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Before you Adopt
Info Sheets : Rabbits
 Helpful
links on this site about rabbits and small animals
Useful
links to rabbit-related sites
Why
a House Rabbit?
www.rabbit.org
(All information has been reprinted with permission from House
Rabbit Society)
Perhaps
you've just adopted your first rabbit, or maybe you already
have a rabbit and would like more information to help you
understand her better. The House Rabbit Society, a national
nonprofit organization, recommends that you keep your rabbit
in the house rather than outdoors. Rabbits are intelligent,
social animals who need affection, and they can become wonderful
companion animals if given a chance to interact with their
human families.
 The
benefits of spay and neuter
Although most rabbits will use a litter box, hormones may cause
un neutered males and unspayed females to "mark territory."
Spaying or neutering your rabbit improves litterbox habits,
lessens chewing behavior, decreases territorial aggression,
and gives your rabbit a happier, longer life. (Have your
rabbit neutered between ages 3 1/2 to 6 months, depending
on sexual maturity, by an experienced rabbit veterinarian.
For rabbits more than 2 years old, get a veterinary checkup
first.)
House trainingRabbits may have free run of the home. However, it's best
for most-and necessary for some--to start with a cage. To
make cage time learning time, fasten a litterbox in the corner
of the cage that your rabbit chooses for a "bathroom." As
soon as he uses the box consistently, you can give him some
freedom. Place one or more large litterboxes in corners of
the running area outside the cage. Use only positive reinforcement
(treats and praise)--never punishment.
Bunny-proofing
Bunny-proofing your home is part of living with a house
rabbit. It is natural for rabbits to chew on furniture, rugs,
drapes, and, most deadly of all, electrical cords. Cords must
be concealed so that the rabbit cannot reach them. Exposed
cords can be encased in vinyl tubing (found at hardware stores).
By splitting the tubing lengthwise with a utility knife the
cord can be pushed inside it. Give your rabbit enough attention,
safe chewable's, and toys, so that she is distracted from chewing
furniture and rugs. A cardboard box stuffed with hay makes
an inexpensive playbox. Young rabbits (under a year) are more
inclined to mischief and require more confinement and/or bunny-proofing
than mature rabbits.
House
rabbits and other animals House rabbits and indoor cats
can get along fine, as do rabbits and well-mannered dogs.
Dogs should be trained to respond to commands before being
trusted with a free-running rabbit, and supervision is needed
to control a dog's playful impulses (this is especially true
for puppies).
Cages:
rabbits
need lots of room to run, they love to explore and go on adventures.
If they are in a cage they need at least 2-3 hours of running
time each day. Cages should not have wire girds on the floor.
This can harm your bunny's feet in the long run. Dog Exercise
pens-Cheap and make great cages. They have lots of room to
run. Stores: www.pets.com, www.petopia.com , check your local
stores:Petco,Petsmart etc.. Cage-Leith petworks is highly
recommended by the House Rabbit Society: www.leithpetwerks.com,
Hay
is very important for rabbit's digestive system. They should
have unlimited access to fresh hay. Oxbow Hay Company www.oxbowhay.com
1-800-249-0366, oxbow@navix.net *Wonderful mail order hay
and rabbit pellets
CONSUMABLES
Limited pellets daily
Fresh water
Hay /straw (for digestive fiber and chewing recreation)
Fresh salad veggies/fruit (add gradually)
Barley/oats (very small amounts)
Wood (for chewing recreation)
Multiple enzymes (digestive aid)
Petroleum laxative (when needed for passing hair)
GROOMING
Flea comb
Brush
Flea products safe for cats
Toenail clippers
SUPPLIES
Dust-free litter (not wood shavings)
Pooper scooper
Whiskbroom/dustpan
White vinegar (for urine accidents)
Hand vacuum
Chlorine bleach (for disinfecting)
Litterbox (in cage)
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