How do I handle and bond with my rabbit?
Handling your rabbit correctly will give it all the confidence he needs to be able to trust you. Rabbits in general do not like to be picked up. When picking up, ensure you let the rabbit know it is you by letting him smell your hand and cup him under his rear and chest to ensure he feels safe you wont drop him. This trust will take time, so do not force the rabbit to do what is doesn't want to do, as this will agitate him. Rabbits introduce themselves to each other by sniffing/rubbing noses. Therefore rubbing your rabbit on the area between his eyes and the top of his nose will help in calming him. If your rabbit is nervous you will need to give him plenty of time. Rabbits are prey animals. A rabbit's eyes are situated to the side of their faces and therefore makes it difficult for them to see directly ahead. This is why you will see your rabbit looking at you from an angle. With their eyes being set this way allows them to have optimum sight around to spot any danger. Do not try and pick your rabbit up from above as it may think you are a bird swooping down and it may dart away. Best advice is to wait for him to approach you. Treats can be used when your rabbit does something good and as they are clever animals you will find they can be trained in this way. Remember not too many treats as the rabbit will become overweight and this causes further complications with health.
How big should my hutch be?As rabbits can have a long life span, make sure you buy or make a sturdy, secure and waterproof hutch that allows your rabbit to stand up comfortably on its hind legs and also long enough for it to stretch out when resting. Your rabbit should also be able to move freely around the hutch without being cramped. For the mini lops and lion lops I personally recommend at least 4ft in length by 18 inches high and 2ft deep.
There are various styles of hutch but i would always recommend that the hutch is kept off the floor tp allow the air to circulate and keeps the bottom from getting damp and cold. |
How big should my run be?A rabbit should have plenty exercise to remain healthy and happy. Run's can again be bought or made. Always make sure your run is sturdy and secure as your rabbit is often open to the elements and predators. I again would say for a mini lop or mini lion lop this should be at least 4ft square. The run should also provide a shelter from both sun and rain. Many people attach their run to the hutch with a ramp for easy access. Remember your rabbit may dig so ensure the bottom is secure also. If the run is not attached to the hutch then ensure you do not leave your rabbit unsupervised for long periods and water to drink and food/hay as rabbits naturally graze.
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Will my rabbit be too cold outside in the winter?
Remember that if your rabbit has lived outdoors all summer the temperature will drop. Just as when we begin to wrap up in out own homes, your rabbit will do the same. Ensure that there is plenty of extra bedding and an area that is free from draughts. I keep my rabbits in the sheds all year round so adding bedding is suffice although when outdoors I would recommend using an old carpet to drop over the front of the hutch also. There are products out there now that cover your whole hutch to reduce drafts.
At What Age Can A Rabbit Kitten (Baby Rabbit) Leave Its Mother?Babies or kittens are usually out of the nest at about 3-4 weeks and weaning from this point. Average period to be weaned is approximately 6 weeks although sometimes longer if the kits are particularly small. Sales MUST NOT be made until the kit is at least 8 weeks old and the kit is healthy.
A baby rabbits stomach is not fully formed until they are 20 weeks so up to this period they are more prone to get bloat due to stress. |
Why Do They Come With Change Over Food?As the rabbit has been used to a certain diet, it would be like us changing from only eating british food to eating say Indian food and getting stomach problems.
It is best to keep the rabbit on the same food for a few days after moving to alleviate stress. Then slowly over time add in the new food to the current food to get the rabbit used to its new diet. This helps prevent bloat and stress which can be fatal. |