Author: PetGd

Although rabbits are adorable, pint-sized and fluffy, caring for bunnies as pets takes a lot of work. “Rabbits undoubtedly make wonderful pets, but they do require as much or more care than cats or dogs,” says Dr. Susan Horton, DVM, president of Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital. Dr. Horton explains that rabbits have complex needs when it comes to their environment, nutrition and general care. She says that anyone who is interested in introducing a rabbit to their household should do plenty of research first. Unfortunately, giving a rabbit on Easter tends to be fairly common, and most of these rabbits end up homeless or worse, says Dr. Horton. Here are some things you need to consider before adopting bunnies as pets. Rabbits Don’t Like to Be Held Rabbits are terrestrial animals, which means they are most comfortable on the ground, says Dr. Horton. “Being lifted out of their comfort zone is very stressful,” she adds, and “being lifted in an insecure manner can trigger panic in your rabbit. They have fragile legs and backs that break easily without the right holding technique.” In fact, the best-case scenario is for rabbits to be held only by trained individuals who can prevent them from hurting themselves if and when they try to return to the ground. If you’d like to hold your rabbit at home, try sitting on the ground to build trust with your rabbit on his own level. Always support the hind end when holding and discuss with a veterinarian the correct way to hold and handle the rabbit prior to adopting. Rabbits Require Lots of Space Healthy rabbits that are properly cared for can live 10-12 years, and while most are traditionally small in size, a rabbit actually requires a lot of space. “You’ll often hear rabbits called ‘pocket pets,’ which implies that they can be kept in a small cage and are not difficult to maintain,” says Dana Krempels, PhD, president of H.A.R.E., Inc. (Houserabbit Adoption, Rescue, and Education, Inc.). “Nothing could be further from the truth.” “Rabbits do not just live in cages but require a large pen or room,” explains Dr. Horton. “This area will, at times, be filled with hay and destruction as the rabbit goes about its normal daily routine of digging, chewing, playing and eating.” Dr. Krempels recommends keeping even small bunnies in a rabbit playpen—not a cage—that is at least 4 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet, with lots of enriching rabbit toys and a litter box. You May Need to Litter Train Your Rabbit As far as litter boxes go, rabbits can be trained to use one in the same way a cat would, but you should keep in mind that these animals are very fastidious. That means you’ll need to keep their litter box area as clean as possible to keep them happily using it. Rabbits Have a Chewing Habit Also because of their excessive chewing habit, special care should be given to rabbit-proofing their living quarters, as well. “Electric cords, for example, are particularly dangerous and need to be guarded against their teeth,” says Dr. Horton. Rabbits Have Strict Dietary Needs Caring for bunnies as pets means paying particular attention to their diet. Feeding the wrong type of hays in the wrong amounts at the wrong ages can cause major digestion issues and can even be fatal for rabbits. It can lead to GI stasis, which is a common and concerning issue in rabbits. “Rabbits are strict vegetarians,” says Dr. Horton. “Their main diet is grass hay, specifically timothy or orchard. As young rabbits, alfalfa is also part of their diet. Rabbit pellets can be fed while growing or nursing but otherwise are allowed as treats or for training.” She adds that salad greens also play a big part in a balanced diet for rabbits. Dr. Horton says, “An adult rabbit may take 4-6 cups of healthy salad daily.” Ignoring your rabbit’s dietary needs can lead to dangerous health problems. For example, obesity is common with rabbits who are fed pellets exclusively or are offered seed treats, says Dr. Horton. Diarrhea can also occur with overindulgence in fruit. In fact, “Improper gastrointestinal tract function or health is common in rabbits fed improperly,” Dr. Horton adds. “This can lead to serious consequences, or even death, if not attended to immediately.” Stick to a strict herbivore diet of unlimited timothy or orchard hay, small amounts of high-quality pellets and a daily ration of mixed greens, including dark green lettuces, kale, parsley, cilantro, mint, dill, basil and fennel, for optimal health, suggests Dr. Krempels. Rabbits Sleep During the Day Rabbits are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) with periods of activity all throughout the night. They prefer taking long naps during the day, so you shouldn’t expect your rabbit to be too much company during your waking hours. When they are awake, though, rabbits are very smart and interactive. “You should expect to have a good three to four hours of interaction with them daily,” says Dr. Horton. Your Rabbit May Want a Companion Rabbits also tend to do best in male/female pairs, Dr. Horton adds, but not all rabbits bond well. “Working with a rabbit shelter that’s well-versed in pair-bonding can help find your rabbit the perfect companion.” Rabbits Have Unique Grooming Needs Rabbits—especially long-haired ones—need to be brushed, since their fur can easily become matted. But, you should never give your rabbit a bath. “This can be so stressful to the rabbit that it may suffer cardiac arrest,” says Dr. Horton. It is important to clean your rabbit’s ears, however, especially if he’s lop-eared. “To clean a rabbit’s ears, use a cleaning solution prescribed by your veterinarian that is safe for rabbits,” says Dr. Horton. This solution should always be room temperature or a little warmer. Instill enough fluid into the ear to fill the canal, and then gently massage the ear to loosen debris. “Allow your rabbit to shake the liquid out of the ear,” Dr. Horton says. “Swab