Rabbits

Hi Petpals!

Did you know that Rabbits are the most popular pets after Dogs and Cats? So why is it, they're the most neglected?

I'll tell you why, it's because not every rabbit owner knows how to care for them correctly and most rabbits live in a hutch at the bottom of gardens where they're easily forgotten about. (Especially in autumn/winter where the weather is rubbish and everyone is reluctant to go out in the cold)

I understand not everyone has the space to keep a rabbit inside their house, however there things that can be done to ensure your rabbit is comfortable outside.

The House

Firstly, make sure your rabbits hutch is big enough for your rabbit, I find the hutches that are made today are not suitable mainly because the sleeping area and hutch themselves are far too small. A rabbit must be able to stand fully on their back legs without their ears touching the hutch roof.

You could try to make your own two teird hutch with the upstairs being specifically for sleeping and the downstairs for general activities. Either way, a rabbit must have a secure sleeping area that will be draft free and big enough so they can move about easily and feel safe/warm.



A suitable hutch design if you were to make your own

An alternative to a hutch could be to convert a shed into a house. Personally, I think this is an excellent option as it provides space, shelter, security and warmth for the rabbit. A few alterations would need to be made to the shed such as making sure there is a gate/screen across the door entrance so that when you go in, your rabbit will not escape. The gate/screen should ideally be a wooden frame with mesh so that during the day you can leave the door open allowing for ventilation.



A 'wendy house' modification

You would also have to line the shed floor so that its flat and smooth, Lino is suitable for this. Windows will also need to be added so that plenty of fresh air and natural light can get in. Again this can be achieved easily by replacing the window frame with mesh.

A run can be attached to the shed and a cat flap installed allowing access between the run and shed. Make sure the run is well secure and has a lid to prevent predators (cats, dogs etc) from getting in.

Another thing that will need to be considered if planning to house a rabbit in a converted shed is security. Make sure the shed is locked by both a bolt lock and padlock. This will ensure not only your rabbits security but prevent unwanted humans from getting access too.

Location

Not many people take into account that the location of an animals house is vital to their health and well being.

Hutches should be away from direct sunlight, free from windy areas and in a quiet area away from children's play areas.

If your rabbit is housed in a hutch, make sure it's not at the bottom of the garden and nearby the back door so that they are not forgotten about.

Bedding

It's important that your rabbit has fresh and clean bedding at all times. A thick layer of newspaper should cover the surface of your rabbits hutch/house and an unlimited amount of hay should be provided, Hay is extremely important for your rabbits digestive system and is essential in the care of rabbits.

Rabbits like to poop, eat and sleep in separate areas. I would ensure that food bowls and water bottles are away from your rabbits pooping area and separate from the sleeping area too. If your rabbit is housed in a shed, I would invest in a cornered litter tray for your rabbit and then place the food bowls and water bottles on the other side of the shed.

Rabbits must be fully cleaned out once or twice a week! I will be covering this in another blogpost so make sure you follow to stay up to date!

Enrichment/Toys

For anyone that does not know what enrichment is, it simply means to make your pets life fuller and happier. In the wild, rabbits live in burrows and only come out for food/exercise. To mimic this, add tunnels and hides in your rabbits house to ensure they behave as naturally as they can. It's also fun for  rabbits too!

Links
Please check out these links for useful information:

http://www.rspca.org.uk/home
http://www.petsathome.com/
http://rabbit.org/category/care/


Thanks for reading and I hope this has helped! If you would like me to write these informative posts in bullet points in future so it's easier to read than please leave a comment and let me know. I will be covering Toys and Cleaning out in more detail in future posts so make sure you follow to stay up to date.