently every day from an early age. To hold your rabbits correctly, you should pick them up gently but firmly, making sure that one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times and that they feel secure by having all four feet held against your body.
A change in the way a rabbit normally behaves can be an early sign he/she is ill or in pain. If a rabbit is not eating or is more quiet than usual, he/she is highly likely to be ill, or in pain, in which case you should talk to your vet immediately.
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