Rabbit

Rabbit

Rabbits are active, playful and social. Entertaining to watch, a rabbit can be a very rewarding pet. Their popularity as a pet is growing. They are quiet and do not demand a lot of attention. Properly socialized rabbits are relatively calm and enjoy being around their people. They will allow you to hold them but lots of times they would rather not be held. Rabbits can be litter box trained. Indoor rabbits will love to hop around your house, however rabbits like to chew. If you allow your rabbit to roam free in your house or outside for that matter, be sure to keep things you do not wish the rabbit to chew out of his reach. Rabbits will chew things such as furniture, curtains and wires. You may want to look into cord protectors, found in most mail order pet supply catalogs. Chewed wires are dangerous for the rabbit and can also be a fire hazard for you. A rabbit must be provided with things it is allowed to chew such as a block of wood. Because most rabbits do not like to be held and cuddled, a rabbit may not be a good choice of a pet for very active children who may not be careful when picking them up or playing around them. Rabbits can be destructive if deprived of attention and appropriate toys. Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they are more active during twilight hours (around 10 p.m.). They sleep most of the daylight hours. Some rabbits will sleep with their eyes open. When rabbits sleep they will often twitch, and their noses stop wiggling. A happy rabbit will sometimes jump up into the air twisting and flicking its feet and head. Rabbits will show they are unhappy, startled, or warn of danger by thumping their back feet. If a rabbit grunts or squeaks when you touch it, it may be telling you it does not wish to be touched or it may be displaying territorial behavior. Rabbits that are territorial can become aggressive when you suddenly stick your hand into their territory. Spaying and neutering rabbits greatly reduces the risk of this behavior. A rabbit will squeal to express extreme fear or pain. A rabbit that has never been caught by a person may squeal in fear as it is picked up from the ground.

Rabbits must be kept in a relatively large cage. Most rabbits are kept in outdoor rabbit hutches, however keeping in indoor rabbit is becoming more and more popular. Rabbits can be kept outdoors if they have adequate shelter. They need to be shielded from rain, wind, sun and drafts. If a rabbit is protected from the elements, they can withstand very cold weather. Some choose to use a wire cage with an enclosed box inside the cage. A 7-pound rabbit should be housed in at least a 2 foot by 2 foot house. Larger rabbits will need larger houses. Some outdoor rabbit houses have self-cleaning wire bottoms which allow the urine and poop to drop through the bottom. Outdoor rabbit hutches have an indoor area where the rabbit can get out of the elements and an outdoor area where they can go and lie in the sun. Whichever you choose, it is important that your set up is well ventilated.