2. Taking Care of a Rabbit What You Need to Know About Raising a Bunny.

3. First Things First…. A Few Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge. Rabbits are a big responsibility.Rabbits are a big responsibility. Rabbits typically live 8-10 years. This ain’t a hamster.Rabbits typically live 8-10 years. This ain’t a hamster. Rabbits are prey animals and are therefore more timid and more affected by stress than cats and dogs. This is not the best pet for little boys and girls that are rough and grabby with animals.Rabbits are prey animals and are therefore more timid and more affected by stress than cats and dogs. This is not the best pet for little boys and girls that are rough and grabby with animals. Expect to pay $100 - $200 for your rabbit and it’s initial supplies (cage, litter tray, water bottle, bedding, pellets, hay, greens, brush, nail trimmer, etc.).Expect to pay $100 - $200 for your rabbit and it’s initial supplies (cage, litter tray, water bottle, bedding, pellets, hay, greens, brush, nail trimmer, etc.). Your rabbit should be spayed or neutered after 5-6 months of age. This is a must as it will help in bonding with you and because ovarian cancer is very common in females.Your rabbit should be spayed or neutered after 5-6 months of age. This is a must as it will help in bonding with you and because ovarian cancer is very common in females. When you bond with your rabbit, all of your efforts will be worth it!When you bond with your rabbit, all of your efforts will be worth it!

4. Where To Get Your Bunny There are three main sources for rabbits: –A breeder. Usually the most expensive source, but you know the rabbit’s history and care.Usually the most expensive source, but you know the rabbit’s history and care. –A pet store. After being poked, picked up and dropped in their bin by kids all day, some rabbits are understandably antisocial and timid. Be aware!After being poked, picked up and dropped in their bin by kids all day, some rabbits are understandably antisocial and timid. Be aware! –The pound or an Animal shelter. The best rabbit source because your sparing a rabbits life, either from the pound of by making more room for another rabbit at a shelter.The best rabbit source because your sparing a rabbits life, either from the pound of by making more room for another rabbit at a shelter.

5. Diet Baby rabbits (under 1 year) should have pellets and hay available at all times.Baby rabbits (under 1 year) should have pellets and hay available at all times. Adult rabbits (over 1 year) should be given a set amount of pellets, two times a day and have fresh hay available at all times (the fiber in hay is extremely important).Adult rabbits (over 1 year) should be given a set amount of pellets, two times a day and have fresh hay available at all times (the fiber in hay is extremely important). –Small rabbits (2-4 pounds): 1 ounce per day. –Medium rabbits (5-7 pounds): 2 ounces per day. –Large rabbits (8-10 pounds): 4 ounces per day. –Giant rabbits (11-15 pounds): 6 ounces per day. Timothy hay is the best hay for rabbits. Alfalfa hay will do in a pinch.Timothy hay is the best hay for rabbits. Alfalfa hay will do in a pinch. You should give your rabbit a handful of greens everyday. These can include: romaine lettuce, spinach, carrot tops, broccoli, dandelions, and celery.You should give your rabbit a handful of greens everyday. These can include: romaine lettuce, spinach, carrot tops, broccoli, dandelions, and celery.

6. Supplies A list of supplies you will need:A list of supplies you will need: –A continuous supply of food and water. –A high quality cage, large enough so that your rabbit can move around comfortably. –A litter box. –Bedding (Carefresh is the best, but wood bedding is ok. Stay away from pine and cedar bedding though as it may be harmful to your rabbit’s respiratory system. –A water bottle for small animals. –A food tray. –An animal hair brush. –A set of animal nail trimmers. –Branches/blocks to chew on. –A smaller carrier to transport the rabbit.

7. Problems/Things to Look Out For VeterinariansVeterinarians –Make sure you find a vet who has a lot of experience with rabbits. They are not cats or dogs and need to be treated by a vet who knows about rabbit care. Chewing and DiggingChewing and Digging –A fact of life, your rabbit will chew and dig. It’s instinctive. You can’t stop it so give them things to chew on that you don’t mind getting ruined. Examples are: branches, non-toxic blocks, door mats, a slinky, etc. Make sure you keep electrical cords and other dangerous items completely out of your rabbit’s reach. HairballsHairballs –Rabbits are very hygienic animals. They clean themselves all the time. They also can not throw up if they get a hairball. Therefore, you have to brush them regularly. MalocclusionMalocclusion –This is a condition where the rabbit’s front teeth don’t wear down properly and keep growing. You will either have to have them trimmed regularly by a vet or have them removed. CecotropesCecotropes –These are small pellets that the rabbit poops and eats. Don’t be alarmed. It’s normal. They contain vital nutrients. Weird, but you can’t argue with nature.

8. Frequently Asked Questions Can rabbits be litter trained?Can rabbits be litter trained? –Definitely. With a little patience you can teach your rabbit to do his business in a litter box. The rabbit might dictate to you where he wants to go. If this is the case, it is easiest to put the box there with some poops in it. Should I keep my rabbit inside or outside?Should I keep my rabbit inside or outside? –Rabbits are sensitive to heat and cold. It is best to be kept inside. You’ll have a better relationship with a house bunny anyway. Can rabbits live around other pets?Can rabbits live around other pets? –This depends on the rabbit and the other pet. You’ll have to try and see. Keep a very watchful eye, though. Don’t get a rabbit if you have a ferret. Ferret’s sometimes eat rabbits! Can I pick my rabbit up?Can I pick my rabbit up? –Again, this depends on the rabbit. Some hate it, others put up with it, and a few like it. Start young, so they get used it. If your rabbit hates it (this is scary for rabbits), you might be better of respecting it and getting down on his level to interact with him. Can rabbits wear leashes?Can rabbits wear leashes? –Yes. There are small animal leashes that rabbits can wear. Again this will be something the rabbit will have to get used to.

9. A disclaimer and some departing words This presentation is meant in no way to be comprehensive. I have tried to present the major considerations of owning and caring for a rabbit in an informative and entertaining way. I am not a vet. I’m just a bunny owner. There are several good books that thoroughly cover the in’s and out’s of rabbit care. Hopefully this presentation has inspired you to find out more about rabbits and to eventually give one…or two…or three a home. The rewards will be well worth your efforts. This presentation was created on Power Point 2000 on 1-8-02. All images were taken from various sites on the world wide web and are being used for a strictly non-profit purpose. Author: Joshua Goodman. (jgthx@yahoo.com) Last Things Last…

10. Goodbye!