Pet rabbits are sweet and easy to care for, but they do require a bit of commitment. Compared to dogs and cats, they can be considered low-maintenance pets. There are some golden rules to keeping your rabbit’s health on par, and you also have to take some measures to protect your home against the animal’s teeth. Which, as you might know already, grow continuously.
We have selected five of the essential tips you should take into account if you want to make sure that everything goes well with your pet and that you’re a perfect rabbit parent.
- Make sure he or she has the right food
Rabbits aren’t particularly fussy when it comes to food, but what they do require all of the time is fresh hay. Baby rabbits also need alfalfa, while adult ones can indulge in anything ranging from oat hay to timothy hay.
In addition to this, you will have to make sure that the pet has access to a healthy helping of fiber-rich pellets, greens, and fresh water. There are heaps of online forums that can help you if you’re feeling baffled as to which veggies are safe to give to your rabbit and which ones you need to steer clear of.
- Make sure you get safe and quality indoor or outdoor housing
Most pet rabbits are kept indoors, and that’s because they are smaller and a bit more sensitive compared to their bigger counterparts. That doesn’t mean that you can’t put together an outdoor hutch for your pet, though.
For indoor housing, we suggest considering cages and enclosures that come with a surface that cannot hurt the rabbit’s tiny fingers. You can see some critically acclaimed and comfortable models recommended here.
- Provide entertainment
Most rabbits get bored more or less easily, so it is a good idea to make their lifestyle as varied as possible. They love nibbling on everything, so it might be salutary for you to bunny-proof your home. Cardboard castles can offer countless hours of enjoyment for a rabbit. There are also toys that you could consider.
Finally, nothing beats interacting with your rabbit as he or she will be able to learn your scent and your behavior so as to recognize you the next time you want to pet him or her.
- Grooming matters quite a bit
While many pet rodents, including rabbits, wash themselves somewhat frequently, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t care for your pet’s hygiene. Brush your pet rabbit once a month or even more often if the pet is going through a shedding cycle. You should also make sure that you clip your rabbit’s nails regularly because too long nails can hurt your pet’s paws.
- Bring your pet to the vet every several months
Even if you notice that the health of your rabbit is perfect, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take him or her to the vet every now and then. If you happen to notice any change in terms of eating or other regular behaviors, you need to call the vet as soon as possible. Things like heat strokes and conjunctivitis are more frequent than you might think.
