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A rabbit hutch placed in a backyard or garage is the most traditional form of housing. However, in recent years people have been opting to keep their rabbits indoors as house pets. Rabbits should have a spacious and secure living space, enough bedding to keep them warm, and a suitable toilet area.
Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes. The Norwegian Dwarf rabbit is the smallest domesticated rabbit, whereas the Flemish Giant rabbit is the largest. It is important to consider which size rabbit will best fit your home, lifestyle, and family.
A common misconception about rabbits is that they are rodents. Rabbits, like hares and pikas, are actually part of the lagomorph family.
A rabbit can be a good family pet if children are properly educated and supervised when interacting with the animal. Young children may unintentionally handle the rabbit too roughly, causing stress and harm to your pet, which could then cause injury to the child.
Your rabbit should have unlimited access to grass hay. This is essential for digestion, and helps wear down their teeth. A small amount of pellets should be provided daily, and you’re welcome to feed your rabbit vegetables; just introduce them slowly to avoid an upset stomach.
Rabbits generally shed their fur twice a year: in the spring, and the fall. However, domestic rabbits tend to have a more variable shedding pattern; some house rabbits will appear to shed almost constantly!
Rabbits need to chew on fibrous foods to keep their teeth from becoming too long. Rabbits also wear down their nails by scratching or digging to avoid causing discomfort or injury. Additional nail trimming may be required to maintain their nails at a comfortable length.
Rabbits need toys to provide mental stimulation and for their dental and physical health. While you can purchase toys from a pet store, you can also make your own from cardboard tubes and boxes.
Consider your rabbit’s care before traveling, as they may not adapt well to changes in their environment. If you do plan a vacation, it is best to leave your bunny with an experienced rabbit sitter or a trusted friend who knows your rabbit well.
If you have male and female rabbits, neutering may help the bond by ensuring neither is frustrated by hormones, while also reducing the likelihood of fighting. Spaying and neutering also reduces the risk of certain cancers.
Ideally, you should provide your rabbit with four hours of supervised exercise per day, split between the morning and evening. Rabbits are susceptible to depression and poor health if they are not provided with daily exercise, interaction, and mental stimulation.
Like cats and dogs, rabbits require regular grooming to maintain their health. Grooming your rabbit includes fur brushing, fur trimming, mat removal, and removal of debris caught in the fur.
Rabbits can live up to 12 years, which is a lot longer than most people think, as smaller furry animals live for around two to four years. Consider what life changes you’ll go through in the next 10 years before you commit to getting a bunny.
Rabbits are naturally sociable animals and thrive with companionship. Rabbits are best paired with other bunnies of a similar age and size, but, as with people, they have unique personalities and might not always get along.
The minimum size requirement for a pair of average-sized rabbits' main enclosure is at least 12 square feet (about one square meter) combined with a run of at least 27 square feet (2.5 square meters). The longest stretch of space should accommodate two bunnies lying end-to-end, as a bare minimum.
Did you know that rabbits show their happiness or excitement through a behavior called binkying? It involves a high jump in the air followed by a twist of the body!
Rabbits are not a low-maintenance pet. The estimated minimum time required each week to look after a pair of healthy rabbits is 10 hours. However, depending on the individual rabbits and their circumstances, it could be much longer than this.
Did you know you can train your rabbit to perform tricks? Rabbits are smart animals, and with enough patience and practice they can learn a range of tricks and commands, from giving a high five to coming when you call their name.
When handling a rabbit, it is important to approach them calmly and quietly. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Keep one hand supporting their back and hindquarters at all times.
While rabbits are extremely loveable pets, it’s important to remember that they are prey animals, and it can take a long time for them to warm up to people. It also means they don’t like to be picked up or cuddled often, as it can make them feel unsafe.
While rabbits are naturally social and curious, they each have individual personalities. Spending time with a bunny to get a feel of their temperament is advised to ensure they are compatible with you and your lifestyle.
Rabbits are clean animals and like to keep their urine and droppings in one area, away from where they sleep and eat, which makes litter training relatively easy. Rabbits can be litter-trained at any age, but it’s easier if they are neutered.
Destructive behavior like chewing or nibbling can be caused by frustration, but may also be normal rabbit behavior. If you intend to keep your bunny indoors, they may cause damage to power cords, carpets, blankets, sofas, and more.
Keep your bunnies cool in the warmer weather. Whether they are an indoor or an outdoor rabbit, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight. In the winter, you’ll need to insulate their hutch and ensure the roof is completely watertight.
If you decide a pet rabbit is right for you, consider adopting from a pet shelter or organization rather than purchasing one from a store. By adopting, you are saving an animal in need of a loving home.
Sources: (BC SPCA) (RSPCA) (PetMD) (Animal Humane Society)
See also: Things you need to know when adopting a senior pet
Rabbits have better hearing than humans, and loud noises, especially sudden ones, can terrify them. Keep your bunny’s environment quiet and peaceful, with plenty of hiding spaces to retreat to when they feel unsafe.
A rabbit can share a home with dogs and cats, but they are instinctively cautious of any predators that could cause a threat. If you are keeping them in the same house as other animals, ensure your bunny has a safe hiding space, and never leave your cat or dog unsupervised with your rabbit.
A rabbit should be taken to see a veterinarian soon after being brought home. It is also advised to take your rabbit to a veterinarian once per year for a general health examination.
People erroneously believe that rabbits are nocturnal. They are, in fact, crepuscular, which means they are active at dusk and dawn. Something to keep in mind if you like to have a lie-in in the mornings.
Common health problems for pet rabbits are upper respiratory tract infections, internal and external parasites, dental issues, ear infections, and uterine problems. If you suspect your bunny is unwell, consult a veterinarian.
While dogs and cats are popular choices as pets, some individuals opt for rabbits as companions. And it’s no surprise, as rabbits are highly intelligent animals and full of personality! However, it takes a lot of work to create a happy and healthy home for a rabbit, from socialization to proper nutrition, so it's important you're well prepared before you pick up your new bundle of fluff.
Keen to find out more? Click through this gallery to discover all you need to know about owning a pet rabbit.
Things to consider before getting a pet rabbit
Everything you need to know before bringing home a bunny
LIFESTYLE Pets
While dogs and cats are popular choices as pets, some individuals opt for rabbits as companions. And it’s no surprise, as rabbits are highly intelligent animals and full of personality! However, it takes a lot of work to create a happy and healthy home for a rabbit, from socialization to proper nutrition, so it's important you're well prepared before you pick up your new bundle of fluff.
Keen to find out more? Click through this gallery to discover all you need to know about owning a pet rabbit.