Summer can be more than extremely hard on your pet rabbit. It can be downright dangerous. At the very least, hot temperatures can make your bunny very uncomfortable, but in some cases it can cause death through such symptoms as swelling of the brain. Obviously the heat can also cause extreme dehydration, which is very dangerous. Be on the lookout for listlessness in your pet rabbit. If he is not moving, or if he is panting or acting abnormally please seek medical help for him as soon as possible. Avoid shocking his system by extreme changes in temperature such as submerging him in cold water ever or by dousing his ears if not well. In the case of older or overweight rabbits, the risk factor is even higher. In addition to looking out for the above extremes, please also be proactive in protecting your pet rabbit’s basic comfort level.
Make sure that you keep things as comfortably cool as possible. If your bunny is kept outside, please bring her indoors. If she must be outside, avoid direct heat and sunlight. Source shady spots if possible, such as trees or partially enclosed spaces. Indoors or outdoors, you can mist her little ears from time to time to help her to feel better, assuming there is nothing dire as listed above. Change up the floor surface of her cage at least partially with something that stays cooler, such as a tile or something like that which your bunny cannot chew. Other common aids include freezing a container of water and then placing it in her cage as a cooling agent. Ice cubes placed in your bunny’s water source can also be helpful, as can making sure he is consuming hydrating foods. You can also use fans and wet cloths placed around the outside of the cage to assist, making sure to keep all cords out of range. Opening windows for air flow during the cooler part of the day or air conditioning without too much extreme change in temperature is also helpful. Think circulation versus direct blowing on your pet. You will want to also brush out any extra fur that might be contributing to a higher body temperature and might be inviting to warm weather bugs. If your pet has any major medical procedures that are advised but can wait until the end of summer, please consider taking a rain check for the sake of his comfort during recovery.
Much of keeping your furry friend happy will occur to you naturally. You are your pet rabbit’s best defense, because you know your little friend and what his normal behavior pattern might be. If you are uncomfortable in the sweltering weather, chances are your little pet is too. Half of the battle is prevention, and fortunately that half isn’t too hard and is pretty intuitive. Do you have any additional ideas that work for you and your pet rabbit? Please comment below, thank you!
Rapid Rabbit
July 22, 2015
Rabbits Need Lots of Safe Space
Now that you have decided to keep a rabbit for a pet, there are some things that you might need to know about indoor pet rabbit care. Rabbits need lots of space so you might want to consider this before having them for house pets. They use this space to feel safe as well as hide and rest. Make sure you allow them enough space to be able to hop and play around. Since they like to wander around you need to ensure that your house is safe enough for them. Do this by ensuring that no electric wires are exposed or laying on the floor. Avoid using any rodent poison or traps inside your house as well as pesticides if possible. Rabbits love to dig and you should look out for anything that might pose as an opportunity for them to put their passion into practice in your home.
House Training Your Rabbit
Rabbits can be house trained. To litter train your rabbits start by placing soiled litter bins strategically at some corners of your house for their use. Some training on this might be necessary as well. You need to make a soft place for your rabbits to sleep stuffed with soft material since rabbits love comfort. Even more during winter when it is particularly important to keep them from colder temperatures.Rabbits require a clean environment and once you invite them in your home you need to ensure that you keep it clean. Regular cleaning of their litter by daily replacing their bedding is necessary but remember to put back some of their droppings into their litter since they like the familiar scent.
Feeding Your Indoor Rabbit
Ensure that you feed your rabbits a healthy diet full of fiber. You can do this by making sure you feed them plenty of hay or timothy grass. Keep the hay off the ground when feeding it to your rabbits. Greens are also good for them and should be given in small quantities as should carrots that are full of sugar. Provide a tray with freshly grown hay or fodder. Give your rabbits clean water daily and put it in bowls they cannot overturn or use feeder bottles. Never give your rabbits frozen food at any time.
Cuddly or Scared
House rabbits need some hiding spaces when scared. You can do this in your home by placing big cartons or boxes where they can retreat to every once in a while. They are not always as cuddly as we would like to imagine and need to be let alone to wander. To win their confidence try lifting them gently while offering some small snacks off your hands. They will then learn to associate you with the snacks.
Make sure to get your pet regular checkups at the vet. You may require the services of a vet for services such as neutering and other health issues. For more details about how to care for rabbits while they live in your house you can continue referring to our site for regular details.
Please leave any tips you may have for other rabbit owners considering housing their pet indoors by leaving a comment below.
Photo by jamjar
The Definitive Guide To Outdoor Rabbit Care
The safety and well-being of your pet rabbits are of optimal importance if you decide to keep them outdoors. Having ample protection from the elements and predators is your main concern. Do not think that if you are living in the suburbs there is no danger to your rabbits. You may argue that there are no predators in your area.
