6 Things You Need to Know About Rabbit Care in Groveport, OH
Do you have a pet rabbit? Are you thinking of getting one? Rabbits make great pets for a variety of households and individuals, but they aren’t right for everyone. Although rabbits may seem like they’re cute, cuddly, and easy to care for, they actually have a lot of husbandry and care requirements that must be met in order for them to thrive.
Common Necessities of Rabbits
We’ll share six things you need to know about rabbit care as a brand-new rabbit owner. You can use this information as a starting point to dive deeper into researching your new pet’s needs and care requirements.
1. Rabbits Need the Right Type and Size of Space
Rabbits should never be kept solely outdoors, as they can be susceptible to a variety of illnesses related to temperature fluctuations. They can also become prey to many predators, including neighborhood dogs or cats. Rabbits should only be allowed in outdoor rabbit hutches when supervised and when the weather is appropriate for them.
Indoors, rabbits must be kept in very spacious surroundings. They require large cages with plenty of room to move around horizontally, as they cannot climb vertically. Some people dedicate a whole room of their homes to their rabbit’s space.
2. Rabbits Need the Right Food
Rabbits should be fed rabbit pellets that come from a trusted and well-known brand name. Any rabbit pellets should be rich in fiber. One of our favorites is Purina Lab Rabbit Chow High Fiber.
Additionally, you will need to give your rabbit fresh greens as part of a balanced diet. Your rabbit should also be given plenty of fresh Timothy hay or oat hay, which makes up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet. Rabbits should never be allowed to run out of hay as they need to eat large quantities of it every day.
3. Rabbits Need Grooming
Gently brush your rabbit with a brush designed specifically for use on rabbits. Try to brush your rabbit at least once a week if possible, although more frequent brushing is always acceptable if it doesn’t stress your rabbit too much.
In addition to brushing, you will need to keep your rabbit’s nails clipped short. Long nails are a hazard that could get snagged on surfaces in your rabbit’s environment. If your rabbit is very frightened by this process, you may need to take your pet to the veterinarian for professional nail trimmings.
4. Rabbits Need Rabbit-Proof Environments
If you plan to let your rabbit move around your home at all—and you should—then you need to cover all cords with protectors. You may also instead choose to raise the cords off the ground, so your rabbit won’t be able to reach them.
Additionally, you should protect your furniture and floorboards from being chewed on by your rabbit. Add a thick strip of fabric that is rabbit-safe around any wood throughout your home to keep your rabbit from gnawing on it. And as with any pet, it’s best to always supervise your rabbit while your pet is out and about in your home.
5. Rabbits Need a Litter Box
It’s easy to train a rabbit to learn how to use a litter box, and it’s more convenient for you, too. Set up a litter box in one corner or out of the way area in your rabbit’s personal space, keeping it close to the food and water for best results.
The ideal litter to use for rabbits is the type made of recycled newspaper. Don’t use cat litter or any litter designed for other rodents or small animals. You may need to add some hay to your rabbit’s litter box to convince your pet to use the right space for bathroom purposes.
6. Rabbits Need Activities
Finally, make sure to provide plenty of activities and enrichment to keep your rabbit from getting bored. A bored rabbit may be more likely to get into situations that are dangerous or develop behavioral issues, so it’s important to curb these problems at the source.
Give your rabbit a cardboard box and watch your pet slowly chew away the cardboard as a great source of rabbit entertainment. There are also plenty of rabbit toys available commercially. You should always check the list of ingredients in rabbit toys, however, so you don’t give your pet something dangerous.
Preparing for Your New Pet Rabbit
This list only provides the bare minimum of what your rabbit needs. If you’re thinking of adopting a pet rabbit, it’s crucial to do plenty of research before ever bringing your rabbit home. This way, you’ll be well-prepared and capable of providing everything your rabbit needs from day one. With the right amount of prep work and education, you and your rabbit can enjoy your time together with no trouble. Call (614) 836-3222 or book an appointment online to talk with the rabbit vets at Groveport Canal Animal Hospital today!
Resources from Your Groveport Canal Animal Hospital Vet
The veterinarians at Groveport Canal Animal Hospital are sharing their favorite rabbit care resources with you! The best local online resource is Columbus House Rabbit Society and best book for rabbit care is The House Rabbit Handbook.