Rabbits are adorable and charming animals, but you have to be aware that caring for them properly requires more than simply providing them with food and water. Human family members often make inadvertent mistakes that can negatively impact the health and well-being of these furry little companions. Therefore, to guarantee a happy and healthy life for our rabbit, it is crucial to avoid certain common mistakes in its care. Today we have the pleasure of having veterinarian Claudia Ariemma, from TomVets veterinarians at home, who will tell us some things that we could be doing wrong.
Claudia emphasizes that “we must take care of the rabbit’s dental and digestive health. Their teeth grow constantly and need to be worn correctly; in addition, they are herbivores, so quality hay should be the first ingredient in their diet. In proportion, the ideal would be : 70% hay, 20% vegetables and only 10% feed (one or two tablespoons a day may be enough).”
It is important to note that you should eat the green part of the carrot; the orange tuber can be given alone as a reward. Feeding them exclusively pellets or giving them too many treats can cause health problems, such as obesity and digestive disorders.
Rabbits are active animals that need space to move and explore. Keeping them in cages that are too small can cause boredom, behavioral problems, and can also cause leg injuries from perching on pee. It is important to provide a large, safe space where they can stretch their legs and exercise.
Regular cleaning of a rabbit’s living area is essential to prevent disease and maintain a healthy environment. This includes cleaning the cage or enclosure, changing the hay, and washing food and water dishes regularly.
Rabbits usually get used to relieving themselves in a corner that must be cleaned daily. Additionally, the rest of the substrate should be cleaned depending on the size of the cage, but on average once a week if the rabbit spends most of its time in the corner,” explains the TomVets veterinarian.
Rabbits are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Provide toys, tunnels and hiding areas to keep his mind active and happy.
Did you know that many rabbits play with balls? Go ahead and see what they like best. Of course, be careful with toys that have metal parts that can be easily swallowed or broken with teeth.
Rabbits are experts at hiding signs of illness, so it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior or appearance. Loss of appetite, lethargy, runny nose, diarrhea, and changes in stool production are signs that your rabbit may be sick and require veterinary attention.
Most importantly, the number of stool balls and their size is the first thing that warns us that you are eating less. Go to the vet if you see fewer balls, if they are smaller than usual or if they are joined together like a rosary.
Rabbits are prey in the wild and can be easily scared. “It’s important to handle them gently and avoid picking them up abruptly; this is something I always explain on home visits.” Always make sure to properly support their body and avoid grabbing them by their ears or loose skin. Rabbits have a lot of strength, which is why they can jump so high, and if we try to catch them by immobilizing their legs, they could get injured.
Spaying or neutering is crucial to prevent diseases and unwanted behaviors, such as aggression and territorial marking. Especially females, they must be sterilized before the age of 4 to avoid reproductive diseases.
Regular veterinary checkups are essential to maintaining the health of rabbits and are something that is often undervalued. Veterinarians specializing in exotic animals can detect health problems before they become serious and provide advice on proper care.
Caring for a rabbit requires commitment and attention to detail. “Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure a long and happy life,” concludes Ariemma.
Now you have all the essential information about what not to do if you want to expand your family with an adorable bunny.
