Three points are worth noting about rabbits:
- They are naturally highly alert to predators. Sudden movements or surprises precipitate a flight reaction, plus possible kicks by those powerful hind legs if obstructed.
- Rabbits are unable to vomit, so a good diet is very much advised to avoid blockages.
- Left to their own devices, rabbits can be quite destructive, mainly by chewing but also from their strong nails.
Rabbits with Children
Pet rabbits can get used to being handled, but usually only for short times at best. They can also be taught to perform tricks and will certainly amuse, but their natural flight reactions, teeth, hind legs and nails can combine to injure a child's face or hands if alarmed or surprised.
Children should be shown how it is best to sit next to the rabbit and stroke it gently, avoiding its ears and not making any sudden movements or loud noises.
Rabbit Diet
Rabbit food requirements consist entirely of plant materials, ideally grassy fibres, vegetables and occasionally some fruit. Lettuce and alfalfa also suit most rabbits, as do carrots, broccoli and the green leaves of dandelions. Commercial rabbit food provides the right mixture of ingredients for the rabbit's delicate digestive system, as well as including vitamin supplements and other minerals necessary for the rabbit's good health.
Rabbits eliminate frequently every day. There are two types of faeces. Cecotropes are soft droppings that the rabbit will eat to re-digest the nutrients. Failure to produce them or to eat them is usually a sign of intestinal problems requiring emergency vet intervention. The vet will often feed the rabbit something to break down blockages in the rabbit's digestive system.
The other faeces type are the hard pellets. Again, if it looks as though none of these have been produced over twelve hours, it is time for the vet again.
Rabbit Cage
Healthy rabbits like to exercise and jump, so large cages and enclosures are to be preferred. Sharp edges on wire mesh need to be avoided and the rabbit's enormous capacity for chewing should be taken into account when choosing its environment.
Litter trays need to be large enough but not so large that the rabbit can rest in it. Ramps, toys and even mazes help provide variety and stimulation for rabbits.
Rabbit Grooming
A rabbit will groom its fur itself, but it is worth supplementing. Frequency for brushing will normally be weekly, but more frequently, possibly even daily for very long-haired breeds. Non-metal brushes are the best as rabbit skin is quite delicate. Long fur can be trimmed carefully if necessary.
It is best to try and work mats out of rabbit fur rather than cutting them out if possible.
A very practical idea when clipping the nails of the rabbit is to restrain the rabbit by wrapping it in a towel and use small nail-scissors rather than clippers for rabbits. It is also much better to try to progress things a little at a time, taking too little rather than too much, so as not to cut into the quick, the blood vessel in the nail, which will bleed profusely and be painful for the rabbit.
Rabbit Health Clues By Observation
Rabbits are not the easiest pets for the keeper to be able to detect when something is wrong. So a useful method is to be alert to changes in the rabbit's normal behavior. This often provides clues which can then be followed up.
For example, if the rabbit isn't keeping itself clean or its appetite suddenly changes, these two are usually indicators of potential problems, as are the obvious ones of constipation and diarrhoea. Feeling for skin abrasions, lumps or sensitive areas when touched, are further checks that can be carried out when grooming.
Excessive scratching may indicate fleas or mites. Mites sometimes manifest themselves as scabs in the rabbit's ears.
Rabbits Veterinary Advice
Rabbit health, especially if linked to the digestive system, can deteriorate very quickly. Locating a vet with experience of rabbits is a useful precaution.
Rabbits don't have annual vaccinations, but an annual veterinary health check is eminently sensible. For older rabbits, say over six years of age, a more frequent check is advisable.
Rabbits With Other Pets
Whilst there are exceptions, dogs and rabbits are not a good mix for obvious reasons. Cats and rabbits will often tolerate each other but will also fight; rabbits are quite muscular and large ones can inflict a lot of damage in these situations. Cats will often attack baby rabbits.
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