   Animal Care - Rabbit Care |
 Rabbit CareHandlingGenerally, rabbits are not fond of being picked up. Some who were picked up a lot as a baby may tolerate it more than others. Placing a hand on the back of a rabbit sends a signal to the rabbit that she is about to be carried off. As prey animals, this is a danger signal. To win over a rabbit, try sitting in front of her and let her come to you down on the ground where she feels safe. Petting her nose and head tells her you are bunny friendly. That is where rabbits most frequently groom each other. Support the rear legs when you pick up a rabbit to give her a sense of security.Yes, Rabbits Can Be House Trained!House training a rabbit is not a difficult task, though some patience is required. Rabbits will automatically choose a section of their cage to be used as the potty. Placing a litter box in that area is the first step in housetraining.The choice of litter used is very important. Cedar shavings release a phenol gas when urine hits it. This gas causes liver damage. Regular saw dust shavings have been linked to cancer and respiratory illness. We use a product called Carefresh which is a by product of wood manufacturing. It is safe and absorbent. Timothy hay and wood pellets also work well and protect a rabbit’s health. Rabbits may leave droppings about the house when they first move in to "claim" the territory. If your rabbit does this, pick the droppings up and place them in the box. Your rabbit will soon get the idea. If new people or animals move in, your rabbit may have a short lapse in good toilet habits. She is simply making sure that everyone knows this is her house! If she begins urinating outside the box she may have a health problem. This is an indication that a trip to the vet is necessary. Some rabbits need more than one litter box. If your rabbit chooses a second toilet area, put a box there. Supervision is very important when housetraining. Putting a rabbit in her box when she makes a mistake helps her learn good toilet habits. Rabbits may leave droppings about the house to "claim" the territory. If your rabbit does this, pick the droppings up and place them in the box. She will soon get the idea. If new people or animals move in, rabbits may have a short lapse in toilet habits. She is simply making sure that everyone knows this is her house! Urinating outside the box may indicate a health problem, and a vet visit is called for. Some rabbits need more than one litter box. If your rabbit chooses a second toilet area, put a box there! Friends and NeighborsRabbits are very social creatures. Though they prefer the company of other rabbits, they will bond with other companion animals. Cats, dogs and guinea pigs have all been known to be the best friend of a ‘bit or two. Spay or neuter surgery is necessary to maintain a happy relationship with any species, including other rabbits.Rabbits are also very territorial. They do not appreciate intruders in their homes. When bringing new animals or people into your rabbit’s life, be sure and give your rabbit an opportunity to meet the new acquaintance on her own terms. People will win the affection of a rabbit by sitting on the ground and allowing the rabbit to come to them. The same is true for animals, even other rabbits. For additional bonding tips, please be sure and contact us. We’ve had lots of experience with this. A Happy HomeWhether in the house or outside, rabbits need a place to call home where they feel secure. The size of their home depends on how much time they spend inside. The more time in, the larger the home should be. If a rabbit is getting out during the day and housed in a cage at night, an enclosure that is three times as wide as the rabbit and long enough so that the rabbit can lay down, stretched out, three times is adequate. The enclosure should also be tall enough for the rabbit to stand up on his/her hind legs.If you are using a cage, make sure it is secure and made out of welded wire. Chicken wire can cause injury to a rabbit’s mouth. The floor of the enclosure should not be completely made of wire. This can cause sores on the bottom of their feet. Many people suggest plywood boards. These may contain chemicals that can cause illness. Vinyl flooring will eventually be chewed on and cause digestive tract blocks. The safest alternative we know of is sea grass mats. These inexpensive floor coverings can be purchased at Pier One or Cost Plus Imports stores. There are many alternatives to a cage. Please check with us for suggestions. Whatever type of home you choose, adding a hide box and toys will help make the house feel like a home instead of a prison to a rabbit. Letting your rabbit enter and exit on her own will also give her a sense of safety. Rabbits who are given freedom to run around will often return to their own space willingly when it's veggie time! Print Version
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