Bun-diaries (as they’re often called) are some of the most adorable pets around. We love them not only because of their cute looks but also because they have personalities that make us feel at ease. They’re smart and inquisitive, which gives our conversations an interesting flow.
However, as much as we love these lovable bunnies, there’s one thing we can’t deny they do require quite a bit of maintenance. Not only is caring for your bunny important, but you’ll want to be sure to keep it safe from harm. To help you out, here are some helpful tips on how to properly care for your pet rabbit.
Feeding Schedule
The first step when taking care of your rabbit is feeding it correctly. You will want to feed your pet two times a day, usually in the morning and evening. The reason behind this is simple it keeps your rabbit’s digestive system running smoothly. If you have more than one rabbit, then you may want to consider having multiple bowls or dishes to accommodate all of your furry friends.
If you notice any signs of biting, such as chewing or nibbling on its own tail, then immediately stop feeding your rabbit. This means either putting something else in its bowl or removing it entirely until it stops. It could also mean that your rabbit has picked up on bad habits while living with other rabbits or dogs. In this case, the best thing to do would be to get rid of the problem rabbit altogether.
Another sign to look out for is diarrhea. Diarrhea is caused by many things, including eating too fast, getting into garbage, being sick, etc. However, if your rabbit continues to eat his/her food quickly without pooping after several minutes, then chances are he/she ate feces. As disgusting as this sounds, this is actually why rabbits poop so frequently. So, be aware of this and try to slow down your rabbit’s eating speed.
You should also be mindful of what foods you feed your rabbit. Some foods contain ingredients that are harmful to rabbits, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and avocado. These types of foods can cause stomach problems, kidney damage, liver disease, and even death. Always be sure to read labels before giving your bunny anything to eat.
Housing Your Rabbit
Just like with humans, housing isn’t optional when it comes to rabbits. One of the main reasons why rabbits live indoors is that they don’t do well outside. Although they appear sweet and gentle, wild rabbits can sometimes become aggressive during fights. Also, bunnies aren’t meant for cold weather, which is why they prefer warm climates.
To avoid injuries and aggression, it’s advisable to house your bunny inside a cage. There are different types of cages available: wire, metal, plastic, and hutch. Wire cages tend to be less expensive and easier to clean, while metal cages are sturdier but cost more money. Either way, you should always buy a cage specifically made for rabbits.
When choosing a cage, make sure it meets certain requirements. First off, the cage must allow enough room for your rabbit to move freely. Next, the cage should be tall enough to prevent your rabbit from jumping out, yet short enough so it doesn’t feel confined. Lastly, make sure the cage allows air circulation, especially during hot summer months.
Caring for Rabbits in the House
Now that you’ve got everything set up, let’s talk about how to care for rabbits once they’re settled in the cage. A lot of bunnies enjoy digging holes, so make sure you provide adequate space for this activity. Digging holes can lead to serious health issues, so never encourage this behavior. Instead, fill the hole with sand or soil and put grass or hay inside.
It’s also imperative to wash your rabbit’s bedding regularly. Like human beds, rabbit beds get dirty easily. Therefore, you should change your rabbit’s bedding every few days or whenever it seems necessary. Make sure to use bleach to disinfect the bedding, and occasionally replace old blankets and towels with new ones.
Finally, you should brush your rabbit’s fur using a soft bristle brush or comb. Be careful not to pull or yank on your bunny’s hair; doing so can result in injury. Another tip is to trim long ears and cut away dead ends since these areas can become infected.
Healthy Diet For Your Pet Rabbit
Although a lot of people believe that rabbits can survive on lettuce alone, this isn’t true. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits cannot digest plants as part of their normal diets. Instead, you should give your bunny fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Here’s a list of foods you should give your rabbit:
Fresh veggies, such as carrots, cucumbers, spinach, kale, broccoli, green beans, peas, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, turnips, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and romaine lettuce. Whole grain products, such as corn, oats, rice, millet, wheat flour, barley, rye, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, and flaxseed
Fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, bananas, oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, cherries, plums, figs, raspberries, papayas, mangoes, melons, apricots, dates, mangosteens, lychees, kiwi fruits, taro root, and plantains
Nuts, such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower kernels, sesame seeds, and macadamia nuts
Dry Food And Treats
In addition to fresh food, dry food and treats can play an essential role in keeping your rabbit healthy. When choosing a dry food, make sure it contains high protein levels and low fiber content. You should also watch out for sugar, salt, and fat content. Sugar can increase urination and cause diarrhea, while fat can clog digestion systems. Salt causes bloating gas, and dehydration. Finally, high protein levels can cause bladder infections.
Most importantly, you should never overfeed your pet rabbit. Giving him/her more food than they can consume in a sitting will likely cause overeating, obesity, and poor nutrition.
Grooming Your Bunny
As mentioned earlier, rabbits groom themselves constantly throughout the day. Grooming sessions should be done twice per week, where you should brush your bunny’s fur gently from front to back.
Also, it’s important to note that rabbits shouldn’t be bathed. Bathing them can remove natural oils from their fur, which can cause skin irritation later on. Just rinse your bunny with water instead.
Lastly, take caution when picking up your bunny. Never pick it up by its ears unless absolutely necessary. Even though rabbits have tough and thick fur, it’s still fragile. Avoid rough handling, as it can cause trauma and infection.
Bottom Line
Pets can bring joy to our lives whether it’s through companionship or unconditional affection. With rabbits, they truly add a special touch. Now that you know how to properly care for your pet rabbit, it’s time to welcome yours home.