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Photo by ChiemSeherin
Rabbits make great pets! They are cute, playful, and can be very affectionate. However, in order to keep your rabbit healthy and happy, there are some important things you need to know about caring for them. In this blog post, we'll discuss proper diet, housing, grooming, and medical care for pet rabbits.
Proper Diet:
Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Make sure to feed your bunny plenty of hay, which should make up 80% of their diet. Timothy hay or orchard grass are good choices.
Fresh vegetables should also be provided daily. Try dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach, carrots, broccoli, celery, and small amounts of fruits like apples and bananas. Introduce new foods slowly.
Limit pellets to no more than 1/4 cup per day, and avoid sugary treats. Always make sure your rabbit has access to clean, fresh water.
Housing:
Rabbits need plenty of room to hop and play. Provide an enclosure or cage that is at least 4 times the size of your rabbit when laying down. The higher the walls, the better.
Line the cage bottom with paper, wood shavings, straw or grass hay. Avoid wire bottom cages which can cause foot injuries.
Rabbits also enjoy time in a larger exercise pen or bunny-proofed room for added playtime. Just be sure to watch them closely and rabbit-proof any cables, toxic houseplants, etc.
Grooming:
Rabbits stay cleaner and healthier with regular brushing. Use a soft bristle brush to comb their coat. This helps remove loose hair and redistribute natural skin oils.
Trim nails as needed, taking care not to hit the quick. Also check inside ears for wax buildup or signs of infection.
Medical Care:
Find an exotic vet or one who specializes in rabbits. Take your bunny in annually for a wellness checkup.
Monitor their eating and bowel movements to spot signs of GI issues, a common ailment. Diarrhea, abnormal stools, or lack of appetite need quick attention.
Get your rabbit spayed/neutered around 6 months old to prevent reproductive cancers later in life.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, experienced peers, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, and extensive pet product research. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
With proper care in diet, housing, grooming and medical needs, your rabbit can live a long and healthy life. Pay close attention to their behaviors and bodily functions, as rabbits tend to hide illness. Providing a clean home, balanced diet, exercise and annual vet visits will lead to a happy home for you and your pet bunny.
Read more bunny blogs at www.hoppscotchbun.com!
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