Rabbits

This FAQ section offers answers to frequently asked questions, as well as tips and suggestions on caring for your exotic pet.

RABBITS

Rabbits are a very popular pet and are not often considered an exotic, but the specialized feeding requirements, and the enormous array of variations in breed and color truly classifies this popular pet as an exotic.  When selecting a pet rabbit be sure to research the breed you have chosen.  Some questions to ask are: how big will the adult rabbit be? Where will I house it? Are there any special grooming requirements?  With proper care you can expect your Rabbit to live 6 plus year (10 years is not uncommon).  Rabbits range in size from about 4lbs. up to 20 lbs.  Rabbits are usually very social and will interact with other calm pets (only with close supervision).  Children and Rabbits seem like a natural combo, but young children should be supervised (more than one Rabbit has been injured from an accidental fall or an extra big hug).  Rabbits usually don’t bite, but they will spook pretty easily and will often flee and injure themselves if care is not exercised.

FEEDING

Rabbits have a very unique dietary requirement.  In a nutshell they require hay (sometimes referred to as forage product).  Be sure that a hay product is in the top few ingredients.  Alfalfa should be limited to a treat as it is higher in protein and will often promote obesity.  Timothy hay is an excellent choice for rabbits (Brisky Pet Products Timothy Pellets) as the protein levels are lower and the high fiber content helps keep the digestive tract functioning properly.  Rabbits love treats so be sure to show restraint and limit these to no more than 10% of the total diet.

HEALTH

Be sure to provide something (wood chews, fiber tubes, Timothy blocks, Lava Blox, etc.) for your Rabbit to chew on as their teeth can become overgrown and may need to be trimmed by the vet.  Rabbits can be prone to hairballs (which can be fatal!).  With proper nutrition and an occasional treat of Papaya or hairball remedy, the chances of hairball formation are greatly reduced.  Rabbits that are not going to be bred should be spayed or neutered.  An un-spayed female can develop life threatening health problems, and an un-neutered male will tend to mark his territory by spraying urine on things he thinks are his.  The younger the Rabbit is fixed the less the chance of these problems occurring.  There are few other health concerns that should be discussed with your veterinarian.

OTHER CONCERNS

Rabbits make excellent house pets and can be easily litter trained (as with any housebreaking, patience and consistency are the key).  Most rabbits can be housed outdoors as well.  Please be sure they have shelter from the elements and from predators (including the neighbor’s dog and curious children).  Some Rabbits require grooming (and in the case of the Angora Rabbit this may be a daily chore).