Keeping Rabbits Happy and Hoppy

Pets are a lifelong commitment, which means they deserve the best possible care while they are with us.

Rabbits are energetic and affectionate creatures which is why they are a popular pet companion. However, rabbit owners must cater to a variety of needs to ensure their pet has a well-rounded, fulfilling life. Here are four key considerations:

It is important to feed your little critter the proper nutrients to keep it healthy. This means fresh hay, rabbit pellets, green leafy vegetables, and clean drinking water.

Hay is a main source of food for pet rabbits and should comprise 70% of their diet. It keeps their tummies healthy with copious amounts of fibre and helps to grind down their fast-growing teeth. Ensure that good-quality hay is always available for proper nutrition and environmental enrichment.

Remember to provide your rabbits with leafy green vegetables and a small amount of rabbit pellets as well. It is always best to work with your veterinarian to manage your pet rabbit’s diet and weight.

Though most people think of rabbits as carrot-chomping creatures, too many carrots can be bad and even fatal for them. Carrots and fruit are high in sugar, which can ferment in your rabbit’s digestive tract and cause gastric bloat or even escalate to a life-threatening emergency. Too much sugar can also cause obesity and other related health issues.

Habitat
Just like us, our pets want their living spaces to be safe, comfortable and mentally stimulating.

Since rabbits originally hail from grasslands, meadows and mountainous regions, it is only natural for them to want to leap around in their free time. A large, open and well-ventilated playpen will offer them room for play and exercise. The more space, the better!

As well as open spaces, they like safe places to burrow into. Give them access to hiding spots that they can retreat to if they are feeling afraid or simply want some alone time.

Health
It is recommended that you take your rabbit to the vet every year for a health check-up and vaccinations. Make sure to get both your male and female rabbits sterilised, too. Sterilisations prevent diseases of the reproductive tract, unwanted behaviours, and unwanted litters. Female rabbits especially are prone to aggressive uterine cancers, so speak to your vet early on to plan when to sterilise your rabbit.

At home, you can do your part by checking your rabbit’s coat, eyes, and nose for mucus or discharge. Take note if there is any dandruff, spots, or parasites which may be disturbing your rabbit. Get in touch with your vet if there are any changes in your rabbit’s behaviour or food preferences. In general, it is best to keep a regular record of your rabbit’s behaviour and diet in case you need to follow up with your vet.

Allow your rabbit to roam and explore around your house. It will intellectually stimulate it and feed its curiosity. Ensure that it is a safe environment by removing these objects from your pet’s reach: electrical wires, sharp objects, poisonous foods and plants, and anything else that may endanger the life of your beloved companion. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk and hence will be more keen to interact with you in the mornings and evenings.

Rabbits are a social species that should be kept in groups of two or more. Although they enjoy playing among themselves, you should still commit time to forming a bond with your rabbit and monitoring its health daily. However, caring for one rabbit, let alone two, is a big commitment and you should consider seriously if you have the means to support both.

Never pick a rabbit up by its ears. The ears are a sensitive part of its body as they help the rabbit to monitor its environment, regulate its body temperature, and maintain its balance while fleeing from predators. The ears can be severely injured if excessive weight or strain is placed on them.

You should also never hold it upside down on its back (“trancing”). Rabbits have weak spines that may be injured if they panic and kick when lifted in the wrong manner. Carrying a rabbit on its back causes it to exhibit a fear response instead of being calmed down and is therefore highly stressful and inappropriate.

Instead, wrap one hand around its body and use one hand to hold its bottom. If the rabbit is unfamiliar with you, or you are not confident in carrying a rabbit securely, stay close to the ground when lifting it. This way, you can prevent injuries if the rabbit jumps out of your arms.

Learning More
If you are interested in adopting a pet rabbit, please remember that getting a pet is a lifelong commitment. Do consider the responsibilities of being a good owner before you get one.

To learn more about the ins and outs of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, follow @AnimalBuzzSG or visit the Animal & Veterinary Service webpage.

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Text compiled by Liyana Adnan