|
In order to provide a comfortable home for bunny you need some basic supplies.
Cage:
I recommend a cage of at least 3-ft long by 2 ft wide, with easy access for rabbit to come and go. The general rule is "1 pound of rabbit to 1 square foot of space". In my opinion, larger is better especially if the rabbit is going to be spending a lot of time in the cage. Remember that a cage should be big enough to accommodate a small litterbox, food bowl, water bottle and a place to stretch out and sleep. In addition some rabbits like to have a small covered area (or hutch) to hide in.
If your cage has a wire bottom, it's best to supply a sitting pad for your rabbit to help minimize the potential of "sore hocks" a condition, which results in the bottom of your rabbit's feet becoming red, swollen and sore.
Cages should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from heating/air-conditioning vents, stereo speakers and the TV. It should also be out of the way of direct traffic and yet not hidden in an isolated area of the house were rabbit can become forgotten.
Litterbox:
A small plastic cat litterbox works quite well. I recommend buying at least 2 litterboxes; 1 for inside the rabbit cage, and 1 for outside the cage. Usually the one outside the cage is slightly larger than the one inside. If your rabbit’s living space is more than one room, it is advised that you place a litterbox in each room especially when you are still in the process of litter-training your rabbit.
Litter:
I personally recommend, and use, Care Fresh Pet Bedding (made from reclaimed wood pulp) available at most pet supply stores. Never use cedar or pine shavings as they have been linked to respiratory problems in rabbits. If you prefer wood shavings, aspen can be safely used. Never use clumping cat litter or cat litters containing deodorizing crystals as these too have been linked to serious medical conditions. If you prefer cat litters, a simple clay-based litter works really well. You can also use paper products such as “Yesterday’s News and some people have also been successful in using options such as corn kernels and rabbit pellets.
Dishes:
Ceramic bowls and dishes work best and have enough weight so that they are not easily tipped over. In addition you can use a water bottle for the cage if you prefer.
Toys:
Ordinary cat toys, stuffed animals and chunks of wood for chewing make great toys. Another thing that is really good is providing a cat-condo for your rabbit. If you don't have a condo you can take an ordinary cardboard box and close it all up with the exception of small bunny door. This provides bunny with a place to hide, and if you fill it with shredded newspapers it can also be a digging box.
Harness & Leash:
If you are planning on harness training your rabbit, you will need to buy a harness. There are now commercially made rabbit harness available in most pet supply stores. I would personally stay away from what is called a "figure 8" harness. These are harness that when you pull on the leash, the harness tightens around the neck. The preferred choice is a "figure H" harness, like those used for cats and dogs. If you have a large breed rabbit, you may want to by a kitten or cat harness for a better fit. As for the leash, I use a small retractable cat leash; it does the job without weighing the rabbit down.
Grooming Supplies:
With the exception of the long-haired breeds, most rabbits require minimal grooming. Rabbits do shed and therefore will need to be brushed on a regular basis, especially at times of heavy molting. Nail trimming is essential and should be done every 6 to 8 weeks. Rabbits with light coloured nails are easier to trim than those with dark nails. Either way, you might want to have someone show you how do it before you try it yourself.
In Closing:
The basics of pet rabbit care are just the beginnings of raising a happy healthy pet rabbit. There are still many things a new rabbit owner should know such as litter-training, house-training, grooming and the list goes on. So I cannot say it enough, get yourself a good rabbit handbook and do your homework.
|
