One of the Family
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I didn't realise when I bought my first rabbit Blossom just how wonderful it would be. In return for a little of my time, love and attention, she has given me so much more. She's just like 'one of the family'. |
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| Being affectionate, intelligent and totally adorable, rabbits too, like cats and dogs can make a delightful addition to your household. For many years rabbits have been kept confined to a hutch at the bottom of the garden. Thankfully caregivers are now learning that rabbits need and deserve a lot more. Whether your bunny lives indoors or outdoors there are many ways in which you can form a long and rewarding frienship with your pet. |
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Making
your home their home |
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| Rabbits, like us can soon become bored and depressed so it is important to provide them with the right environment. Outdoor rabbits are usually the most neglected due mainly to the weather. You must be prepared to spend as much time as you can with your rabbits come rain or shine. | ||||
| Keeping your rabbit indoors can be a lot easier. They can be litter-trained just like a cat and given free run of the whole house or just one or two rooms. It is important to bunnyproof your home to protect your rabbit from injury. Move cables and poisonous plants our of reach and don't leave your favourite clothes or books lying around as rabbits will chew almost anything. If you can't keep rabbits indoors, for their own safety and wellbeing they must be housed in a shed, garage or outhouse at night. During the day they should have access to a large secure run in the garden with supervision. A good idea is to bring your rabbit indoors every day for a play and a cuddle. | ||||
Befriending
your Bunny |
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| Rabbits respond well to mental stimulation, company and affection they get from a person. Getting to know your rabbit, her likes and dsilikes is a good place to start. | ||||
| Stroking and grooming is enjoyable for both rabbit and caregiver and is the best way to form a bond. Most rabbits love to be stroked on their forehead, cheeks,and behind their ears, but don't like you touching their chin, feet and tail. A favourite of my rabbit Holly is having her back gently scratched and she will show her appreciation by licking my hand. | ||||
| How to handle your rabbit is very important. Wrong or rough handling can cause serious injury and possibly make your rabbit afraid of you. | ||||
| Most rabbits don't like to be held. They prefer to sit next to you to be petted. | ||||
| However, there will be times when you have to pick your rabbit up such as visits to the vet, so it's a good idea to practice lifting your bunny. | ||||
| The right way is to approach them slowly, give them a gentle stroke to relax them, place one hand under their forelegs and the other hand under their bottom for support. Hold them close to your body to stop them kicking out and make them feel secure. Reward them with a treat afterwards. | ||||
| It's also a good idea to teach them that a pet carrier is a safe place and not just associated with the vet. You can do this by leaving the carrier out so they are free to go in as they please or use the carrier to take them backwards and forwards to their housing. | ||||
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Busy
Bunnies |
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| Rabbits can be very energetic and love to run and play, so it is eesential to provide them with toys and a large, interesting living area. | ||||
| Anything they can safely shred or toss or that makes a noise is usually popular - such as the Yellow Pages, pine cones, apple and willow twigs, untreated willow baskets, seagrass mats, balls, rattles, cardboard tubes and some cat and parrot toys (as long as they have no small parts). With a bit of imagination you can soon come up with some great ideas. I have found cardboard boxes with cut-out doors to chew, hide and jump in and toilet roll tubes, folded at the ends with treats hidden inside, to be big favourites. Watching bunnies at play can be very entertaining. | ||||
| A friendship with your rabbit has to be earned, but with a little time and effort, your bunny too can become a wonderful and much loved family member. | ||||