General Rabbit Information:| Our products and supplies for house rabbits are
chosen with deliberate, painstaking consideration
by our panel of experts:
Pebbles - opinionated brown neatherland dwarf.
Snowy - tiny, mellow, white dwarf.
Dr. Bunny - Veterinarians experianced in bunny
care with whom we consult regarding our products
and information.
Anita - owner of For Other Living Things. The buck
stops here. She tries to be as careful as can be
in making final selections of the products that we
offer.
They all wanted to share some important bunny facts
with you... |
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What is a rabbit? | | According to Webster's; A rabbit is a Leporidai, a usually gray-brown, extremely prolific, herbivorous, burrowing lagomorph approximately 16 inches long. Native to Western Europe, it is now found in nearly all temperate regions. (Webster's doesn't define Leporidai, but a lagomorph is an order of gnawing mammals including the hare, rabbit and pika... Not very helpful.) I like this one better...
Excerpt from A Rabbit in the House by Amy Shapiro and Nancy LaRoche; Rabbits are very special animals. They are bright, interesting, inquisitive , loyal, affectionate - a joy to watch, to touch, to be with. Like us, they are individuals. Caring for a rabbit means getting to know him or her, a process that takes time and patience. Rabbits respond to love and attention. If you leave him alone in a cage or hutch all the time, you will be missing the best part of knowing your rabbit.
A rabbit is a ground loving creature. (Just thought I'd throw that one in here.)
A rabbit is a social animal. In addition to human friends, your rabbit can get along with other rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, and well-behaved dogs. Contact the house rabbit society for more information on this. |
| | Things to consider before adding a rabbit to your household: | | Are you patient? Have a sense of humor? Do you enjoy watching the movements and learning the language of another species? Does your schedule include plenty of time at home? Are you comfortable spending a lot of time on the floor?
Ok so far? Here's more. Rabbits can be litterbox-trained. They can live to be 7-10 years old. Rabbits are inquisitive, sociable animals. They make wonderful indoor companions. Rabbits can "purr" when contented. Like cats and dogs, rabbits need to be spayed or neutered to improve health and behavior. Most rabbits do not like to be held. They prefer to sit beside you. Rabbits like to play with toys, such as cardboard boxes, wire cat balls, hard plastic baby keys, untreated willow baskets. Rabbits need to have things of their own to chew on (or they might nibble on your stuff). Rabbits need to be protected from predators, poisons, temperature extremes, electrical cords, and rough handling.
Rabbits and children. This combination can work out. Don't leave small children unattended with your rabbit and teach these four golden rules:
1) Gentle petting.
2) Leave the rabbit alone when he hops away or goes in his cage.
3) Don't touch droppings & litter.
4) We pet, but don't pick up the rabbit. |
| | Health and well being: diet; | | Babies and "teenagers": Birth to 3 weeks = mothers milk, 3 to 4 weeks = mother's milk, nibbles of alfalfa and pellets, 4 to 7 weeks = mother's milk, free access to alfalfa and pellets, 7 weeks to 7 months = unlimited pellets, unlimited hay, small amounts of fruit and vegetables introduced one at a time.
Young adults: 7 months to 1 year = introduce grass and oat hays, decrease alfalfa, decrease pellets to 1/2 cup per 6 lbs. body weight, increase daily vegetables gradually, keep fruit limited (1/2oz per 6 lbs. body weight) because of calories.
Mature adults: 1 to 5 years = unlimited grass hay, oat hay, straw, 1/4 to 1/3 cup pellets per 6 lbs. body weight daily (depending on metabolism), up to 2 cups chopped vegetables per 6 lbs. body weight daily (proportionate to amount of pellets given, 1 to 2oz fruit per 6 lbs. body weight.
Senior rabbits: over 6 years = If sufficient weight is maintained continue adult diet, frail, older rabbits may need unrestricted pellets to keep weight up. Alfalfa can be given to underweight rabbits, only if calcium levels are normal (get blood work-up). |
| | Then on to handling: | | If rabbit struggles violently, either restrain the rabbit against your body or squat down and release the rabbit (fighting may injure her) prevent rabbit jumping from heights. Demonstrate to the rabbit that you are the source of petting, treats, freedom, and anything else the rabbit likes. Pet the rabbit on the broad area on top of her nose. Don't chase the rabbit unless necessary. Don't punish her. Distract or remove rabbit from chewing or digging destructively. Give her something she can play with. Rabbits readily develop habits - good or bad - and can be influenced by humans. |
| | Hearth and Home: | | Your rabbit needs room. Indoors is best. Outside, your rabbit will be exposed to airborne diseases, temperature extremes, flies (and possibly maggots), neighborhood predators and sudden, heart-stopping commotion such as tree trimming and lawn mowing. So, plan a good size area in your home. Preferably one with just enough traffic to keep things interesting.
By nature your rabbit will want to dig, chew, stretch, hop and have a secluded place to hide when alarmed. Be creative here. Our site is full of stuff to help keep your bunny happy. Rotate their toys. They love change.
Daily chores: Clean litter box, change water, fresh veggies, fresh pellets, fresh hay. That about covers it. Oh yes, quality time and a good pet between the ears. Set on the floor and read a good book. Bunnies hate being ignored! |
| | Definite No-No's! | | Many people are surprised and disappointed to find that rabbits rarely conform to the cute-n-cuddly stereotype prevalent in children's stories. Bugs Bunny, with his independence, mischievousness, and strong sense of self is a more accurate portrait. Can you imagine Bugs tolerating huge quantities of gooey affection or allowing himself to be carried around in some mere human's arms? Rabbits can be taught to accept routine handling, but there is nothing abnormal about a bunny who prefers to sit beside you rather than on your lap. A rabbit is a ground loving creature. |
| | In Conclusion: | | Regularly check eyes, nose, ears, teeth, weight, appetite, and droppings. Notice any behavior change. Avoid stress and heat. Locate an experienced rabbit vet before a problem develops.
Delight in how clever your rabbit is. They love that. Have fun. Be considerate. |
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