Recommendations for keeping a rabbit as a pet

Rabbits as pets have become more popular in recent years, but many people do not know that they need special care to live a happy life. Before getting a pet, it is important to do some research. Because you need to know what to expect and whether you can give it the attention it needs.

Rabbits are lagomorphs and, unlike rodents, they have two pairs of continuously growing incisors. Remember also that rabbits run, hop and burrow in the wild, so living in a cage can be detrimental to their health. When acquiring a rabbit, it is important to confirm the sex (in the case of rabbits) at the first visit and to inform about the necessary vaccinations (myxomatosis, rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease).

They should also be evaluated for spaying/neutering to reduce behavioral problems and risks to the reproductive system. The visit should be at least for a booster vaccination.

Basic doubts at the moment of having a rabbit as a pet:

What should a rabbit cage be like?

It is recommended that the cage should be large enough for the rabbit to be as comfortable as possible; that is to say, approximately 69 cm long by 47 cm wide and 35 cm high. There are smaller ones, but to avoid anxiety, we recommend buying the largest possible. If you are considering getting a pair, you should increase the space to at least 4 square meters.
The cages have the function of a hole for the rabbits, it is a place where they can feel safe and calm. Therefore, they should always be clean, planned and equipped with the necessary tools for well-being.

How to clean a rabbit’s cage?

The best way to keep your cage clean is to use organic waste, such as shavings or plant shavings, which will raise some dust. You should clean the feeder and drinker every day and change the plant base every 2 days. Hygiene of the living environment and complete cleaning of the cage once a week, with very hot water and neutral soap, and accessories necessary for their well-being.

What do rabbits eat?

It needs high quality hay, concentrated and dry feed, snacks and fresh food twice a day. Alfalfa is also important, but should never exceed 40% of their diet.
As fresh food, they can eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, melons, strawberries, grapes, carrots, celery, endive, peppers and endive, but be ¡careful! Fruits and vegetables with high water content and low in vitamins, such as lettuce, can cause diarrhea and dehydration.

Recommendations to take into account when adopting a rabbit:

• The cage should be protected from drafts and direct sunlight. In addition, it should be a quiet place to lie down, taking into account that he has to leave the cage every day.
• Our little friend’s cage needs a hay container, at least a 450 cc drinking trough, a ceramic feeder, a wooden hutch and a corner for him to poop.
• They are very curious and playful, so make them toys and ropes so they don’t get hurt.
• Regarding hygiene. They have to take care of the growth of the nails and the cleaning of the ears. Do not bathe them frequently. If they are bathed, they should be dried completely to avoid possible respiratory diseases.
• It is very difficult to let them loose without control, since they can chew objects in the house that can be harmful to their health such as books, furniture and small objects.
• They usually defecate in their cages and when taken out they are not used to any particular place and can defecate anywhere in the house.
• They are not animals that need frequent visits to the veterinarian. A first visit at the time of acquisition is recommended so that the doctor can advise on their care and health. They can use special vaccinations and should be checked for skin infections such as parasites and fungus, ears for mange and mouths for overgrowth of teeth. Abnormalities in their health can be corrected with treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Rabbits are social animals, which means they live together with other animals. So having two rabbits would be ideal for your pets’ health. If you only have one rabbit, the owner needs to spend more time together. This is very important because they can become depressed and sick.

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