| Raising rabbits as pets can be quite a bit of work, | | | | taped to the wall. Rabbits will chew them. Socket |
| the same as with any pet. They are good natured, | | | | covers will work to keep them away from those. If |
| gentle pets, but somewhat aloof. They do get | | | | you have heat registers in the floor you will need to |
| scared very easily, as is part of their nature. The | | | | cover them in whatever room you let your pets |
| more time you spend with them the more | | | | roam in. Their feet can become stuck in them and |
| responsive they are to you, and will respond to their | | | | cause them to injure themselves. |
| name. They do need some gentle handling in the | | | | Rabbits can be litter trained. It will take just a few |
| beginning but become part of the family within | | | | weeks for them to get used to it. You will need to |
| weeks. Rabbits can live up to 10 years. | | | | watch them carefully at first and each time they |
| When you first bring your rabbit home try to keep | | | | appear ready to relieve themselves take them to the |
| things as quiet as possible. They are skittish and do | | | | litter box. To keep them from chewing the things |
| not like change, so will need to be gently introduced | | | | you hold as valuable they will need chew toys, lots of |
| to their environment so they can become | | | | them. Your pets will also enjoy pushing a ball around, |
| accustomed to it and you. Each new noise will be a | | | | if it makes noise even better. They are susceptible |
| source of fear. During the first few days after | | | | to fleas, mites and ticks. Colds can be a problem as |
| bringing them home try not to touch them much. Sit | | | | well. Consult your vet on the best way to handle |
| on the floor and let them come check you out | | | | these. |
| instead of approaching them. Try to keep it quiet | | | | Water is important. It should be clean and cool. If |
| during those first days. Do not introduce to other | | | | they do not get enough water it can cause health |
| pets in the home right away. When you do, this | | | | issues. A sipper bottle is ideal. If it is a bowl, use one |
| needs to be done slowly as well. | | | | made from metal or ceramic. These do not scratch |
| They will need to get used to your touch. To pick | | | | easily. The rabbits nails would scratch a plastic bowl. |
| them up properly, use one hand to pick them up by | | | | Keep that bowl clean any thing in the home can end |
| the back of their neck. Use your other hand to hold | | | | up in the bowl. They can also turn them over. Wet |
| their paws close to their body while holding them | | | | food or hay can turn to mold. For these reasons the |
| close to you. This will keep you from getting | | | | sipper bottle is the better option. |
| scratched by the back paws and they will feel safe. | | | | Your rabbits should be fed mainly pellets. Be |
| You will also want to train them to be held for | | | | consistent with the food they are fed as they do |
| grooming. Hold them on their back as you would an | | | | not like or adapt to change in diet well. Vegetables |
| infant for a short amount of time each day. | | | | are necessary as well. Serve one to two cups of |
| Rabbits can be kept indoors or outdoors. If you keep | | | | them for every five pounds of your rabbits weight. |
| them outside you will need a fence in the yard. This | | | | Clean them thoroughly to rid them of chemicals and |
| is to keep them inside and to keep predators outside. | | | | pesticides. There should be three varieties of |
| You will need to keep a careful watch as rabbits can | | | | vegetables each day. Do not introduce more than |
| dig themselves out under the fence. Keep the fence | | | | one new vegetable a day. This will give them time to |
| maintained as predators will smell them and attempt | | | | get used to it and you a chance to see how they |
| to gain access. When you are not with them they will | | | | respond to it. |
| need to be kept in a habitat or cage. The size should | | | | Some foods to avoid are corn, potatoes, iceberg |
| be five times the size of the rabbit. Put in hay for | | | | lettuce and cauliflower. Carrots should be considered |
| them to sleep upon. | | | | a treat only. Treats will be normally be a small piece |
| If your rabbits are kept indoors you may allow them | | | | of fruit. A treat is good as a training tool. Don't give |
| to roam but they will still need a private space just | | | | them frequently because your pet may not want to |
| for them. You can buy enclosures specially made for | | | | eat anything else. Consult your pet shop or your vet |
| rabbits. A cage is not a home as it just doesn't | | | | about what is best for the rabbit you have. These |
| provide enough space. Electrical cords will need to be | | | | are just the basics to care for rabbits as pets. |