Description
About Domestic Rabbits
Rabbits are small mammals with fluffy, short tails, whiskers and distinctive long ears. There are at least 60 distinct rabbit breeds, ranging in size from the smallest Netherland dwarf (weighing around 1kg) to the largest Flemish giant (weighing over 10kg). Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate, social animals who need daily interaction with humans or other rabbits. Like people, rabbits have different personalities; some are quiet and shy, while others are more outgoing and rambunctious.
Traits & Behaviour
They are very social animals that need daily handling and out-of-cage time; they often enjoy living with other rabbits, especially if they are raised together. Rabbits are crepuscular (more active at dawn and dusk) but typically adjust to pet parents’ behaviour. They can also be trained to use a litter box for easy cleanup.
Environment
Housing: Their cage should be at least four times the size of the rabbit (to allow the rabbit to completely stretch out and hop around), escape-proof, and well-ventilated, with solid flooring to avoid pressure sores on the rabbit’s feet. Outside the cage, there should be enough of space for exercise and play.
Bedding: High-quality paper-based bedding, either commercially available shredded or pelleted paper material designed to absorb waste products, is recommended. Paper bedding is chosen over wood bedding since the paper is easily digested if ingested. 1 – 2 inches of bedding should be placed in the cage.
Decorations: Rabbits should be provided with a hideaway box for privacy. Each rabbit in the cage should have their own hiding spot. Having a variety of toys can help physically and mentally stimulate your bunnies and can be rotated to reduce boredom.
Accessories: A hay rack is recommended to provide your rabbit with an unlimited amount of hay to chew. An appropriately sized litter box and small animal litter will allow you to train your rabbit to use a litter box, which can help keep their habitat cleaner.
Nutrition
Feeding the correct diet to pet rabbits is extremely important as it can stop up to 90% of preventable diseases like overgrown teeth, dental abscesses, jaw infections, diarrhoea, bloat, bladder stones and other nutritional disorders.
Staple Food: Hay or grass should comprise 80% of the volume of their diet and should be provided constantly. Alfalfa hay should only be fed to young (under 5 months of age), pregnant, or lactating rabbits as it contains higher calcium and protein levels to help support healthy growth and development.
Adult rabbits do not need the excess calcium and protein and should be fed with Timothy hay instead as it is considered a better and healthier option.
Fresh Vegetables: An adequate volume to feed is 2 cups per kilogram of rabbit per day. These can include leafy greens like bok choy, choy sum, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, celery, dark-leafed lettuce and Brussel sprouts. Fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes and bell peppers may be fed only on an occasional basis. Peas, corn and beans are too high in starch and should be avoided.
Pellets: High-quality pelleted food formulated specifically for rabbits can be offered in limited quantities (about 15g per 1kg of body weight per day)
Water: Fresh and clean water must be available at all times.
Foods To Avoid: Peas, corn and beans are too high in starch and should be avoided. Fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes and bell peppers may be fed only on an occasional basis.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled bedding and refilling their water bowl/drinker. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Bunny Maintenance
Rabbits stay clean and rarely need baths but can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth or dry clean lotion. Their fur may be brushed with a soft brush. Long-haired guinea pigs should be brushed a few times per week to decrease hair ingestion and prevent tangles. Rabbits need their nails clipped approximately once a month.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their bunnies happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated cage
- Bedding
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Hayrack
- Hideaway place
- Chews
- Hay
- Rabbit food
- Treats
- Litter pan
Important Notes
- Rabbits need to constantly chew on hay and hard objects to help wear down their continuously growing teeth.
- Because of their need to chew and dig, rabbits must always be supervised when they are out of their habitats as they may chew wires, paint, furniture, rugs or other inappropriate objects, which can cause harm or death to a rabbit.
- Rabbits are fragile animals that must be handled carefully. Their bones are so delicate that the muscles in their powerful hind legs can easily overcome the strength of their skeletons. As a result, if not properly restrained, struggling rabbits can break their own spines. Parents are advised to watch over their children around their pet bunnies.
- Avoid loud noises around rabbits as they have very sensitive hearing.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your pet bunny!
For further enquiries contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!