Fluffy baby bunnies look and are cute but before you decide on a rabbit as a pet you need to know that they are sociable creatures who enjoy the company of their own kind and human kind
As prey animals they are wary of potential predators such as foxes and birds of prey. They have almost 360 degree vision apart from a blind spot in front of their nose, and a good sense of smell.
Rabbits scent mark their territory with droppings which are given an individual scent from the rabbit's anal glands, and using the gland under their chin to demonstrate ownership of property,
Mounting other rabbits, cushions, soft toys or owners legs, may be a sign of sexual frustration or dominance.
Rabbits are obligate herbivores designed to consume large amounts of plant material which is high in indigestible fibre. They should be fed on good hay, herbs, dried grass, a good quailty dried food or pellets supplemented with vegetables,
Their teeth grow continuously and need the constant chewing action involved in eating, and the abrasive action of the mineral rich fibre against their teeth, to keep them ground down to a suitable length,
Rabbits are at risk from a number of rabbit specific diseases including myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus, better known as VHD. There are vaccines available for these diseases from your vet
Most rabbit disease in pet rabbits that have been vaccinated tends to be diet related. Selective feeding, lack of forage and overfeeding being the main culprits. Obesity leads to sticky bottom and fly strike, calcium deficiency or inadequate calcium in relation to phosphorous leads to dental problems through osteoporosis of the jaw
Rabbit hutches and runs sold in pet shops are often woefully inadequate for adult rabbits. This is especially true when people buy pet shop hutches along with a baby rabbit when they have no idea of it's adult size. A rabbit should be able to stand on its hind legs and stretch out full length in the bed section of the hutch as a bare minimum requirement. Rabbits need to be able to exercise safely either indoors or in an outside run every day,
Once a week, the hutch will need a thorough clean, Remove all bedding from the hutch, Using hot soapy water or a pet friendly disenfectant, scrub the hutch making sure to go into the corners, Once clean, rinse the cage and allow to dry, After cleaning, replace all bedding materials, shavings is a good bedding to use as it will absorb all the wet stuff and can be easily removed,
dirty corners can be removed every or every other day to help keep the hutch clean, rabbits are quite clean animals and you will find that most rabbits will find a corner and use that same area for there toilet needs which can make them alot easier to litter train,
clean water must be given everyday from either a bottle or bowl, if using a bottle keep an eye on the nozzel to check its not getting clogged up.
rabbits like to be able to play or be kept occupied, If you have a secure, rabbit-friendly garden, allow your rabbit to chase a football around or place a ball in its run. Build a rabbit maze using pipes and cardboard boxes and let the rabbit explore its new 'warren'. Place objects in the rabbit's hutch or run for it to explore, chew, or jump on and off, eg, wood from fruit trees and cardboard boxes. Take your rabbit for a walk on a harness, or just put time aside each day to pick up and stroke your pet. and most of all, enjoy your pet rabbit, it should never become a chore to feed and spend time with your rabbit it should be a pleasure, rabbits enjoy companionship and can give so much back