Our little girl Gizmo (check out the big ears!) was found when she was six weeks old. She’d been severely physically abused and buried under a pile of bricks and left for dead. Luckily, someone found her and took her to our locale Humane Society where one of the workers took her home to foster and tend to her numerous injuries. After nursing her broken tail back to full strength, she’s now doing great. It turns out the foster mom’s four German Shepherds evidently did most of the fostering as Gizmo absolutely loves our dog!
Rabbits make great pets for any animal lover. They’re quiet, affectionate, and can be relatively low maintenance. Unlike cats and dogs, however, many people are not as comfortable with the idea of caring for a rabbit. Here are some general tips to care for your pet rabbit.
Feeding Your Rabbit
In general, a rabbit’s diet should consist of a combination of hay, vegetables, and pellets since fiber is an essential component in maintaining a rabbit’s digestive tract. Hay should make up about 80% of your rabbit’s diet, with a supplement of other dry and fresh foods about twice a day. Dark, leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach are best for your rabbit, with items like carrots, apples, and bananas being used sparingly as treats. Water is also an important part of your rabbit’s daily intake and should be changed regularly to ensure it’s fresh and clean.
Spay or Neuter Your Rabbit
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your pet rabbit. Rabbits that have been fixed live longer and healthier lives as this procedure lowers the risk of certain cancers and urinary tract infections. In addition, spayed or neutered rabbits are overall calmer, more affectionate, and less aggressive or destructive. It is generally suggested to spay or neuter your rabbit between 3-5 months for males and 4-6 months for females, but no later than 6 years of age.
Litter Training Your Rabbit
Training your rabbit to use a litter box can require some patience, but it will ultimately lead to a better environment for both you and your pet. There are various components to consider including what type of litter box to buy, where to put them, and what type of litter to use. The best thing to do in the beginning is watch where your rabbit naturally goes to the bathroom, and then put litter boxes in these locations. Typically this will be in the back corner of their cage, and various spots throughout their exercise area. When your rabbit successfully uses the litter box be sure to provide him or her with a small treat to reinforce this positive behavior.
Clipping Your Rabbit’s Nails
Maintaining your rabbit’s nails on a regular basis is crucial for both its own comfort, and the safety of you and your family members. Ask someone to assist in the process as it’s much easier to clip a rabbit’s nails while they are being held. In order to prevent injury by cutting a nail too short, it’s best to clip your rabbit’s nails less dramatically, but on a more regular basis. If you accidently cut into the quick (the blood vessel) dip cotton ball in flour or cornstarch and hold it firmly against the cut. The more often you clip your rabbit’s nails, the more comfortable he or she will become with the process which will ultimately make it easier on you.
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