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House Rabbit Husbandry In the last few years, rabbits have gained in popularity as house-pets. Seeing them in a pet store display, or on "death’s row" in a herpetology shop, one can’t help but be attracted to them. As my wife, Marie, once said, "There’s no such thing as an ugly rabbit." But prospective owners rarely understand the complexity of properly raising a rabbit. Not merely large mice, they are intelligent creatures, quickly tiring of confining hutches. Just as it would be cruel to lock a child in a closet all day, sticking a rabbit in a small aquarium or hutch for prolonged periods is harmful to your pet. Many rabbits quickly pick up the idea of using litter boxes. Unscented nonclumping clay litter is the most readily accepted. But be aware that rabbits often chew furniture, carpets and sometimes walls, especially if bored. Electric wires and cords remind rabbits of vines or root which might restrict their flight from danger, so they chew them in half as quickly as they can. Keep all wires out of their reach to avoid electrocution. Rabbit nutritional basics are simple: rabbits should get 1/4 cup of dark green pellets per five pounds of bunny daily and the rest of their food should be a high-quality grass hay (not alfalfa-there is enough alfalfa in the pellets). You may supplement with a little apple, carrot or greens. Avoid grains and seeds-the carbohydrates will cause the intestines to slow down and possibly become diseased. The hay also promotes even wear of the teeth, which constantly grow throughout the rabbits life. Surgically neutering helps to avoid certain types of cancer, as well as certain behavioral problems, such as marking their possessions with urine. (Especially important if your rabbit decides you are his possession.) House rabbits can easily become an intelligent, responsive, important member of a family. However, they are a large responsibility which might last for more than ten years. Research rabbits, considering whether you have the time, energy and facilities to properly house and keep one and only then should you consider purchasing one. James E. Hughes, DVM of All Creatures Animal Clinic, Palm Harbor, 727-785-0405. RETURN |
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