Do you want to buy a rabbit? As with so many animals, it is best not to start that adventure just like that. Keep these things in mind, if you want to keep a rabbit as a pet.
1. Practical info
Rabbits have a life expectancy of about ten years. So, a cute long-eared bunny is not an impulse purchase. Ask yourself whether you have enough time to give the animal love and attention, and whether you have enough financial resources to take care of a rabbit for life.
2. Buying one or two rabbits?
Rabbits are naturally social animals. Especially if you want to keep your rabbit outside, you might want to consider adopting two. Your rabbits might become territorial and aggressive if they do not get along with their buddy. But if they are attached to one another, it is a pleasure to see them living life together. And that is what your rabbits like best.
3. How do you house a rabbit?
Preferably keep a rabbit outdoors as a pet. Install a large run where the animals can stretch their limbs. They feel at best when it is nice and warm outside (18-21°C), but they deal with the cold fairly well. If they are outside in winter, check several times a day that the water in their bottle is not frozen.
4. What does keeping a rabbit entail?
Change the bedding in the hutch weekly. Every now and then you will have to disinfect the whole hutch. Make sure that the rabbits have a place in the shade and avoid draughts. In terms of body care, the animals are not demanding: brush them once in a while and keep their nails short. They also need annual vaccinations against myxomatosis and RHD-1 and -2.
5. What feed do you give a rabbit?
Give your rabbit unrestricted access to fresh hay and fresh water. Additionally, provide a diet of high-fibre feed, which contributes to healthy teeth. Your pet will also greatly appreciate fresh vegetables. Just like fruit or a tasty snack, but limit this to about 20% of what you feed it over a day. You should not give licking blocks, because they can cause kidney problems.
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