In general rabbits need appropriate housing, exercise, socialisation and a specific diet for good welfare. Some breeds of rabbits, particularly the longer haired rabbits, may require daily grooming. It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one.
What do I need to know before getting a rabbit?
9 Things to Know Before Adopting a Bunny
- Rabbits require gentle handling.
- Not all rabbits get along.
- Rabbits love to chew.
- Rabbits need regular exercise.
- Rabbits require a well-balanced diet.
- Rabbits need their habitat cleaned regularly.
- Rabbits are indoor companions.
- Rabbits need routine veterinary care.
Is rabbit a good pet for beginners?
Rabbits may be easy to love, but they are not quite as easy to care for. Rabbits may be easy to love, but they’re not quite as easy to care for. These lovable, social animals are wonderful companions for people who take the time to learn about their special needs.
Is it hard owning a rabbit?
Rabbits are amazing, affectionate, and social pets. They can be great house pets if you take the time to socialize them and learn about their basic body language. However, rabbits require a lot more care than people typically expect, so it’s important to be prepared before bringing home a new bunny.
What do I need to own a rabbit?
Rabbit Supply List
- Roomy cage avoid a wire bottom.
- Litter-box (in cage)
- Pellet bowl.
- Water bottle.
- Toys (plastic baby toys that they can chew, toss and carry are best)
- Animal carrier.
Do rabbits get attached to their owners?
Rabbits do appear to become attached to one person once a bond has formed. The formation of this bond takes time, patience, and no small amount of work. However, an attachment requires a bit more time. New rabbits can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to form an attachment to their owners.
Are bunnies smelly?
Unlike dogs, rabbits don’t have a body odor. You shouldn’t notice any odor emanating from them. If you do, the rabbit is probably sick or has an infection. An ear infection, for example, can give off a musty smell.
Do rabbits poop everywhere?
Rabbits poop a lot. Once you have a pet rabbit, this becomes all too apparent when you find their little cocoa puff poops scattered around your home. Most rabbits can be litter trained relatively easily. However, some rabbits are a little more stubborn and will continue to leave their poops outside their litter box.
Do rabbits like to be held?
Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.
What do rabbits need in their cage?
Essential items to help you care for your rabbit
- A spacious and secure hutch.
- Bedding materials.
- Litter trays and fillings.
- Plenty of hay and other food.
- A food bowl or dispenser.
- A bottle or water bowl.
- Toys.
- Rabbit-safe cleaning products.
Are rabbits cuddly?
When it comes to rabbit ownership, the level of commitment needed is much lower than with other pets. They can be as cuddly and interactive as a dog, but you don’t need to take them out for walks. And they can have as much personality as a cat, minus the bursts of extreme energy that so many cats are prone to.
Why rabbit is not a good pet?
Rabbits make great pets for children. However, they are fragile and young children should not handle them. They can accidentally cause injury picking the rabbit, by squeezing too tightly, or dropping them. Children should always be supervised when interacting with and, in the case of older children, handling rabbits.
Do rabbits need shots?
There are currently no licensed vaccines available for rabbits in the US. In other parts of the world, vaccinations exist to protect against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD.) These are both acute and fatal diseases.
Do rabbits need baths?
Rabbits do not require routine bathing and in fact frequent washing, either with or without shampoo, strips the rabbit’s fur of its natural oils, which helps to keep the rabbit’s coat in good condition. Bathing is also extremely stressful for rabbits and has many potential and serious dangers.
Can you keep a rabbit in your bedroom?
Yes a rabbit can live happily in a bedroom size area. I know several devoted rabbit parents that have bunnies living in bedrooms. If the room is carpeted they can get traction to run REALLY! fast, they will have room to jump and stretch, they will (usually) jump up on the bed.
What do you do when you first get a rabbit?
Be sure to have his cage stocked with all the comforts of home – litterbox, food dish, water supply, solid place to rest, toys and a big hay pile. Provide a box or cover part of the cage with a towel to give your rabbit a feeling of additional safety.
Can bunnies sleep with you?
If your rabbit wants to sleep with you and can do so safely, it’s fine. If you’re prepared to risk losing sleep, sharing a bed with a rabbit will deepen your bond. Just remember that rabbits like routine. You can’t share your bed some nights but not others.
Can rabbits learn their name?
Pet rabbits do know their own names. Rabbits can learn to associate sounds with specific commands over time. This includes coming to an owner when you call its name. Rewarding a rabbit with treats, petting, or other consistent positive reinforcements will help it retain these commands in its memory.
Is it cruel to keep rabbits indoors?
Locking your rabbit up
Keeping them in these tiny cages can cause a range of health problems, including obesity and even deformities if they’re not able to move around naturally. It’s also cruel. Rabbits are smart, social and highly curious, and they need to be able to explore their surroundings.
Do bunnies stink up rooms?
It’s not that rabbits themselves are all that smelly, but for house bunny owners, living spaces can end up a bit stinky. An RHH (Rabbit Hole Hay) fan recently brought it to our attention that there aren’t always great resources out there on the topic of reducing unwanted odors from living with rabbits.
What happens if you don’t clean your rabbit’s cage?
Rabbit hutches should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at least once a week. The cage floor will get soiled quickly. This can pose a health risk to your rabbit if you don’t keep it tidy and disinfected.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.