How To Raise Rabbits As Pets

Caring for rabbits as pets takes some work, just as it does with any pet. You just need to learn the basics to get started. As pets they are gentle if a somewhat detached. Their basic nature is fearful so they will need to eased into everything. They can live to be ten years old, or no more than age four.

Remember their essential nature is cautious and fear based. When you bring them home they will need time to get used to the new environment. Let them roam about a little and sit on the floor so they can explore you as well. This way they can take their time getting to know you. Try not to touch them much at first. The environment shouldn't be noisy either. After the first few days you can start introducing new sounds for them to get used to. The same for any other pets in your home.

They will need to get used to your touch. To pick them up properly, use one hand to pick them up by the back of their neck. Use your other hand to hold their paws close to their body while holding them close to you. This will keep you from getting scratched by the back paws and they will feel safe. You will also want to train them to be held for grooming. Hold them on their back as you would an infant for a short amount of time each day.

Rabbits can be raised inside or outside, although indoors is considered best for their safety. If you intend to keep yours outside they will need a cage or an enclosure. A larger area surrounding it will also need to be fenced in as well. The cage or enclosure should have enough room for your pet to stand on their hind legs plus more room and they should be able to move around and stretch out. There should be room for a sleeping area as well. The bottom of the cage needs to be a solid surface. The cage wire hurts their paws.

When kept indoors they will still need a place just for them that is enclosed. A specially made habitat can be purchased for them. If you go with a cage, it will need a solid floor because the wire will hurt their paws. Before letting them out be sure the room has been rabbit proofed. All electrical sockets will need a socket guard. All the cords from the television, lamps, etc. Will need to be taped to the wall to keep them from nibbling them. The heat registers will need to be covered, if on the floor, as well.

They are able to be trained to use litter. They usually learn in just a few weeks. Pick them up and take to the litter box whenever it looks like they are about to go. They will need lots of chew toys if you do not want your things gnawed on. They also like to push balls around as a toy. Health wise they can get colds easily. They can also get mites, fleas and ticks. This is especially true if you allow them outdoors. Talk to your vet if they have any of these.

One thing that is very important is to keep plenty of cool water available. Change it a few times a day to be sure it is clean. You can give it to them in a bowl but it should be made of metal or ceramic. Plastic can easily be gouged with their claws. These gauges will hold bacteria. It is preferable to use a sipper bottle. This way you avoid the lining or hay getting wet and moldy.

Their main diet should be low protein pellets with treats once in a while. Do not change the kind of food you feed them often because they prefer a consistent diet. They should have at least three vegetables every day and that does not mean three varieties of the same vegetable. Organic is best due to lack of toxic pesticides. Whether they are organic or not they should be washed thoroughly. Any new vegetables you would like to introduce into their diet do so slowly. One new vegetable a day and watch how they respond. Your pets should have one to two cups of vegetables for every five pounds of their body weight each day.

Do not feed cauliflower as it causes gas and rabbits are unable to expel it. Avoid potatoes, corn and iceberg lettuce as well. Carrots should not be a part of their normal diet. They would be considered a treat. Usually a treat would be a piece of fruit and should not be given more than a couple times a day and they should be small. They should not have much because it will give them a sugar rush and they can want to eat that and nothing else. These are some of the basics for raising rabbits as pets. When you go to purchase yours be sure to ask as many questions as you can about your particular type of rabbit and their care.

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