what remains with a cotton ball.” Cotton swabs should never be used, as these can cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum if used incorrectly. For more intense cleaning needs, see your veterinarian. Rabbits Can Get Stressed Easily Stress is actually a big issue with rabbits, and all new things should be introduced slowly. “If something is too alarming or stressful, it should be removed,” says Dr. Horton. To understand if an item is stressful to your rabbit, introduce it in a mindful way. “If the item is no problem, the rabbit will respond with curiosity and interest,” says Dr. Horton. If the item causes your rabbit stress, he may thump his foot or hide. Rabbits Require Veterinary Care, Just Like a Dog or Cat While rabbits do require at least yearly veterinary care, most veterinarians don’t see rabbits. You’ll need to find an exotic or small animal veterinarian to treat your pet rabbit. “Veterinarians who examine rabbits go through special training and mentorship in order to properly care for this species,” says Dr. Horton. “Not every veterinarian is trained for rabbits, so research to find an appropriate veterinarian should occur beforehand.” It’s also extremely important to get your rabbit spayed or neutered, just as you would a dog. “Female rabbits have a very high incidence of uterine cancer if not spayed,” says Dr. Krempels. With so much to keep in mind when it comes to caring for bunnies as pets, it’s never a good idea to get one as a surprise gift. “The truth is that no pet should be given as a gift to someone who isn’t prepared,” says Dr. Horton. “Respecting the animal you have chosen to live with is part of pet ownership.” You need to be prepared for the responsibility of the care and well-being of that pet for their entire life. By: Cheryl Lock Featured Image: iStock.com/FatCamera

by Helen Anne Travis Rabbits are social animals that love to please their owners. With a little patience, they can be trained to run agility courses, fetch, jump, and spin on cue. Rabbits are fun and good pets for beginning pet owners, but training them to perform tasks like using a litter pan, hopping onto a scale, sitting still for nail trimmings, and jumping into their carrier makes them even easier to care for. “[Rabbits are] really smart animals that are often underestimated,” said professional animal trainer Barbara Heidenreich. “That’s why I encourage people to train them so they can see their true personalities.” How To Litter Train Your Rabbit Training a rabbit to use a litter pan is relatively easy, as they prefer to eliminate in the same location. Half of the battle is finding the spot in your home that the rabbit has already claimed and then putting a litter box (the bigger, the better) there. But what if your bunny picked a less-than-ideal corner of your home to do his business? One option is to gradually move the pan to a more desired spot. For more drastic cases, you can move the box to the preferred location and add some soiled litter to the mix so the rabbit knows it’s his. Placing the box in a small room, or limiting the animal’s access to a small perimeter around the pan will help drive results. Adding a small handful of hay to one side of the box can encourage the bunny to hop in. Don’t use kitty litter in your rabbit’s pan, as the dust can be harmful, and avoid cedar shavings, which smell nice but can hurt your rabbit’s respiratory tract. Make sure the litter is approved for use in rabbits. Because they like to nibble in their environment, it is vital the litter is non-toxic if ingested. Heidenreich prefers litters made from recycled papers, which seem to be the best for odor control. Clean the pan daily to keep your home smelling sweet. Like most other pets, it’s recommended you spay or neuter your rabbit, which will help prevent male rabbits from spraying and fighting and will also protect female rabbits from certain cancers and health complications. How To Train Your Rabbit To Do Tricks The first step in teaching your rabbit to do tricks is training it to target, or place its nose on a fixed point. This can be leveraged into bigger stunts, like jumping on command, turning circles, and running agility courses. To teach a rabbit to target, Heidenreich uses a small stick with a tiny ball attached to one end. She shows the ball to the rabbit and each time it touches its nose to the ball, the rabbit gets a treat. For many rabbits, curiosity is enough to get them interested in the ball. Others need a little more incentive, so Heidenreich sometimes rubs a bit of the bunny’s favorite produce on the ball to get its attention. Once the rabbit starts seeking out the ball, you can use it to move him to a desired location. Spin it slowly over the rabbit’s head to get him to turn in circles. Raise it in the air and reward the rabbit if he jumps. Your bunny will start to learn that the action he performs is what gets him the treat, and then, fairly soon, you can remove the stick from the equation. “That’s the cool thing about positive reinforcement,” Heidenreich said. “You create situations where the animal says, ‘What do you want me to do? I can’t wait to do it!’” Can You Tame a Wild Rabbit? If you find a rabbit in the wild, it’s best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or, if you don’t know where to find one in your area, your local veterinarian for advice. Do not move the animal without guidance from a wildlife professional. In most cases, if you’re able to get close to a wild rabbit, it is likely sick or orphaned. The animal is probably frightened and will only be stressed further by your attempts to take it in. It may also injure itself—or you—trying to get away from you. “Truly wild animals don’t make good pets,” said Dr. Peter Helmer, a specialist in small mammals at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Clearwater, Florida. “They’re a prey species, and you can’t explain to them you’re not about to eat them.” Fortunately, female rabbits can have up to 14 babies in a litter, meaning there are plenty of domesticated rabbits waiting for you to take them home, if having a rabbit companion is what you want.  — If you are interested in helping to rehabilitate wildlife in your area, you can learn more here at the Wildlife Care Association, or contact your local wildlife rescue groups.  Image: bmf-foto.de / Shutterstock

