Thinking of Getting a Rabbit for a Pet?

Are you ready for a rabbit?  Are you familiar with its penchant for digging?  Do you understand its dietary and housing needs?  Before bringing a new bunny home, you should learn basic bunny care.

 

As with any domesticated animal, we can trace most of the rabbit's behavior back to his wild ancestors. And it comes as no surprise that rabbits, by nature, are diggers and burrowers. In the wild, a safe excavation for homes and birthing places can reach three feet in depth; so it will take your rabbit almost no time at all to ruin a carpet or dig a tunnel in your garden - should he have the opportunity. Your best option is to supervise him closely and provide him safe alternatives to fulfill his natural tendency to dig.

 

According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), there are more than 45 recognized breeds of rabbits, which can range in size from approximately two to 15 pounds and live an average of five to 10 years (if they are spayed or neutered.)

 

Regardless of what type of rabbit you choose to adopt, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

• A rabbit housed alone or living with only one or two cage mates of the same gender (after three to four months of age) will be more relaxed and less exposed to disease.
• Rabbits should be kept in clean cages and have access to fresh food and water.
• Avoid touching a rabbit (or sticking your fingers in it's cage) while its sleeping.
• The bunny should be calm, yet alert, when you approach him and pick him up. His normal heart beat is 130 to 300 beats per minute.
• Look for a round, firm belly, neither too fat nor too thin.
• There shoud be no swellings, scars or scabs on the rabbit's body.
• A rabbit should have a shiny coat and be free of bald spots or wet, matted fur - especially near the chin or tail.
• The bunny should have clear eyes, a pink nose and pink ears, all free from any type of discharge. A normal temperature ranges from 101 to 104 F.
• The edges of the rabbit's teeth should be perfectly aligned. The teeth should be short and even, allowing it to eat normally.
• The rabbit's breathing should be quiet and easy. Its respiration should be between 30 and 60 breaths per minute.
• The rabbit should be able to move freely, with no sign of lameness.
• Don't rush when selecting a new pet. Take your time and get all of your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Rabbits are friendly, energetic and entertaining. They need daily interaction and playtime with caretakers or other rabbits. Rabbits also enjoy playing with toys and having a safe place to hide.  If given the proper attention, most rabbits can become good companions. In addition, they are available in enough breeds, colors and hair variations to suit almost any preference.

 

Do you have a pet rabbit?  Do you have any comments or suggestions that you would like to share with PSI members?  Please send us an e-mail and your thoughts may appear in a future SCOOP e-Newsletter.