9 Things to Know Before Getting a Pet Rabbit

With their emblematic ears, hoppy legs and nervous noses, it is understandable why many people would like a pet rabbit.

But as with any pet, bringing a rabbit home requires preparation and knowledge on what you are committed. This is probably even more true when buying or adopting a rabbit. Most of us understand what to expect when we get a cat or a dog, more or less, but taking care of a rabbit is not something we know.

Rabbits are intelligent. They can learn to use a litter as well as to follow the basic controls. They can even make small tips like giving high-fives and kisses. All this requires appropriate training, which means that you must be a coherent and conscientious owner if your experience will succeed. Armed with certain knowledge, however, you can be ready to take care of a rabbit – or, well, rabbits, but more on this subject in a moment.

Rabbits can live for 10 to 12 years

The lifespan of a rabbit can be the most important thing to know when it comes to having these animals as pets, because they need a large amount of daily and weekly care during their lifetime. Given how long they live, you should know that you will do much more than just feed and resume their poop. It is a particularly important commitment if you give a rabbit to a child as a pet and this child goes to the university; Now this rabbit is the responsibility of the parent or the tutor. And speaking of children …

They are not big animals for children

Yes, each child would love a little hoparded rabbit to call his, but the rabbit can be less delighted with a small child as the main goalkeeper. Rabbits are prey, as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) note, and as such, they are easily surprised by strong noises and hiking movements. Taking rabbits is also a non-go because it can make them think that they were seized by a predator. The HSUS strongly advises that parents or tutors wait for children to be older before the family adopts a rabbit.

They like to be with other rabbits

Rabbits are social animals that count on each other to survive in nature. A rabbit in itself must remain vigilant for potential predators at any time, but if there is another rabbit, it spreads responsibility. And as rabbits only speak the rabbit, it helps them feel extremely more safe if there is another rabbit. In relation to this, the sterilization and sterilization of your rabbit are a good call if you want to have two rabbits, but it is generally intelligent even if you will stick to one.

Rabbits need exercise and space to wander

The PETMD recommends daily four hours of exercise for rabbits, which essentially means that leaving them locked up in a cage all day is not the best idea. Exercise for rabbits, as for humans, aid to global health, including digestion and mental health, and why would you not want a happy rabbit?

If you have the space, an entire room just for your rabbit is probably a great idea, because it gives them a space large enough to run from time to time. If you do not have the space, the cage or the container holding your rabbit must have five times the size of the animal at least, depending on the HSU, and this includes vertical level so that the rabbit can stand on its rear legs without banging your head. Several level containers are also recommended. The rabbit area should be transformed every day and cleaned once a week.

You can train your rabbit and do it for outdoor walks. Some owners take their rabbits on trails or to the beach for additional special experiences. He is a guaranteed conversation starter with people you meet along the way.

You will need to skip rabbit your house

If you do not have the space for a dedicated rabbit room or a large cage, giving your rabbit reins of the living room can be your only option, which means preparing the rest of the house. The teeth of rabbits keep developing; They like to chew everything, including furniture and cables. The plastic tubes around the cables will take care of this temptation mesh; Recording the wires upwards and out of the range of the rabbit will also work. Regarding wooden furniture or plinths, the Best Friends Animal Society recommends wooden or plastic coverings to protect furniture, cardboard barriers around chair legs or chewing deterrence sprays, such as the bitter grannick apple. So useful? Make sure that your rabbit has many safe toys adapted to chewing as an alternative.

They need more than carrots

The common design is that rabbits will only spend vegetables all day, and some may want to do so, but provide your rabbit with a varied but healthy diet is important. Hay or grass must constitute most of their diet, according to the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (Rwaf), with fresh vegetables offering a smaller part of their contribution. These vegetables can include kale, broccoli, Roman lettuce and parsley. Small pieces of fresh carrot, apple and pineapple are treats that should only be given or twice a week. (Yes, pineapple. It can help their digestion.)

They need unique medical care

As with all pets, you must be aware of the general well-being of your rabbit. Rabbits have their own needs and, as such, they need their own specialized veterinarians, according to Peta. Veterinarians taking care of rabbits can be more expensive than your ordinary animal protection practitioners. The RSPCA recommends annual veterinary visits to check the teeth of the rabbits, test the parasites and obtain vaccinations.

They like to cuddle – on their own terms

The rabbits are incredibly soft and silky, which is part of their appeal. They like to be caressed if it is done in the right way, usually low on the ground or on your knees. Do not take them too high, because it makes them unsatisfied. You will have to train them from an early age to get used to hugs; It does not come naturally. Start by descending on the ground and caressing them, ultimately bringing them closer, hugging them and holding them on your knees.

Rabbits keep their own time

Rabbits are twilight, which means that they generally sleep during the day and night. So when are they awake? Twilight and dawn! Although it is ideal for evening hugs on the sofa, it may not be the best while you try to fall asleep early, especially if they have a free house race.