By Cheryl Lock Rabbits can be delightful animals to have as pets, but it’s important to understand the difference between normal naughty bunny behavior and behavior that’s veered into dangerous and destructive territory. What would be considered ‘normal’ destructive behavior for rabbits? Rabbits are, by nature, bound to exhibit some behaviors that are, for lack of a better word, destructive — it’s understanding which behaviors are hazardous for your bunny or yourself that’s important. Chewing and urinating on things are normal behaviors for rabbits.  However, in captivity, rabbits often chew inappropriate objects. Dana Krempels, Ph.D., from the University of Miami Department of Biology, explains that the following would all be considered normal rabbit behavior that manifests inappropriately when they are kept as pets: Digging on the carpet or other floor surfaces (this will likely mimic the digging behavior that rabbits exhibit out in the wild) Chewing on baseboards or corners of walls Chewing on cords that are in a travel or digging path Urinating in corners not designated by a litterbox How can I tell if my rabbit is actually being destructive? It’s often a matter of context when it comes to determining your rabbit’s behavior, says Dr. Krempels. “Sometimes a rabbit will learn that a ‘normal’ behavior elicits a negative reaction — and remember, negative attention is still attention — from the caregiver, and so will use it to get attention,” she said. “Another behavior many caregivers find objectionable is urine spraying, but in most cases this is just the rabbit’s way of saying, ‘I love you! You’re mine!’” However, she added, “it can also mean, depending on context, ‘you are the subordinate, and I anoint you with my majestic pee to prove my point.’” In other words, if your rabbit decides to exhibit his objectionable behaviors after a particularly rough time — perhaps you recently moved, have been trying to litter train your rabbit, got a new pet, or got married, and your partner is now around more — your rabbit could be performing these behaviors as an objection, or a way of lashing out. What issues might lead to destructive behaviors? A leading cause of destructive behavior in rabbits is boredom. A bored bunny is one who will explore options, says Dr. Krempels. “Providing lots of enrichment to promote natural behaviors — like clean cardboard boxes with two door holes cut in the sides to chew on and run through, parrot-safe chew toys or jingly toys, paper towel tubes stuffed with hay or other treats, etc. — will help curb destructive urges brought on by boredom.” Aside from boredom, health issues could also trigger certain bad behaviors. “For example,” said Krempels, “a bunny who is suddenly losing litterbox habits could be suffering from a urinary tract disorder — like an infection, bladder sludge, or bladder stones — or arthritis, which makes it painful to jump into the box.” If you suspect this is the case with your own rabbit, bring her to the vet for further testing. How can I tell if lack of training is the problem, or if it’s a stress-related issue? Unfortunately, this is likely going to be tough to decipher, says Dr. Krempels. “I’ve never seen a rabbit engage in destructive behaviors that were not also normal behaviors under different circumstances,” she said. “So, the important thing is to recognize the context of the behavior.” If you believe your bunny is lashing out with destructive behavior, take a second to consider her current scenario. Has something changed in the house or in the rabbit’s environment that might be causing stress? If so, that might be the  cause of the problem. How can I help my rabbit to avoid destructive behaviors brought on by stress? Aside from removing whatever stressor you believe is bothering your pet (hard to do if it’s a person or a new place home), Dr. Krempels does have a few other suggestions. “I’ve found that the simple act of letting a single rabbit choose a spayed/neutered partner can go a long way to stopping destructive behaviors elicited by boredom,” said Dr. Krempels. “In my experience, paired bunnies are happier, healthier, and less destructive.” If you will be introducing a new pet into your home — whether it’s another rabbit or a different animal, altogether — Dr. Krempels suggests following the introduction guidelines set forth by the House Rabbit Society and always providing a safe haven for your rabbit to be alone whenever he wants quiet time away from his new friend. Keep in mind that it’s not always possible to “train” a rabbit not to engage in destructive behaviors, either. “Rather than training a rabbit not to engage in natural “destructive” behaviors, the caregiver should provide an outlet for those natural behaviors that doesn’t tear down the house.” This includes things like: Supervised out-of-cage time A litterbox with pelleted paper-based litter covered with soft hay in corners where your rabbit has decided to urinate Lots of safe playthings for your rabbit to chew on Protective covers on all wires and cords Tacking untreated/unfinished pine molding to baseboards and wall corners where your rabbit has shown an interest in chewing Paying attention to your rabbit’s surroundings and daily activities and taking just a little bit of time to “rabbit proof” your home from regular bunny behaviors can go a long way toward helping both you and your bunny have a happier life together. This article was verified and edited for accuracy by Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP  Read More How to Care for Your Rabbit