TOP TEN TIPS AND RABBIT MYTHS - 28/01/2005
TOP TEN TIPS & RABBIT MYTHS:
1)Contrary to popular belief, rabbits do NOT make ideal pets for children. Sudden movement, loud noises, being restrained, lifted or carried are amongst the most frightening things that can happen to a rabbit. Many are injured or killed each year being dropped by children. An unsupported kick by a rabbits powerful back legs can even break its own back.
2)A properly cared for rabbit will take up as much of your time as a dog or cat and is NOT a "cheaper and easier" alternative
3)Rabbits should NEVER be kept alone. They are group animals who need the company of their own kind. A spayed female and neutered(castrated) male are the best combination. Whatever you may have heard or read, rabbits should NEVER be kept with guinea pigs.
4)A healthy, well cared for rabbit should live around 10 years depending on breed. Think about the huge daily commitment a rabbit will require over this time scale.
5)All male rabbits MUST be neutered (castrated) to prevent behaviour problems and fighting with their rabbit friend. All female rabbits MUST be spayed to prevent uterine cancer. A massive 80% of unspayed females will die from this condition. The new techniques used for anaesthetising rabbits are now far more reliable and less risky than they used to be. Choose your vet carefully and the benefits of neutering and spaying now FAR outweigh the risks. We can recommend a local vet who is experienced with rabbits.
6)A small rabbit does NOT mean you require smaller accomodation for it. It is infact the small breeds that are often the liveliest and most energetic. Most commercial hutches are designed for ease of transport home from the shop rather than for rabbit welfare. Ask us about where to get good sized rabbit accomodation which can be delivered to you and for information about minimum size requirements.
7)ALL rabbits, even those living indoors, should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and VHD with boosters every 6 months to 1 year as per your vets advice. Rabbits are dying IN THIS AREA of both of these diseases and they are a very real threat to your rabbits health.
8)Rabbits need a diet rich in fibre for the health of their teeth and digestive system. 90% of this should be fresh and appetising hay and grass, 8% leafy green vegetables and ONLY 2% of your rabbits diet should consist of good quality rabbit pellets. If you feed your rabbit a museli type mix and they dont eat every single bit of it they are at risk of vitamin deficiency and uneven dental wear. Ask us for advice about a gradual change to a complete pellet type food.
9)Rabbits are incredibly intelligent and require toys and stimulation to prevent boredom and serious depression which can lead to behaviour problems. You can make these yourself and need not be expensive. Try toilet rolls stuffed with hay for example.
10)There is no such thing as a "naturally" aggressive rabbit. If your bunny bites, growls, thumps its back legs repeatedly or charges at you there WILL be a reason for it. In the vast majority of cases an unhappy aggressive rabbit can be transformed into a calm and happy one by following a few simple pieces of advice. Contact us and ask about our NEW Rabbit Behaviour Clinic if you are worried about your bunnies behaviour.
