Rabbit care: More than an Easter bunny

March 22, 7:24 AMNY Pet Health ExaminerLauren Brown

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Priya, my 5 month old Netherlands dwarf on the bed.

With Easter around the corner, rabbits are appearing everywhere. You may be more inclined to think about adopting a rabbit into your home. While rabbit are adorable and incredibly loving pets, too many are abandoned or returned to shelters after the initial thrill wears off. I had male rabbit for eleven years and just welcomed a baby girl into my home two weeks ago. In my experience, there were not a lot of health concerns that plagued my pet. However, rabbits are different than cats and dogs. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking about adopting a bunny:

1. Rabbits should be kept indoors. Even though I’m sure you’ve seen rabbits outside in a wooden hutch, domesticated rabbits are not meant to endure the weather and predators found outside. You can find a wire or plastic bottom cage at your nearest pet store. You can line the bottom of the cage with something soft if you opt for a wire cage since rabbits do not have protective pads on their feet like cats and dogs. We lined our wire cage with small hand or kitchen towels as well as an ample spread of Timothy hay. This protects their feet which can be prone to irritation called sore hocks. Some animals are more prone to this than others and it tends to be genetic, so just keep a watch.
2. Rabbits need space. Our bunny was a Netherlands dwarf so he only grew to be three and a half pounds, but we did upgrade his cage once he was an adult. Rabbits need a spacious cage, even if you allow them to run around the house . We usually let him have free run of the house if someone was home but closed him in for the night when no one was there to keep an eye out.
3. Rabbits can be potty trained. Consider a small litter box inside the cage but be sure to use organic or natural litter as certain types used for cats will not work for your rabbit. We used to line the removable tray with newspaper and changed this every day. Rabbits’ urine does carry some odor and the newspaper does not completely absorb this. After a few months our bunny became accustomed to going to the bathroom in the same corner. We’d let him have free run of the house and he would return to his cage when he needed to use his corner. Now, I'm using pine bedding and find that it absorbs the odor better, but it is a little messier. Even after two short weeks, aside from the occasional accident, my baby girl returns to her cage when she needs to go to the bathroom.
4. Rabbits should be neutered. Neutering your rabbit will further facilitate litter training as well as maintain their health. Young males can be aggressive and territorial by marking different areas of the house with urine and droppings. This behavior stopped almost completely once he was fixed. It is also important to spay female rabbits in order to prevent reproductive cancers that can develop. Right now I like to think that my female rabbit is experiencing some prolong PMS and am excited for her to get spayed next month. Six months is an appropriate time to have your animal fixed. Also, be aware that males and females have different temperaments. Females often do not want as much contact as their male counterparts, but I'm told that spaying can help this.
5. Rabbits need exercise. Your living space and lifestyle will most likely dictate how much time you allow your bunny to run free in the house. Young bunnies especially love to run, jump, explore, and do tricks in the air called “helicopters.” Be sure to bunny-proof your house by closing off any tiny spaces they might get into. Rabbits are also very prone to chewing. Your furniture, carpets, and wires are all free reign to your pet. Keep cords out of the way to prevent electrocution and move any plants out of reach to avoid ingestion. So far I've had to block off underneath my bed (or else I'd never see her) and behind the stove. Because rabbits in nature live underground, they are very comfortable in small enclosed spaces. You can simulate this with shoeboxes.
6. Rabbits are fragile. We used a baby gate to keep our bunny enclosed in a particular area if we didn’t want him going up or down the stairs. Young bunnies may not be able to go up or down stairs, or move about on a wooden or tile floor where they can slip and slide. Be sure to watch them carefully because they have a fragile frame and can break their backs if not handled properly. Be extra sure to teach young children how to pick up and hold a rabbit. You should support their torso and hold them with two hands so that they feel secure and cannot easily kick and squirm. Try holding them to your chest, as the feel of your heartbeat will make them more secure.
7. Bunnies enjoy a good run outside. We used an adjustable bunny harness to avoid escape. Our bunny became scared fairly easily from passing cars and dogs. If you allow your bunny to run in a closed off area outside be sure to watch carefully for predators and to ensure they’re not eating anything that might upset their stomachs. We found that grazing on small quantities of grass did not cause any major intestinal problems.
8. Rabbits need a varied diet. The primary diet for rabbits are: pellets, hay, water and some fresh vegetables. Each day we also gave our rabbit some oats which he devoured, especially after clipping his nails since they are supposed to relieve stress for the bunny. Currently, my young rabbit eats a diet of pellets and whole oats. Babies should be given unlimited food and the quantity should be cut back once they reach a year. Hay is an important source of fiber and helps the digestive tract remain healthy so you should give your rabbit an unlimited amount of this. Rabbits ingest their own softer droppings in order to aid digestion and break down all of the cellulose in their diet; do not be alarmed when you see them do this. Leafy green vegetables such as kale, parsley and dandelion greens were some of our bunny’s favorite. Carrots and the occasional bite of banana, apple, or berries served as an occasional treat. Be very sure to avoid human foods which can upset their stomach.
9. Rabbits are social animals. They are very affectionate creatures and need love and attention from their owners. Rabbits can adapt to living with cats and dogs but should not be left alone with them. If you are able, try to get a bonded pair of rabbits so that they will each have a companion. We selected our bunny because he was handled a lot from a very young age, and was very affectionate with his siblings. Our bunny was so friendly that he allowed us to hold him like a baby and he often licked like a dog. House rabbits can eventually learn to come when their name is called. Not all bunnies are as comfortable with human contact. Be patient, especially if you have children.
10. Rabbits need to be groomed. Rabbits enjoy being pet on their back and head. This simulates the grooming and affection they received from their mother and siblings. When you are cuddling your bunny take a little time to brush their excess fur. Because rabbits are unable to cough or vomit it is important that you aid their shedding by brushing their coat. Rabbits are very adept at cleaning themselves and each other, but a lot of excess fur can accumulate. You also need to be sure to clip your bunny’s nails. This should be done with extra care so that you do not cut do deep and cause bleeding. It’s a good idea to have a styptic pencil on hand. If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, you may be able to take him to your veterinarian or local pet store.

With good care and attention a rabbit can become a wonderful part of your family.  We initially got a rabbit as a family pet because we were allergic to cats and dogs.  Rabbits don't have the same dander as cats, but do have fur so check to see whether or not you are affected.  Though rabbits typically live eight or nine years, I enjoyed my first rabbit for eleven and am looking forward to the same with Priya.

For more info: Check out the House Rabbit Society.