I Want a Pet

February 22nd, 2008 Posted in Reptile Pets

For most of my childhood, all I wanted was a pet. But to my dismay, my parents would not allow it. Time and time again I would hear, “Its a big responsibility;” and “Your brother is allergic.” I tried arguing. I tried contracts. But they werent easily convinced. When I was ten, I finally got a fish. A few years later, a newt. After his untimely death on my birthday (I was inconsolable for months and sang “Goodnight Sweetheart” every night while crying myself to sleep) my parents, following a neighbors example, finally let me get something furry and cuddly - a rabbit. Rabbits were uncommon pets among my friends in rural New Jersey. I was easily won over, but, I have found that most people do not know what a great pet a rabbit can be. They are extremely loving, friendly, and relatively low-maintenance companions. Rabbits do have some special needs that differ from your dog or cat, though. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering a pet rabbit: Rabbits should be kept indoors. Even though Im sure youve seen rabbits outside in a wooden hutch, domesticated rabbits are not meant to endure the weather and predators found outside. You can find a wire or plastic bottom cage at your nearest pet store. Be sure to line the bottom of the cage with something soft if you opt for a wire cage since rabbits do not have protective pads on their feet like cats and dogs. We lined our wire cage with small hand or kitchen towels as well as an ample spread of Timothy hay. This protects their feet which can be prone to irritation called sore hocks. Rabbits need space. Our bunny was a Netherlands dwarf so he only grew to be three and a half pounds, but we did upgrade his cage once he was an adult. Rabbits need a spacious cage, even if you allow them to run around the house. We usually let him have free run of the house if someone was home but closed him in for the night when no one was there to keep an eye out. Rabbits can be potty trained. Consider placing a small litter box inside the cage but be sure to use organic or natural litter since certain types used for cats will not work for your rabbit. We used to line the removable tray of our rabbits cage with newspaper and changed this every day. Rabbits urine does carry some odor and the newspaper does not completely absorb this. After a few months our bunny became accustomed to going to the bathroom in the same corner. Even when he was running around the house he would return to his cage when he needed to use his corner. Rabbits should be neutered. Neutering your rabbit will further facilitate litter training as well as maintain his health. Young males can be aggressive and territorial by marking different areas of the house with urine and droppings. This behavior stopped almost completely once he was fixed. It is also important to spay female rabbits in order to prevent reproductive cancers that can develop. Rabbits need exercise. Your living space and lifestyle will most likely dictate how much time you allow your bunny to run free in the house. Rabbits need at minimum, a few hours a day to run free. Young bunnies especially love to run, jump, explore, and do tricks in the air called “helicopters.” Be sure to bunny proof your house by closing off any tiny spaces they might get into. Rabbits are also very prone to chewing. Your furniture, carpets, and wires are all free reign to your pet. Keep cords out of the way to prevent electrocution and move any plants out of reach to avoid ingestion. Rabbits are fragile. We used a baby gate to keep our rabbit enclosed in a particular area if we didnt want him going up or down the stairs. Young rabbits may not be able to go up or down stairs, or move about on a wooden or tile floor where they can slip and slide. Be sure to watch them carefully because they have a fragile frame and can break their backs if not handled properly. Rabbits enjoy a good run outside. We used an adjustable harness to avoid escape. Our rabbit became scared fairly easily from passing cars and dogs. If you allow your pet to run in a closed off area outside be sure to watch carefully for predators and to ensure that he is not eating anything that might upset his stomach. We found that grazing small quantities of grass did not cause any major intestinal problems. Rabbits need a varied diet. The primary diet for rabbits is: pellets, hay, water and fresh vegetables. Each day we also gave our rabbit some oats which he devoured, especially after clipping his nails since they are supposed to relieve stress. Hay is an important source of fiber and helps the digestive tract remain healthy. Rabbits eat their own softer droppings in order to aid digestion and break down all of the cellulose in their diet; do not be alarmed when you see them do this. Leafy green vegetables such as kale, parsley and dandelion greens were some of our rabbits favorites. Carrots and the occasional bite of banana, apple, or berries also served as a treat. Be very sure to avoid human foods which can upset their stomachs. Rabbits are social animals. They are very affectionate creatures and need love and attention from their owners. Rabbits can adapt to living with cats and dogs but should not be left alone with them. If you are able, try to get a bonded pair of rabbits so that they will each have a companion. We selected our rabbit because he was handled a lot from a very young age, and was very affectionate with his siblings. He was so friendly that he allowed us to hold him like a baby and he often licked like a dog. House rabbits can eventually learn to come when their name is called. Not all of them are as comfortable with human contact. Be patient, especially if you have children. Be sure that they are holding the rabbit carefully. Rabbits need to be groomed. Rabbits enjoy being pet on their back and head. This simulates the grooming and affection they received from their mother and siblings. When you are cuddling your rabbit take a little time to brush his excess fur. Because rabbits are unable to cough or vomit it is important that you aid their shedding by brushing their coat to avoid a hair ball. Rabbits are very adept at cleaning themselves and each other, but a lot of excess fur can accumulate. You also need to be sure to clip your bunnys nails. This should be done with extra care so that you do not cut too deep and cause bleeding. Its a good idea to have a styptic pencil on hand. If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, you may be able to take him to your veterinarian or local pet store. For more information on having a pet rabbit visit: http://www.rabbit.org/ or http://www.hsus.org/. Or you should always contact a veterinarian for reliable information on pet care.

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