AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key
A house rabbit is a domestic rabbit kept as a pet for companionship, which lives inside the home with his owners. He has an indoor pen and a rabbit-safe place to run and exercise, such as a living or family room. A house rabbit is easily trained to use a litter box and can learn to come when called. His diet typically consists of unlimited timothy hay, a small helping of pellets, and some fresh vegetables. A house rabbit is a very quiet pet. He is suitable for a family without small children, due to the rabbit’s likelihood of being frightened or harmed by loud sounds or mishandling.
Socialization
Most people are surprised to find out how social house rabbits are. House rabbits become part of the family, just as cats, dogs, and birds do, and often get along well with these other animals. It is not uncommon to see the house rabbit grooming the cat or dog. House rabbits learn their name and come when called. Other tricks that they can learn include begging and jumping hurdles.
A rabbit needs at least two hours of out-of cage time in a safe environment (see house proofing below). His strong muscles in his back legs will weaken if the he is not given opportunities to run, jump, and play. When a rabbit plays, he will often do a binky, which is a happy dance where the rabbit will jump in the air, turn 180°, and take off running. When calm and receiving pets on the head, he will gently grind his teeth with contentment. Rabbits enjoy gentle, quiet attention from their human counterparts, although most do not like to be cuddled, which takes them too far from their natural comfort zone as prey animals.
House rabbit organizations warn that a rabbit does not make a good pet for small children because they do not know how to stay quiet, calm, and gentle around the rabbit. The organization recommend rabbits as great pets for people who are older than 10, have patience, and have time to devote attention to their rabbit.
Housing
Rabbits need a pen that is at least 4 times the length of the rabbit. A dog training folding fence 26 or more inches tall serves as a simple pen. Other people buy large dog cages. House rabbit organizations caution against using a grid floor, as this will cause sore hocks (sores on the bottom of the rabbit’s back feet). Carpet or linoleum can be added to a cage that has a grid floor to protect the rabbit’s feet. Another option for a rabbit cage is a multiple-level condo. The rabbit condo can be made by using cable ties and storage cubes (sample building instructions). This provides the rabbit plenty of jumping options and variety. Basic necessities for the cage include a litter box, water, food bowl, hay, and toys.
Litter training
A rabbits is easy to litter train, especially if the rabbit has been spayed or neutered. When a rabbit is placed in a new area, it is common for him to mark the area with his droppings. After he gets acquainted to the area, he naturally starts favoring a certain location. A litter box, usually a small cat litter box, filled with about one inch of non-toxic litter, is placed there. Most pet stores carry safe litter that is easy to handled, clean, and absorbent. Sawdust pellets (wood stove fuel pellets), Carefresh, and Yesterday’s News are popular. Litters made from pine or cedar is not used because it may cause liver damage to the rabbit. Placing the hay close to the litter box can speed up the training, since rabbits like to defecate and eat at the same time.
Feeding
Unlike rabbit commercial rabbits, pellets account for only a small portion of a rabbit’s diet. Pellet amounts are determined by the weight of the rabbit and is listed on the back of the manufacturer’s packaging. Adult house rabbits generally eat pellets made from timothy grass. Rabbits less than 6 months old eat pellets made of alfalfa grass, which has more calories. House rabbits of all ages are provided an unlimited amount of timothy hay—roughage that reduces the chance of blockages. House rabbits are typically given about 2 cups chopped vegetables per 6 lbs. of body weight and up to 2 tablespoons of fruit per 6 lbs. body weight daily. Rabbits are provided an unlimited amount of fresh water. House rabbit owners commonly provide treats, although in very limited quantities, which can include a few pellets, a slice of strawberry, or other healthy foods. Advertised treats in the pet stores are occasionally used, although even more sparingly, since they typically have a very high sugar content.
House proofing
A house rabbit needs at least two hours daily out of his cage to run and explore. He is provided an area where he is free to roam in which hazards (to house or bunny) have been mitigated. For example, to prevent electrocution, an owner will hide electrical cords cover them with flexible clear tubing (slit lengthwise), such as that purchased in the plumbing section of a home store. Another commonly protected item is woodwork, which is subject to being chewed; this problem is mitigated by providing something in the room that will attract the rabbit to chew instead, such as an old phone book, large pieces of paper, or a toilet paper roll. Despite the hazards of a house, it does provide an inherent shelter; house rabbit owner do not leave their rabbits outside unattended, since prey animals may attack, or there may be pesticides that can harm the rabbit.
Toys
House rabbits need to play to keep their minds active. Rotating through a collection of toys provides variety and keeps their interest. Toys must be non-toxic and include cardboard boxes with holes cut in it, toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay, a ball with holes for food to tumble out, plastic rattles for the rabbit to toss, stray mats, or untreated wicker baskets. Some rabbits enjoy cloths that are dangled in their cage. All house rabbits need wood toys that they can chew on to wear down their teeth, which will continue to grow if they have nothing to chew. Toys can be purchased at a pet store, or they can be handmade.
Health
House rabbits like most pets require vaccinations and regular veterinary check ups. A house rabbit should of course also see a vet for an emergency, such as if the rabbit is not eating or has head tilt. Some rabbits may have special needs, such as malocclusion, in which regular vet visits may become needed. Additionally, in some regions, the threat of local diseases such as VHD in the UK may warrant vaccination of even indoor rabbits. House rabbit organizations recommend finding a vet before an emergency occurs, since not all vets are knowledgeable about rabbits. The House Rabbit Society maintains a list of veterinarians who practice veterinary medicine on rabbits.
Rabbits have nails and teeth that grow continually. The teeth growth is countered naturally by the rabbit chewing wood toys. However, a house rabbit still requires his nails be trimmed by a human at least once a month. Many owners learn to do this themselves.
Rabbits shed on average of once every three months. During this shedding time, it is beneficial to brush the rabbit with a gentle rubber brush.
A neutered or spayed house rabbit will be happier, healthier, and will be easier to litter box train.
Organizations
The following organizations focus on educating and assisting owners of house rabbits:
References
- House Rabbit Society
- Audrey Pavia (2003). Rabbits for Dummies. New York: Wiley. Template:Hide in printTemplate:Only in print.
