Have you decided to have a pet decorative rabbit? Then read some helpful tips for caring for them: how to choose, equip and place a cage; how and what to feed; pet health care. Today there are more than 150 recognized species of rabbits in various colors and varieties, ranging from snow white to gray and uniform striped color. The best solution for purchasing a rabbit is to visit your local pet store. Domestic rabbits are very affectionate animals
Domestic rabbit
is neither a domestic cat nor a dog. Many people have the misconception that a rabbit can be purchased as a stuffed animal. The truth is, mishandling your pet can be fatal.
Pet rabbit cage: selection and placement
Buy a cage that allows the rabbit to stand freely and fully stretch on its hind legs without any obstruction. Consider additional space for food and water when choosing a cage. A metal cage with a mesh is the most preferred choice.
Having brought a new pet home, decide on the placement of the cage:
- Make sure the cage is in a place where it will not hinder your movement.
- The place should be well ventilated with free flow of fresh air.
- Place the cage as close to the ground as possible.
- The litter should be straw.
- Remember, the cage is not your rabbit's restraint. It is rather a place where he will spend time for rest, lodging and eating.
- Leave the cage as open as possible. But when doing this, make sure the environment is safe when the rabbit is outside of his house.
If your pet is constantly in the cage, then he will have: poor muscle tone due to lack of exercise, inflammation of the legs due to a constant sitting position in one place. The rabbit can become very lethargic, obese, or aggressive. The domestic rabbit requires constant vigorous activity. He loves jumping and running. This helps to keep your body in shape, prevent the development of diseases and activate mental activity.
Pet rabbit nutrition: what to feed
Taking proper care of your rabbit includes and balanced diet your pet. This is a guarantee that the animal will remain active and have a long, healthy life.
The rabbit's main diet consists of herbs and leaves … All rabbits eat grass. It is easy to digest and contains essential vitamins and amino acids that are very important for the well being of your rabbit. Therefore, your pet's diet should consist mainly of grass. Always make sure there is enough grass in the cage for the rabbit. Meadow grasses naturally sun-dried are the best nutrition. The grass must be dry and fresh. Do not use damp, dull grass to feed your rabbit.
Occasionally, feed your rabbit fruit and sweet berries. Raisins can include edible flowers such as roses and lilies. Stay away from commercially available rabbit food whenever possible. These foods are usually high in starch and fat, leading to rapid obesity. No doubt your chubby bunny will look cute, but sooner or later he will start to suffer. Plumpness does not mean good health. Healthy rabbits have minimal fat deposition and strong muscle tone. Balanced nutrition and sufficient physical activity are the key to the longevity of your pet. Read in more detail the article - "How to feed a domestic rabbit?".
Health
Rabbits have very fragile joints. To avoid injury, there is a specific course of action. The best way to lift your rabbit is by placing one hand below its hind legs as support and the other below its chest, then lift it up. The entire weight of the rabbit should be supported by the hands. Do not lift the rabbit to keep its hind legs dangling. The rabbit can hit them hard. Never lift a rabbit by the ears. It is very painful for him, just as terrible if someone tried to lift you by the ears.
If you feed your pet correctly, then you will never need to visit the veterinarian. However, you should always watch out for abnormal rabbit behavior. Unlike a cat or dog, a rabbit does not have a very strong immune system. Do not wait for the symptoms of the disease to develop fully. Call your veterinarian immediately for appropriate treatment. Anything that seems abnormal should not be ignored as it can lead to further complications.
Pay attention to the following factors:
- Sudden loss of appetite;
- Drastic weight loss;
- The rabbit's categorical reluctance to leave the cage;
- Extremely aggressive behavior;
- Diarrhea.
Once you master the basic knowledge of caring for this charming handsome man, you will enjoy the lively company of this pet.
