Many people see adorable, fluffy rabbits
hopping around in store windows around Easter and at the spur of
the moment, buy one. Becoming a rabbit owner takes a lot of thought
and consideration before one is purchased.
A big concern before deciding to purchase
a rabbit is the environment it would be coming home to. Do you
have young children who may not be able to handle a small rabbit,
or who easily get bored? A rabbit owner makes a lifelong commitment
to his new pet. Children generally work best with a medium to larger
sized breed rabbits, and rabbits need attention daily.Another consideration
is healthcare. Not all veterinarians specialize in treating rabbits;
some see them as exotics, while others have no experience at all
with them. Before bringing bunny home, it is important to find a
veterinarian who has had extra training and experience treating
rabbits. Once you find a vet, talk to them before you decide to
purchase a rabbit. The vet will be able to give you good insight
and advice on the different breeds of rabbits, what kinds of problems
may occur, and any breeder recommendations.
Once you find that adorable, fluffy
rabbit that tugs at your heart and fits into your family well, have
it checked out by your veterinarian. Your vet will check your rabbit's
overall health and instruct you on any feeding procedures. Rabbits
love fruit and vegetables as fresh treats. Unfortunately, too much
could upset your rabbit's digestive tract, so have your vet discuss
guidelines and recommendations for feeding non-pelleted items. Should
you purchase a male rabbit (buck) your vet will also check its teeth
for malocclusion. Malocclusion occurs when a rabbit's teeth are
not properly aligned and can grow in their mouths crooked. A rabbit
with malocclusion will need its teeth cut by the vet every two weeks
so it can eat. That is expensive and time consuming, so check for
this, prior to purchase.
When it comes to housing your rabbit,
you will need to purchase either a cage or hutch, appropriate for
your rabbit's size. A rabbit cage should be big enough for
it to move around; stretch entirely out when resting, and tall enough
to allow a rabbit to stand on its hind legs. A cage with a lid that
locks is the best and easiest way for you to feed and handle your
rabbit. Also, it is important to remember cage accessories when
purchasing your rabbit's home.
Other important items include:
a water bottle, feeding dish, hay rack, and litter box (should you
choose to litter train your rabbit).
When purchasing bedding for the cage
there are a variety of options including pine, cedar, aspen and
corn cob beddings. Rabbit cages need to be changed about every three
days. If you live in warm weather, or your rabbit is housed outdoors,
soiled bedding will need to be cleaned daily. Also, make sure all
areas of the cage are properly covered with bedding. Sore hocks,
a serious condition in rabbits, can occur if their feet are not
properly protected from the cage's surface. Your vet can recommend
the proper type of bedding to use with your chosen cage and location
of your rabbit. Along with maintaining your rabbit's bedding, the
cage requires other maintenance. Water bottles need to be inspected
daily and refilled when low. Periodically wash your rabbit's water
bottle and food dish to ensure bacteria is gone. Also requiring
washing is the rabbit's cage itself. Some rabbits use the same corner
of their cage as a restroom, thus staining can occur. A mild detergent
and baking soda can reduce stains and eliminate odors.
After cleaning the rabbit's
cage, it is important to keep your rabbit clean. Rabbits require
weekly grooming with a comb made especially for getting the loose
under-hairs of their new coat that is growing in. It is important
to keep up with your rabbit's grooming regimen. A rabbit that is
not properly groomed could ingest some loose fur when cleaning itself
and fur balls could in its throat or stomach, which will make it
sick. Nails, both from and back need to be inspected and trimmed
periodically. If a rabbit's nail gets too long, they can break it
and their toe will bleed. If you do not feel comfortable trimming
your rabbit's nails, your vet can perform the clipping for a nominal
fee. Nails need to be trimmed on a monthly basis.
When you finally bring your rabbit
home, leave it alone in its cage for a period of time. A rabbit
needs to get adjusted to a new home, environment, sounds, smells,
and voices of the family. When holding your rabbit, rabbits like
to be held and feel secure with their family. They also like to
explore, on foot, the house. Be careful to watch out for electrical
and telephone cords, not only could they become tangled in them,
and rabbits love to chew them. Rabbits also love to chew on wood,
so it is important to protect your furniture from a rabbit's teeth.
To ensure this, make sure your rabbit has some kind of chewing toy
for their teeth. You can purchase apple sticks, wooden blocks, chew
sticks, pinecones, and other items that are appropriate for rabbit
from your pet store or catalog.
While many owners choose not to, rabbits
can be litter trained like a cat. Getting a rabbit to use a litter
pan takes a little bit of time and patience, but it will keep your
rabbit's cage cleaner, longer and will save you from having to scoop
a whole cage's worth of bedding each day.
Overall, enjoy your pet rabbit. They
are quite cuddly and love to snuggle around your neck. Rabbits can
grind their teeth or make a purring sound when they feel happy or
secure in their owner's arms. With proper care and affection, your
rabbit will live a long and healthy life with you and your family.
signed what to do
#12
Thanks so much.
**
THINK U SO MUCH XX
* Furry toddlers on crack (aka like having a permanent two year old)
* Like living with a cartoon (yes, it's really that funny)
However, before you rush out to get a ferret, know the following:
* They're high-maintenance - very social, require 'play' time & interaction
* They're not good pets around small children - they might accidentally scratch a child, and a child might accidentally grab & hurt them. They require patience.
* They WILL destroy something of yours at some point; they're inquisitive, it's in their nature, they don't mean anything by it.
* Very susceptible to cancer (high metabolism, need a specific diet)
* When they do get sick, vet bills can get expensive
* They're obligate carnivores - don't even think about raising them vegan. They need a high protein, high fat diet, can't digest carbohydrates well (straight-thru metabolism, about 3 hours from eating to exit).
Each ferret has a distinct personality, like a person. They're extremely intelligent, as smart as small primates. As such, they're problem solvers, meaning they will find ways to get into stuff - you WILL have to ferret-proof your house so they can't get certain places or outside (they love to explore, so if they get out the door, it's unlikely they're coming back). They are good about being litter box trained; beyond that, they're quite independent & hyper when they're awake. (They sleep 16-18 hours/day, when they're awake they go like hell.) It's better to have two or more - they play well together & they play hard (think WWF for animals - it's how they play). They tend to live 7-8 years, although they can live to well over 10 (much less if they get cancer). They keep their kitten-like qualities thru pretty much their whole life.
All that said, if you're willing to take on the responsibility, they're a fantastic pet. They'll get their hooks in your heart & won't let go. Some days they'll frustrate you. Most days, though, they'll put a smile on your face when you don't think it's possible. A rescue I adopted was a hisser & biter when I first got her. Now, she's the most affectionate princess you could imagine (while remaining a mischievious trouble-maker).
Please, if you do decide to get a ferret, commit to it as a parent. In the past, the city would euthanize ferrets brought to animal control, although that may have changed. Ferrets get easily stressed & confused if rehomed & that can manifest itself as physical symptoms. They will bond with you more than you realize. Mine are independent, yet at times they follow me around like a puppy & they DO beg for treats (can't say no after a while - too cute).
I learned a lot from this site thanks!
how do u make rabit bedding for ur rabbit?