Rabbits aren't just our pets, they're our companions, and our companions deserve a long and healthy lifestyle. There are a few special welfare needs that are vital to take into consideration when caring fur our rabbit's dental, digestive and emotional health.
Environment is extremely important, many hutches are sold that are too small for rabbits and owners can be completely oblivious to this. Rabbits need a large waterproof home that is big enough for them to lie down and stretch out comfortably. Hutches should be tall enough for the rabbit to stand on its back legs without their ears touching the top, and long enough for at least three hops. The suggested minimum size is 6ft x 2ft x2ft high but aim for bigger than this. Their exercise huts should be big enough for them to run and not just hop, the size minimum size suggestion is 8ft x 4ft x 2ft high but again go for a larger run whenever possible. The hutch should be cleaned every day and any remaining food or wet or dirty hay should be removed, and it should be cleaned thoroughly once a week.
It's vital that we understand our rabbit's dietary needs. Rabbits have quite a unique digestive system, which means that their meals should be planned carefully. Rabbits need two kinds of fibre moving around their digestive system. These are digestible fibre and indigestible fibre. It is important to provide your rabbit with a mixture of hay, nuggets, mature snacks, fresh greens. It is crucial to give your bunny the right balance of fibre, vitamins, nutrients and minerals.
Rabbits like company just like us humans, so pairing your rabbit is advisable. Companionship from another rabbit is one of the best ways to keep your pet a 'happy bunny', but it is advised that you choose similar of size to prevent bullying. Health and welfare of your rabbit is vital. Most rabbits will groom themselves but regular brushing keeps their coats healthy and prevents fur balls. Rabbits need vaccinations just like us! We need to protect them from viral diseases which are almost always fatal, but preventable. Your local vet can advise you on when you should vaccinate your rabbit. If you have a male and female rabbit you should consider getting the male neutered, this allows the male and female to live together without having unwanted babies. It can also reduce behaviour problems such as aggression that is linked to hormones; again you can consult your vet for advice.
Finally it is important to play with your rabbit, because it keeps them physically active and mentally stimulated. This can reduce problems such as fur plucking that can occur when a rabbit is bored. You can provide your rabbit with toys from your local pet shop, or you can use household objects such as cardboard boxes, or plastic pipes (but you must ensure you rabbit won't get stuck). Rabbits are friendly, inquisitive, and playful and are happy be held and stroked, with the correct diet, care and handling you and your rabbit will have a long and happy time together.
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