Pet Rabbits

Rabbits often make very desirable pets, especially if you can obtain them about 7 or 8 weeks of age. There are over 60 recognized breeds of domestic rabbits. Giant breeds average about 11 lbs. and include breeds such as the Checkered Giant, Flemish Giant, Giant Chinchilla and the English Lop. Medium breeds average between 71/2 to 11 lbs. and include breeds such as the Silver Marten, the Californian and the Rex rabbit. Small breeds which average less than 7 lbs. include the Netherland Dwarf, Jersey Wooly, Mini Lop, Fuzzy Lop, Polish, Mini Rex and many others. Avoid the temptation to get more than one rabbit.

Cages For Rabbits

Rabbits need cages, both indoors and outdoors. Indoor rabbits should be confined to their cages when not being watched because of their love of chewing on objects, especially electric cords. If you plan to keep the cage outside of the house, you will need to keep it inside a very well ventilated building or under trees such as large oaks that will provide shade. Heat stroke is much more of a danger in our area. Rabbit manure is excellent for plants but if large amounts of it build under the cage, ammonia gas is produced. Good ventilation and the removal of the droppings can help to prevent the problem.

Food And Water Containers

Do not use crocks or bowls for food or water inside the cage. Rabbits will use them as toilets and this can lead to problems. The best type of feeders are the hopper type hanging outside of the cage and have a small opening inside that is too small for the rabbit to sit in. Water bottles that hang on the outside of the cage with a sipper tube extending inside for the rabbit to lick are the best. If crocks are used, clean them thoroughly every day!

Feeding Your Rabbit

A good commercial rabbit chow, such as Purina Green, should be the basic part of the rabbit's diet along with a handful of clean fresh hay such as Timothy or Coastal in our area. The average pet rabbit will do well on maintenance type of diet. The amount of pellets to feed varies with the breed, weight and age of the rabbit. Most of the medium weight breeds do well on about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dry pellets daily. After your rabbit becomes 6 months of age or more, you can start giving it small quantities of other types of food as treats. Most rabbits will appreciate occasional snacks of a small piece of dried bread, a small piece of a cracker, a piece of apple, carrot or carrot tops, kale, banana, grapes or raisins, a couple of peanuts or a few pieces of cereal out of the box.

Litter Pans

Rabbits are very clean animals and will usually use the same corner of their cage as a toilet. This provides an excellent way to train your rabbit to use a litter pan. Teeth And Toys Rabbits; teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetimes and they appreciate a small piece of wood to chew on to help keep them the proper length. A piece of UNTREATED pine about 1 x 2 x 3 is fine. Young rabbits also like toys they can pick up and throw such as small tuna fish cans and especially a wire ball made for cats that has a small toy inside of it.

Miscellaneous

When purchasing your new rabbit check to see that the upper incisors (the big teeth in front) overlap the lower teeth. Also check inside the ears and if you see crusts or scabs the rabbit probably has ear mites. This problem can usually be treated but occasionally complications do occur leaving the rabbit with a permanent head tilt. It is better to select a different rabbit. Rabbits can be trained to walk on a light leash if you use the type of harness that slips under the forelegs. They do not require bathing unless they get dirty around the rear end from loose stools. Some rabbits need to be brushed more than others. Rabbits rarely transmit diseases to humans. Rabbits do not require vaccinations and rarely require worming. Bucks may need to be neutered if they get too amorous or start spraying urine. Does can get uterine infection as well as uterine cancer as they get older. Spaying the doe about 6 months of age prevents these problems. Have Fun With Your New Bunny!

Presented as a public service by George D. Suddaby, D.V.M. Clark Road Animal Clinic, 5728 Clark Road, Sarasota For Add'l Info - 922-5007