Care of decorative rabbits
A decorative rabbit is more vulnerable and gentle than a cat or dog. He needs special care, which is to follow certain rules. We will talk about them today.
Rabbit, who is properly cared for, is able to live up to 12 years. He has beautiful soft wool, which is a pleasure to touch. Besides, a rabbit in good spirits is a cheerful animal that is happy to participate in games. You have a great incentive to take care of your pet properly!
Decorative rabbit care: we equip the cage
The cell shouldn’t be too tight. It is desirable that it be 4-5 times larger than the rabbit itself. Inside there should be a feeder, drinker, tray and house. The cage tray should be solid. Rabbits do not know how to move comfortably on the lattice pallets. If you do buy a cell with a net from below, cover the bottom with a plastic tray or other similar object.
Put the bedding on the bottom. Straw or sawdust is ideal. The bedding should be dried. If it’s wet and dirty, your pet may have stomach problems. It is recommended to clean the bedding at least three times a week.
If the rabbit is seriously dirty, it should be replaced completely. Some rabbit guides recommend that you don’t cover the bedding at all, as the animal goes to the toilet where he likes. It all depends on the nature of your pet. If he’s easily accustomed to the litter tray, there’s no need to deprive the rabbit of soft bedding.
Place the tray in the cage. Straw, fine sawdust or paper should be poured inside. Clean the tray every day. Decorative rabbits are clean animals. They will prefer to clean the cage in a clean place rather than in a dirty tray. Hence the unpleasant smell that many owners complain about.
Securely attach a feeder and automatic drinker to the cage. Any loose part of the rabbit uses in their games. You won’t like it, especially at night. It is better to use a massive ceramic bowl for feeding. The rabbit will not be able to turn it over.
If you want to know how to care for rabbits and what to feed them, you need to be aware of their habits. Activity is one of them. To keep the rabbit from making too much noise, you need to take away the possibility of “bullying” in the cage.
Recommendations for the placement of the cell:
- A place inaccessible to other pets;
- protected from direct sunlight;
- far away from doors that open frequently, air conditioning, battery, heater, etc;
- located in a room with a temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius. Small deviations are allowed.
Protect your pet from external stimuli that could frighten it. For example, from screaming and hitting the cage. Frightening the rabbit may cause the heart to malfunction.
About eating ornamental rabbits
These pets’ ration is based on hay. Food should always be in the nursery of the cage. Important: Make sure that the rabbit is free of rot, flesh and odour before giving it hay. Your pet’s stomach is extremely vulnerable, and any food defect can lead to food disorders.
Many people make mistakes by putting food on the cage tray. A rabbit can “mark” newly arrived hay, which can cause it to spoil quickly. He will then eat the hay that has already been spoiled, which will again lead to stomach upset.
It is necessary to give the rabbit mixed fodder. This food improves digestion and keeps teeth in good condition. Rabbits can be given 1 tablespoon three times a day.
In the case of adults, it is not the amount of feed that changes, but the way it is served: 1.5 spoons twice a day. Rabbits first eat the grains and then move on to the pellets. Therefore, if you see that your pet hasn’t finished the pellets, you shouldn’t throw them away.
Grass is a healthy food for decorative rabbits, but you should be careful with it. Firstly, grass should not be given to individuals under 4 months of age. Secondly, this food should be fed little by little. A few leaves are enough. Thirdly, the grass should be dried and only after that should it be given to the pet. The most useful types of grass – chamomile, yarrow, mouse peas.
Vegetables and fruits are introduced into the diet not earlier than 2 months. Rabbits like apples and carrots, for example. It is necessary to start with some small slices. Decorative rabbits care and feeding is in many respects observance of “dosages” of food. Large portions of new food can cause stomach problems.
You can pamper a rabbit with pear branches, birches, currants, mountain ash. It is necessary to clean them from leaves beforehand. Rabbits and dried fruits love them.
A great solution would be to buy special pet food for rabbits in the pet shop. It can include fruits, cereals, vegetables and many other useful components.
