Should i get rabbit

They have been introduced into Australia to control the wild rabbit population. Unfortunately pet rabbits are just as susceptible to them.

Try to reduce the risk of mosquito bites to your rabbits as mosquitos can carry Myxomatosis from the wild rabbit population to your pet. There is a vaccine for Calicivirus. You can have your rabbit vaccinated against this disease every 6 months by your vet. Rabbits can develop dental problems.

It is important that they are constantly chewing on something, either grass, hay or a gnawing block. Their teeth grow at a rate of 2 to 3mm per week. Overgrown teeth can lead to weight loss, severe pain and discomfort.

If you think your rabbit's teeth are getting too long, talk to your vet about some suitable options for reducing their length and maintaining an appropriate length. Rabbits are susceptible to mite infestations. Symptoms include hair loss and itchiness. Thoroughly clean out and disinfect the hutch. The rabbit should be treated by a vet. Many animal welfare shelters are inundated with unwanted pet rabbits, which have been bred by accident. If you do not plan to breed with your rabbit, discuss desexing with your vet.

In male rabbits this is a relatively simple procedure. In female rabbits it is a more major operation. Desexing can help reduce nesting behaviour and improve toilet training. Rabbits can suffer from heat stress. It is important not to place the hutch in direct sunlight during the warmer months. Keep it in the shade even on warm to cool days. It does not take long for heat to build up in small areas. On hot days it may be necessary to provide a frozen drink bottle or ice brick in the nesting area of the hutch to reduce the temperature.

You could opening a window if there is a breeze which will help cool your rabbit. If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from heat stress, you must contact your vet immediately. While you are waiting, begin the process of reducing the rabbit's temperature by placing them in tepid water or wrapping them in cool wet towels.

Never place your heat stressed rabbit in cold or iced water. Rabbits make great pets for children. However, they are fragile and young children should not handle them. They can accidentally cause injury picking the rabbit, by squeezing too tightly, or dropping them. Children should always be supervised when interacting with and, in the case of older children, handling rabbits. Rabbits must be handled appropriately so they do not scratch or bite and so they can develop a positive relationship with humans.

Handle rabbits regularly, especially when they are young. Sit while you are handling a rabbit so the rabbit can't fall.

Rabbits should be picked up with two hands. Hold them close to the chest or on your lap so they can rest their feet and feel secure. Rabbits need daily exercise.

If your rabbit is living in a hutch of minimum size make sure it has an exercise area that is safe. Your rabbit needs to access to it for at least four hours a day. Toys, obstacles and food treats are environmental enrichment that encourages your rabbit to exercise when you are not home. Rabbits can make a wonderful addition to your family. If you have other pets it is important you consider the impact of your rabbit on them and them on your rabbit.

Dogs and cats can have a natural instinct to hunt and kill rabbits. If you are introducing rabbits to a home that already has dogs and cats, your rabbit must be safe from other pets at all times. Barking dogs can also cause your rabbit stress. If you dog barks at your rabbit, ensure the hutch or run is not accessible to your dog when you are not there to supervise.

Be aware of and block any areas your rabbits can squeeze into or under, such as shelving units, furniture, or major appliances. Some rabbits also like to chew leather couches, foam, and plastic — and yes, I unfortunately know that from experience as well. Finally, some rabbits also love to climb. To successfully bond, you need two rabbits who have already been spayed or neutered according to Toni Greetis of Red Door.

That dramatically decreases the likelihood of hormonal outbursts of aggression. Even siblings can turn on one another when their teenage hormones kick in. Rabbits have an unique way of deciding who they like. Many rabbits enjoy the friendship of other rabbits. But just like humans, some rabbits prefer to be by themselves. I can also say from experience that there are few things more rewarding than watching two buns fall in love and become inseparable. Occasionally, bonded pairs are available for adoption together — check with your local shelter if you already know that this is the kind of rabbit companionship you need in your life.

Red Door is a shelter that specializes in rescuing both rabbits and cats. My very first rabbit moved in with me while I still lived at home, and we had cats. As this House Rabbit Society guide talks about, my rabbit immediately started bossing the cats around. I made sure they were never alone together — but if anything, my rabbit would probably have beaten up one of the cats instead of the other way around.

Very calm dogs and rabbits can get along as well , according to the House Rabbit Society. But pay attention to what your pets are telling you — one rabbit who lived with me came from a foster situation where dogs and cats were fostered as well. Domestic rabbits are many times removed from wild rabbits. If at any time you reach the difficult decision that you can no longer care for your rabbit, please call your nearest shelter, rescue or chapter of the House Rabbit Society to arrange for a safe surrender.

Also, many shelters that adopt out rabbits may take that rabbit back if it is absolutely necessary — contact them to check. Most shelters are full to capacity most of the time , and rely on their local network of pet foster parents to help them with overflow. Taking in new animals requires constant planning and juggling, so your contacting them ahead of time is imperative for all parties concerned.

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Petting a bunny reduces stress. There are quite a few scientific studies demonstrating that just watching an animal reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and increases serotonin, the happy molecule. Snuggling up with a bunny can even lower blood pressure! They want to play when you do. That means bunnies are the most playful in the evenings when you get home from work! Bunnies are entertaining. Have you ever seen a bunny binky?

Bunnies are intelligent; they can learn tricks and play games. They may be small, but they have BIG personalities.