Last updated on August 6th, 2015 at 05:08 pm
Rabbits can be a great company as they are quiet domesticated animals that can come with a long commitment. These are intelligent pets; caring for rabbits can be fun. Proper diet, shelter, exercise and companionship can keep your pet rabbits in great health round the year. Beginners may find it challenging to combat the day to day needs of rabbits. These lovable creatures can be easy to maintain if they are taken care properly. Little tips on rabbit care can help understand the needs of the pet better. Due to their long life span it is best to recognize their specific needs and meet them effectively.
Table of Contents
Rabbit shelter
Rabbits cannot tolerate extreme temperatures hence it is advised to keep them indoors; especially these
how to build a rabbit hutch
fur balls cannot with stand extreme hot temperatures, so it is advised to take special care during summer. The ideal temperature would be 45-70o F for adult rabbits. Place them in the coolest and less humid area. Do not keep them in damp places as these animals are prone to respiratory diseases. With increase in temperature rabbits are prone to drooling and nasal discharge. Very high heat can cause heat stroke that can turn out to be fatal for your bunny. During summer place ice cubes in the corners of the hutch to ensure the temperature is cool. Rabbits can be kept confined in a cage or allowed to roam around freely depending on your dwelling space. But it is safe to confine them to a hutch to ensure they do not cause damage to your belongings or attacked by predators.
Following under the rodent category they love to chew objects they come in contact with. Chewing electrical conduits or poisonous plants or toxic cleaning supplies can be fatal for your pet. Plants like lily, philodendron and certain varieties of plant bulbs can prove to be dangerous for rabbits. Due to their chewy nature selecting the right caging material is important. For outside cages use of plywood with pressed board for sidewalls are advised. For indoor cages galvanized welded wires are highly recommended.
Housing tips
Designing a cage that has room for free movement is essential, design a hutch that is five times the size of the pet. Moreover rabbits stand on their hind legs at times and hence make sure the height is comfortable for the pet to avoid bumping their head onto the roof of the cage. The flooring should be soft, ensure you place dry straw on the floor as rabbits do not have protective pads in their feet like dogs or cats. Respect the privacy of the animal and place some rabbit condos in the cage to provide the rabbit with some private space.
Litter box
Rabbits use the same place to deface or urinate repeatedly. You can place a litter box in the hutch and train the rabbit to use it whenever in need. Encouraging this practice can save you the hassles of cleaning the cage often. Use of hay or newspaper is common inside a litter box to ensure the pet is comfortable while sitting or laying down. Do not confine them to the cage for long. These pretty beings love to play in the open, so encourage this habit while ensuring its safety.
A rabbit herd is called a fluffle in certain regions. While buying your rabbit friends ensure that you separate them based on their gender and give them separate accommodations if you want to avoid unexpected litters. The frequency at which a doe can have a litter is just 30 days. If you are unsure of spotting their gender ask your pet dealer or vet.
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