RABBIT
CARE
WHERE
FROM
A reliable
breeder is your best source. Visit the breeder if possible to see the
young rabbit's parents, which is a good way of seeing how big your rabbit
will be on maturity. Usually most breeds of rabbits reach maturity at
six months of age.
WHICH
BREED
Domestic rabbits are divided into two classes, Fur and Fancy. For pets,
usually the Fancy type rabbits are chosen, as the are smaller and more
patterned.
CARING
FOR YOUR BABY RABBIT
A rabbit
can leave the doe (mother) at eight weeks of age. If the rabbit is to
be a child's pet, eight years old is a recommended age to be responsible
for a pet rabbit. Baby rabbits in particular are very lively, so help
will be needed for the child to look after his/her new pet at first. Grooming
and handling soon has your pet manageable. Meal times are a good time
for this to be done.
HOUSING
Hutches
made of wood are the most common form of keeping your rabbit warm and
dry. They should be weatherproof and at the same time, well ventilated.
If the hutch is outside as opposed to in a shed or lean-to, extra weatherproofing
is necessary, such as a cover for the front of the hutch after dark and
during wet weather. Rabbits can withstand cold, but wet is not for rabbits.
The hutch should be of such dimensions to enable the rabbit to move around
freely. A 3' or preferably 4' hutch on legs is recommended so the hutch
is raised from the ground where is may get damp. Ideally the hutch should
have a separate bedding compartment where your rabbit can take shade from
the sun and also shelter from adverse elements. Rabbits are likely to
be seen having a rest during the afternoon. Both compartments of the hutch
should have hinged or lift off doors, to facilitate the removal of your
pet and for cleaning purposes.
BEDDING
The floor of the hutch should be covered with an absorbent material. Clean
newspaper laid flat could be used and covered with a layer of wood shavings
or sawdust (not too fine as it can irritate your rabbit's eyes) Straw
or hay can also be used as bedding, especially in the sleeping compartment,
providing comfort and warmth for your pet.
Rabbits are clean in their toilet habit of using one place. Cleaning out
should be done on a regular basis, once a week should be sufficient, but
more frequently in warm weather.
HUTCH
ACCESSORIES
Food
Dish
A heavy
weight ceramic dish is the popular choice as rabbits like games with lighter
bowls, throwing them about!
Water
Drinking Bottle
With
a drip feed
Toys
More
and more commercial toys are available for rabbits, but the inner of a
kitchen towel or toilet roll can be used to amuse your pet. These should
be replaced when they become soiled or torn.
Hay
Rack
Hay
should part of a rabbit's diet and a rack attached to the side of the
hutch clear of the floor is a good idea.
EXERCISE
A rabbit would benefit from a run out in an enclosed area.
Purpose built rabbit runs are ideal for this. If in a permanent position
on grass or earth, try to discourage your rabbit from burrowing out underneath
the run. One way is to use wire netting coming down from the inside walls
to just under the surface and then extending some way into the pen.
FOOD
Many dried mixed rabbit foods are available, including ones designed especially
for baby rabbits. If possible choose the one the parent rabbit has been
fed, a question to ask when buying your rabbit.
Don't overfeed your pet. Two to three ounces of dry food is plenty for
a medium size rabbit. Supplement with hay (necessary) and also an occasional
carrot and a small amount of green food (not too much!)
Rabbits will drink about a quarter pint of water per day and more in hot
weather.
TREATS
An abundance of treats are available for rabbits Not only are they very
palatable to your pet's taste buds, they help to keep teeth from overgrowing.
HEALTH
Your rabbit's fur needs regular grooming with a comb or soft brush.
Teeth and nails will need clipping by a vet when they become overgrown.
Crunchy treats, mineral stones or a piece of fruit tree about one inch
thick will help to keep teeth down. Good nourishment and housing will
always help keep your rabbit in prime condition.
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Pet
Company
974-976 Abbeydale Rd
Sheffield, S7 2QF
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Tel:
0114 262 0370
Fax: 0114 262 0600
E-mail
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Pet
Company
Established 1995
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