Rabbits, their care and needs

Responsible choice of a rabbit as a pet

The idea of having a small pet can be tempting: they're adorable, take up less space, and can provide companionship and joy to your home. If you're considering the idea of having a rabbit as a pet, it's essential to make this decision consciously and responsibly.

Before getting a rabbit, take the time to research their behavior, dietary needs, habitat, and medical care. Only then will you truly see if your lifestyle aligns with that of the future new family member.

Additionally, rabbits are living beings with a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years. Before getting one, make sure you're ready to commit to the long-term responsibility of caring for, feeding, and playing with your rabbit throughout its life.

Breeds and species of domestic rabbits

There are numerous breeds and species of rabbits worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics, sizes, and behaviors. Below is a list of some of the most popular breeds and species of rabbits:

• Holland Lop: Known for their droopy ears and small size.

• Mini Rex: With a dense, soft coat resembling velvet and small, upright ears.

• Lionhead: Characterized by the mane of fur around their heads.

• Netherland Dwarf: Known for their small size and short, rounded ears.

• Angora: The long, silky fur of Angora rabbits requires meticulous care to prevent matting.

• Flemish Giant: Known for being one of the largest rabbit breeds.

• Jersey Wooly: Characterized by their wooly, fluffy coats resembling wool fleece.

• American Fuzzy Lop: Very similar to Holland Lops but with longer, fluffier fur.

• Silver Fox: Among all rabbit breeds, Silver Fox rabbits are the only ones that come in a single color: black.

Rabbit habitat and housing

Providing an appropriate habitat and housing is essential to ensure the well-being and health of your rabbit. Rabbits are active and curious animals that need space to move, explore, and exercise.

Basic requirements for a rabbit cage:

The cage should be large enough to allow the rabbit to stretch out fully, meaning it should be at least 69 cm long, 47 cm wide, and 35 cm high. Although there are smaller options available, our recommendation is that it should always be larger, at least 4 to 6 times the size of the rabbit.

If you intend to have a pair of rabbits, you'll need to expand the space to at least 4 square meters.

Cages serve as burrows for rabbits, providing them a place where they can feel safe and secure. That's why they should always be kept clean, well-designed, and equipped with the necessary accessories for their well-being.

Enrichment and care

Our rabbit's cage should have a hay rack, a water bottle of at least 450 cc, a feeder, a wooden shelter, and a corner litter box for them to do their business.

Additionally, since they are so curious and playful, we always recommend including toys and ropes specially designed for them to avoid causing them harm.

Rabbit food

Guide for a balanced diet

Prioritize quality hay as the foundation and supplement with a variety of fresh vegetables.

Additionally, it's important to monitor quantities and always add a controlled amount of high-quality rabbit pellets. Don't forget to limit treats and provide fresh water at all times!

Allowed and prohibited foods

Allowed foods for rabbits include:

• Quality hay as the dietary staple.

• Fresh vegetable variety such as spinach, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, and broccoli.

• Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley.

• High-quality rabbit pellets are also appropriate as long as they don't contain seeds or other inappropriate ingredients.

• Quality rabbit snacks.

On the other hand, it's essential to avoid toxic foods for rabbits such as chocolate, onions, or garlic, as well as foods high in sugar and fats like sweets and processed foods.

How to Prevent Obesity and Other Diet-Related Diseases in Rabbits

To prevent obesity and diet-related diseases in rabbits, it's crucial to maintain a balance between a proper diet and exercise. Provide plenty of hay to promote your pet's digestion, include a wide variety of fresh vegetables, and limit treats to healthier options.

Additionally, try to ensure that your rabbit moves and plays daily to ensure their physical activity.

Health and care in rabbits

To care for your rabbit's health, it's essential to be attentive to common symptoms of illness, such as changes in appetite, abnormal behavior, difficulty breathing, or diarrhea, as well as nasal or ocular discharge.

Additionally, you should ensure to follow an appropriate vaccination and deworming program to prevent diseases and ensure the health of your small rodent.

Rabbit Behavior and Socialization

Interpreting rabbits' body language, such as licking or stretching, allows us to understand their emotional states and needs.

To encourage positive interaction with your pet, it's key to provide them with an enriched environment including tunnels and toys for chewing to promote their mental stimulation.

Just like with any pet, it's crucial to start socializing them from a young age so they become accustomed to contact with humans and other animals.

Recommended accessories and toys for rabbits

To enrich their environment, recommended toys for rabbits include tunnels, chew balls, food puzzles, and wooden toys. These types of games not only stimulate their minds but also promote their dental health.

Additionally, involving them in activities such as hiding treats in their environment, creating play areas with obstacles, and allowing them to explore space outside of the cage freely enriches their experience and prevents boredom.

Coexistence of rabbits with other pets and children

With other pets

It's advisable to gradually introduce rabbits to the presence of other pets, such as dogs or cats, to ensure a safe relationship. It's always important to supervise initial interactions and provide a safe space for your rabbit to retreat if they feel stressed.

With children

It's essential to teach them to interact gently and respectfully, avoiding loud noises or sudden movements. As a general rule, rabbits are perfect for older children to develop caring attitudes towards other living beings.

Benefits of having a rabbit

• Rabbits are sociable, intelligent, and playful animals, and they can easily form a strong bond with other family members.

• They contribute to children and teenagers' development by teaching them responsibility and respect as they learn to care for the needs of other living beings.

• Additionally, rabbits are quiet animals and don't typically present issues when left alone at home for short periods, such as a weekend, as long as they have access to water and food.

• They enjoy contact with people, so it's recommended to let them out of their cage to explore and play in safe environments under supervision.

• There are numerous scientific studies affirming that interaction with companion animals, such as rabbits and other small mammals, triggers the release of hormones that generate positive sensations and feelings of happiness.

• It's important to schedule at least one annual veterinary check-up, including deworming and vaccination, to ensure their good health.