These, however, are not your typical predators. We’re not talking about coyotes and racoons. Your own dogs or that of a neighbor can be a possible source of danger. Potential threats do include birds, rats, and snakes. Even though there may not be any of these in your area, they have a keen sense of smell and can pick up on your rabbits from miles away. Considering the potential threats out there, keep your pet rabbits safe and provide proper housing.
Proper Housing to Protect Your Rabbit Outdoors
A sturdy wooden hutch is probably your best option as opposed to a wire cage, which is more suitable for indoor rabbits. A wire cage outside may not provide sufficient protection to your pet rabbit against predators. Predators will have a hard time entering a wood enforced hutch, even when you use welded wire mesh for the floor and sides. Building a rabbit hutch consisting of two sections is a better option. You can have the rabbit’s sleeping quarters well protected with a wooden floor and the outer section with two wires and one wooden side.
Just ensure that you construct it in such a way that it is easily accessible for cleaning and feeding. A catch tray is an excellent and easy option here as you can just pull it out at the bottom of your rabbit hutch. For bedding to make your rabbit comfortable, the use of straw or aspen bedding is recommended. Keep in mind when you use straw to change it regularly as it becomes moldy, which can make your pet rabbit sick.
Your hutch should not be directly on the ground either, raise it about 2 or 3 feet above the ground. If it is possible, secure the hutch to the side of a building, such as your outbuildings or even your house. A factor that is often overlooked in pet rabbit care is sufficient shading. You may think that predators are the only danger, but the sun is an even bigger threat to your rabbit’s survival.
Don’t Let Your Bunny Get Too Hot!
Protection from the sun is one of the first factors you must look at when erecting your hutch. A rabbit is sensitive to heat and direct sunlight is hazardous for prolonged periods. Make sure it is in a shaded area or gets very little direct sunlight when planning your rabbit’s outdoor home. Access to plenty of water and shade is very important. Many rabbits die from dehydration and overheating.
Cold weather is not dangerous to a rabbit’s health, but minimizing the harsh effects will keep a rabbit comfortable. Covering especially the front or two sides of your hutch is recommended. Use heavy plastic or thick materials, well out of reach of the rabbit or they will start chewing it. While you do this, remember you still want a well-ventilated hutch.
These are just a few of the major things to consider if your rabbit is outside. Keeping them safe is important, and a good living environment is important. After that just ensure they have enough hay, pellets, raw vegetables and fresh clean water.
Do you have any pet rabbits that live outside? What are some things you do to make it safer for them?
5 day old bunny by Vivian Evans
How Long Do Pet Rabbits Live?
Rabbits are among the easiest animals to love as pets. These lovable as well as social animals become wonderful companions for many years if you take the time to be knowledgeable about their needs. One of the factors that you will want to consider before getting a pet rabbit is their lifespan. Rabbits can live many years. So, How Long Do Pet Rabbits Live? Answers to this question vary depending on a number of factors. How long your rabbit lives will be dependent on the nature and amount of care your pet bunny will receive during its life, breed, and it’s living environment. Generally, pet bunnies that have been well cared for live longer years than a rabbit that has not been well cared for.
Your Pet Rabbits Lifespan
Its lifespan will be determined by the care and attention you give it while it is under your care. For instance, a well cared for bunny that has been kept indoors and one that has neutered or spayed can live for many years ranging from 8-12 years. What is more, a domesticated rabbit can even live to see its teenage years in some instances. It is not impossible for this to happen. In fact, the oldest bunny documented lived for amazing 18 years.
Other factors that determine a rabbit’s lifespan
Besides the care and attention given to your bunny while under your care, there are several other factors that affects its lifespan:
- Size – The size of a rabbit plays an important role in determining a bunny’s lifespan. Specifically, smaller rabbits are known to live longer than larger rabbits. This means that if your rabbit is dwarf, you can expect it to live for more years than a large pet bunny.
- Living Environment – Whether or not your rabbit lives indoors or outdoors. A rabbit that lives indoors tends to have a higher lifespan than one that stays outdoors because it is naturally protected while indoors. Those that stay outdoors are more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, bacterial infections, predators, and even diseases that can cause premature death of the bunny.
- Breed – The breed of your pet rabbit tends to have an influence on its lifespan. Bunnies that are mixed breeds tends to have a longer lifespan than those from pure breeds. So, if you can get one from mixed breeds, the longer you are likely to stay with your lovely companion. Additionally, if you want to add to its lifespan, you may want to consider neutering and spaying it, especially when it is a female rabbit. Female bunnies are especially prone to contracting cancer if they are not spayed.
- Diet – Remember to observe a balanced diet when feeding your pet rabbit. Their digestive systems are complex and therefore important for them to get proper diet. Most of the health problems for pet rabbits are usually caused by foods incompatible with their digestive system. Ensure that your pet’s diet contains hay, vegetables, fruits and treats as well as constant supply of fresh water.
