My Rabbit
From the family Leporidae

 

Where Do I Come From?
Rabbits are ground dwellers and their habitat ranges from tropical forest to desert to wetlands. In the Western Hemisphere they are generally found in the middle latitudes. Though in the Eastern Hemisphere they are found in Japan and Sumatra.
The rabbit’s long ears are most likely an adaption for the detection of predators. As well as their distinct ears they have long powerful hind legs and a small tuft of a tail.
Rabbits have a type of digestive system that puts them in the group of “hindgut digesters”. This means that most of their digestion takes place in the large intestine and cecum. In rabbits the cecum is up to 10 times bigger than the stomach and the large intestine and the cecum together make up 40% of the animals digestive system.
They reingest their own faeces (as opposed to cows who “chew the cud”) to ensure they are getting the full nutritional benefit of what they are eating. They do two types of faeces; the drier harder pellets are not eaten again.
How old will I get?
Your rabbit can live up to 10 years. Dwarf varieties tend to be shorter lived, approximately 5 to 7 years.
What will I need from my new owner?
The Home:
A rabbit is kept in a housing unit known as a hutch.
The larger the home you can provide the better for your animal. Rabbits make great pets, and will benefit from lots of interaction and handling. At Petstop we will advise you on the best handling techniques for rabbits. Choosing their housing unit is a matter of personal taste and circumstances.
However it must be a least five times the size of the animal, as an absolute minimum. And even housing a rabbit in the minimum sized unit would mean that rabbit would need daily exercise outside of his housing unit.
Rabbits are sociable animals and can live in companionship with humans, guinea pigs and even have been known to befriend the family cat or dog!
It is important to avoid wire caging on the floor of the hutch, as this could damage the feet of your pet. Rabbits will benefit from some bedding placed on the floor of the hutch.
Food
Rabbits are herbivores. Your rabbit should have a regular daily supply of hay and a food bowl with a pre packed rabbit mix. Our pet advisors can ensure you have your rabbit on the right diet. It is important that you know what your rabbit has been eating before you get him/her. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and can become critically ill if their diet is changed suddenly.
Your rabbit should also be given a variety of dark green leafy vegetables and a selection of root vegetable. Fruit can be given but only as an occasional treat.

Cleaning
Rabbits need fresh food and water daily. They should also be checked that their faeces has not stuck to their fur as this can lead to infections in the area. Any hard faecal pellets should be removed from the hutch, and any wet bedding that has been soiled or had water spilt on it removed and replaced.
Rabbits can be litter trained and with some patience and praise (positive reinforcement behavior) your rabbit will use a litter tray.
Your rabbit’s hutch should get a full clean out once a week, washed down and a full replacement of the bedding.
Interesting Fact:
Rabbits cannot vomit. While this is interesting, it is also a reason to observe your rabbit closely for any signs of illness and seek the advice of a vet if you are concerned.
Rabbits are prone to intestinal blockages particularly from hair getting caught after grooming. Make sure you keep your rabbit groomed and as you play and exercise him watch him for any signs of discomfort.

 

Shopping List:
Rabbit
Hutch
Bedding
Water dispenser
Food Bowl
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General Petstop Advice:
Buying a pet is an investment in the life of the little creature you decide upon. At Petstop we offer top rate advice on keeping your pet healthy and happy. We pride ourselves on our customer care, and being a one stop shop for all your pet needs. We do remind potential new pet owners of the levels of commitment involved in keeping pets. Even the lowest maintenance animals require fresh water daily, and regular observational checks to ensure they are maintaining their health and welfare. We are open seven days a week, and will always endeavour to help you with any queries you have about your pet. We do advise all pet owners to follow up any concerns they might have about their pet with a trip to their local vet.