Contrary to what most people think, rabbits need more to eat than just carrots! A rabbit needs about 1-2 cups of fresh vegetables every day (like carrot tops, cucumber, etc.), some fresh fruit (apple without the seeds, bananas) and fresh hay - plenty of hay. A rabbit's teeth grow continually throughout its life, and rough foods like hay help to file down the teeth! And don't forget to keep the water bowl filled with fresh clean water.
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Thump-thump-thump. Sounds like a rabbit – hippity-hoppity – Easter is coming and along with it, the Easter bunny! But if you’re thinking your family might enjoy a real live bunny, let’s give that some more thought.
Little baby bunnies are so cute, but before long they grow up to become rabbits. And rabbits can make really great pets, but like any other animal in your home, it’s the time and attention you invest in an animal that makes it a good pet.
People who keep rabbits as pets sometimes put them in an outdoor hutch, with a wire mesh floor. That makes them easier to care for, and clean-up is a breeze; but you wouldn’t do that to a dog or cat, so why do it to your pet bunny?
First, that wire mesh hurts a rabbit’s tender feet. Second, rabbits are intelligent and sensitive animals who enjoy interaction so being isolated makes them less of a pet and more like livestock. You can’t control the climate in an outdoor hutch, so extreme hot or cold temperatures can be uncomfortable for your bunny.
To keep a rabbit as a pet, choose an indoor place – a corner or a small room – and set out a litter box, like you would for a cat, but no clay litter, no wood shavings, no clumping litter. Look for paper-based litter, and keep it shallow. Brush your furry friend often to prevent hair balls, and give it some toys, and some attention. If you really want to keep it happy, get two.
When your rabbit is about six months old, have it spayed or neutered. This will prevent problems with spraying, and if you have more than one you won’t be overrun with baby bunny rabbits.
A major benefit to keeping your rabbit indoors: the lifespan for a bunny living in a hutch is one-to-two years. An indoor rabbit has an average lifespan of ten-to-twelve years! And some have been known to live into their teens!
The best animal companions are those that live with humans who are caring and kind – whatever time of year, and whatever type of animal – when you’re speaking of pets.
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