Who could possibly pass up the chance to touch a soft rabbit, with their beautiful coats and long velvety ears rabbits are what many people consider adorable. Many children all across North America and Europe enjoy keeping rabbits as pets because they are fun and cute. What many people do not know however is that they can be a considerable amount of work to keep as pets. It is not as simple as keeping them in a cage and petting them when you desire, rabbits need much more to become suitable house pets.
While they can be less troublesome than a dog at times when it comes to walks and vet costs, rabbits have their own share of issues that must be addressed in order for the animal to be a good house pet. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your furry little friend will be a happy and enjoyable pet for years to come.
One of the most important aspects that must be considered is the fact that rabbits have and always will be regarded as prey for many larger animals. For this reason the rabbit should not be housed outside, as it they will become a target for as stray fox or raccoon when not watched. Albeit the fact that the rabbit will be in a cage, just the notion that a wild animal is viewing them will be enough to send the rabbit into stress and the rabbit can indeed suffer a fatal heart attack.
It is not only the threat of predators that can be a major concern when housing rabbits outside, it is also the elements that must be considered. Depending on where you live, you will need to ensure that it is not too hot or cold for the rabbit to live outdoors. The last thing you want is to have the rabbit overheat and die, or freeze to death out in the cold. Domestic rabbits are not as adaptable as their wild counterparts, for this reason it is best to keep them indoors and save the rabbit from undue stress.
You will want to make sure that your home or area where you let the rabbit roam is completely rabbit proofed, rabbits are extreme chewers and can actually do an awful lot of damage should they be left unattended. Electrical cords are a major concern, as they cannot only die from electrical shock, they can also start a fire. Many common houseplants can also be a big problem as rabbits are leaf eaters; they may find a quick meal right inside the home. This is a big mistake unbeknownst to the rabbit of course as many houseplants are toxic and will poison the rabbit. Make sure you have a safe and open area for the rabbit to roam and play should you elect to have it un-caged. It is always a good idea to supervise your pet rabbit when not caged as this could save the house and the rabbits life all at the same time.
Should you decide to have the rabbit roam free in an area in your home you will most likely need to teach them to use a litter box. This is not a difficult process, actually no more difficult than teaching a cat to use one. While it may be true that rabbit feces are small little pellet like waste, it really can accumulate rather quickly if not addressed. It is also a good idea due to the acidic nature of their urine which left unattended to will surely damage your carpet or floors. It is not healthy for any animal to be allowed to waste in inappropriate areas or outside of an acceptable area.
Feeding is not really an issue when it comes to rabbits; they are avid leaf eaters so plenty of greens will suffice. Carrots and other various vegetables will work fine too. You will want to ensure a constant and steady stream of fresh water for the rabbit as well. Make sure that you do not leave rotting or older vegetables in the food dish, as this is harmful to the rabbit. Not only is it unhealthy for the rabbit, it may invoke feeding problems down the road that you will want to avoid.
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