You can have an impact on how long your rabbit lives
By observing the key factors of living environment and diet you can help prolong the lifespan of your rabbit. If you are choosing a rabbit breed you may want to consider adopting a mixed breed bunny, and not paying more for a pure breed rabbit that may have a shorter life span. By taking good care of your rabbit and keeping him indoors you can expect your rabbit to live 10 years or more. If you own a rabbit please leave a comment with how old your pet rabbit is.
Photo by nivs
Roaches and House Rabbits What Can I Do?
Do you have roaches or other crawling insects like ants, bedbugs, and carpet beetles in your house with your rabbits? Want to get rid of roaches and not hurt your pets? To protect your house from roaches without harming your indoor rabbits you must proceed carefully.
A few years ago when we moved into a new house we had a carpet beatle problem. We searched high and low for a solution. We called the exterminator who was going to bringing some supposed “natural” pesticide. After asking him what exactly this “natural” pesticide was that he was going to use I was shocked. A quick google search revealed that the main chemical permethrin can cause siezures and among other things “Dermal exposures to cats and dogs may cause temporary paresthesia and neurological signs as evidenced by paw flicking
or ear, tail or skin twitching, or rolling on the ground”. After reading that I told sorry but we are going to have to wait.
So off to home depot I went to find an alternative. I ended up buying a spray that was real high in oregano, mint, and rosemary. At most the spray irritated the carpet beetles, at worst they began to like it. Plus the smell was pretty overpowering for a few days in the house. If I had used this on roaches or ants, I know they would have enjoyed it. We also tried to use baking soda, but that didn’t work either.
Photo by JayD Photography
While doing some research I came across these pet and children safe alternatives. Still use these with caution and please do some of your own research. I would still keep these out of reach of your pet rabbits, cats, dogs, children. Avoid using in sleeping areas. I am recommending these products based on my own research. I am not a professional and you should consult one prior to using any of these. A few come in powder form so be careful about breathing in when applying. and keep your rabbits and kids away from the area for that day.
Here are a couple of the highest rated and most recommended pet safe pesticides that you can buy:
- Harris Roach Tablets – tablets that work real well for roaches and avoid the mess of boric acid powder.. Just keep them out of reach of your rabbit and kids. I have not used these before but many pet owners will attest to it.
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth – Possibly an even safer to use product than boric acid. Daimotaceous earth is used in organic farming. It’s not harmful to mammals, and kills insects physically by absorbing and drying them out. Works well for ants, and beetles.
I hope this was helpful. If you have a real roach or other crawling insect problem there is hope. Yes, with some diligence you can protect your house from roaches without harming your indoor rabbits. Do your research though, because many so called “natural pesticides” aren’t so natural and can do serious harm to you and your pets health.
Have you had any success with pesticides in getting rid of roaches, ants or any other bugs and you have indoor rabbits? Please share what worked for you. Have you have had any bad experiences with certain pesticides? Please share those in the comments below so others can learn and avoid them.
Very nervous bunny taking a bath. Photo by ConteauBoy
Should you bathe your pet rabbit? Would it be soothing or non-sensical? Here’s the breakdown on grooming your pal. Rabbits do not like to get wet, and in general your rabbit will be able to handle the bulk of his grooming on his own.
The only two scenarios that experts seem to agree requires you to step in and help is:
1. If the rabbit is unable physically to clean himself.
or
2. If he has been exposed to something that might be harmful for him to ingest.
If either of these situations is a problem for your bunny, then use the following list as a general guideline to make bathing a pleasant experience for both of you. Only if you find either of the above true should you bathe your pet rabbit.
How to bathe your rabbit:
1. Start with a dry approach to cleaning him.
Use cornstarch and a brush (can buy rabbit brushes at your local pet store), and gently work the matter out. If this isn’t effective, then move to water.
2. Use as little water as possible.
Think a damp washcloth versus immersion. Water can make your rabbit very nervous depending on his disposition, so less is more while bathing.
3. Make safety a top priority during the entire process.
Keep the bathing area free of sharp or hard objects that can cause harm as rabbits tend to kick or move about quickly while being bathed. Use lukewarm water, and make sure to use shampoo or soaps made especially for your bunny (try your pet store for this also).
4. Recognize your pet rabbit’s unique needs.
Make sure to support his back while bathing, and if you must immerse him the water should not be higher than his chest. A huge concern would be to also make sure that water does not get into his ears. It can cause issues with infections. Guard his eyes from dripping as well, including any product you might use. Rabbit’s skin is extremely sensitive, so again use only products that are made especially for them.
5. Make sure after bathing to let your pet rabbit dry completely.
Use a soft absorbent cloth to pat him with. Once completely dry, his fur can be fluffed out with his brush. He may or may not assist in the grooming process by licking repeatedly. Please make sure to not expose your rabbit to cold environments while he is wet. Rabbits have been known to die from this.
Throughout the entire process, whether dry or wet, comfort your rabbit by speaking gently to him and with soft, careful movements. It can be a very scary thing for him to have a bath, so treat him with care accordingly.
Do you bathe your bunnies? If so what kind of experience have you had?
Rapid Rabbit
July 30, 2012
