Rabbit Care & Tips

Rabbit Care and Tips
 Pets can complete a home and family. Children often want pets more than adults do as they think animals are cute and dont realize the long term care it may take to provide for the animal. Adults on the other hand know the requirements it takes to keep a pet long-term. Like any pet, rabbits need more then just food and water. They need to be feed and watered daily, "spot" cleaned every other day, socialized regularly, and provide visits to the vet when needed. When you decide to purchase a rabbit, you will need to know exactly what is required.  
Before discussing your rabbits needs, you will want to know a few of the species available.  Most common rabbit available are dwarf, dutch, and lop eared bunnies for pets. The dwarf rabbit is smaller in size and is best kept indoors, 
while the lops are not as sensitive to the weather and can be housed inside or outside in moderate climates.  Generally rabbits do better in cooler temperatures then hot.  They do not tolerate high temperatures and have a tough time regulating 
body temp. The lop eared rabbits grow to be a good size and have long floppy ears. The type of rabbit you wish to have for a pet will in part decide on the care.  Like cats and dogs, rabbits can receive shots from the vet to keep them in 
good health.  When handling rabbits like any animals it is best to wash your hands before and after handling. Rabbits can have dietary issues so it is important to feed them a diet of majority pellets and hay. If your rabbit stops eating or drinking 
it may be best to take them for a vet visit.  
Rabbits eat pellets, hay and small amounts of vegetables and treats. Most rabbits like to munch on small amounts of carrots or lettuce hearts. You want to provide fresh food and 
water to your rabbit everyday. Unlike cats that eat when they are hungry, a rabbit can over eat and become over weight so you must control their feedings.  Some foods for rabbits contain nuts, these are typically not good as they can be 
high in fiber and cause digestive issues. You can feed your rabbit dried fruit as a treat, but you must keep it in moderation.  Housing for a rabbit can be inside your home or if you wish to keep them outside a wooden hutch will work best. 
Most outside cages have a closed sheltered area and are designed to let the waste fall through into a pan so they are not sitting or laying in it. The cage should be large enough to house an adult rabbit with bedding spread out. 
They should be given plenty of water and have it changed out daily. Having a backyard for your pet rabbit is great. They can roam around for exercise and forage on grass just make sure your grass is not treated with chemicals or that 
they can run away. You will want to "spot" clean their cages every other day at least and complete clean out at least once a week or more depending on how messy or smelly it becomes. Your rabbit needs a clean environment to eliminate 
the possibilities of disease. An important factor in having a long living rabbit is their environment. Most rabbits live 5 to 10 years.  Rabbits with their fuzzy tails or floppy ears are just some of the best pets you can own but make 
sure you do your research ahead of time before you purchase. They are a medium maintenance pet with proper environment and care you can have your rabbit for years. Your children will enjoy a rabbit as a pet but make sure 
they will remain involved.  Pets are needed to complete a family and provide enjoyment for everyone.