how to pet a rabbit wikihow

If it's not, then don't force it. They need to be groomed daily, especially if the wool fibers are thin. If you think you want more than one rabbit, get litter-mates at the same time so they are the same age and similar size. The rabbit needs to be able to move around and lay down freely. Bedding must be rabbit safe and non-toxic. If sores are chronically present in wire floor, transfer to solid floor and do daily cage cleans until sores are healed before returning to a normal cleaning schedule. Remember to be gentle and calm, and don't get angry at yourself or the rabbit. Be kind to your rabbit. Found the information very helpful.". Give your pet rabbit the best life possible with the help of wikiHow’s Rabbits category! Once you bring your rabbits home, you need to place them in adjoining cages or hutches, rather than immediately putting the new rabbit in the old rabbit's cage. Though they are inquisitive creatures, their instinct is to run from anything large and noisy, especially if that something is attempting to pick it up. However, avoid cut grass that has been heated and crushed by the mower. Approved. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Glad I read this, there is so much to, "Actually, everything helped, since I have never had a bunny before, but especially what they eat and the things not, "This article is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about looking after rabbits. Dec 26, 2015 - How to Litter Train a Rabbit. Accordingly, you should always give your rabbit a warning that you're approaching so he won't get scared. If you have a new bunny let him/her settle in before trying to train them or pick them up. % of people told us that this article helped them. After 21 days from breeding, the doe will need a nesting box, filled with some straw or hay. For the safety of your rabbit, keep cats and dogs in your household out of the rabbit's area and away from the rabbit. When you have bonded with your rabbits, interact with them as much as possible. Rabbits also sometimes go up on their hind legs and put out their front feet like they're going to punch you. Do not try to pair a rabbit with a guinea pig. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Sometimes, if a rabbit is feeling lazy, it won't do a proper binky but will remain on the ground and do a sort of shuddery-flick. This would be a good time, when introducing them, to have yummy veggies to distract the rabbits but also increase the positive association of the presence of the other rabbit. Many rabbits will run around very quickly before binkying. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Support wikiHow by Now my family thinks I can take care of one just fine (with, "Everything on here was great. Rabbits can be kept indoors or outdoors(weather permit as they are sensitive to heat) in a predator proof enclosure. Settling Your New Rabbit In Transfer your rabbit carefully from its carrier to its hutch. To pet a dog, wait until it approaches you and squat down so you’re closer to its level. Thank you. If a rabbit's ears are flat on its back, its eyes are bulging and its body is tense and hunched up, it is scared. Avoid petting your rabbit on the chin and gradually introduce it to being picked up, since rabbits need time to get comfortable with being held. If you are getting a rabbit, make sure it looks healthy. ", provided the perfect amount of information, clearly explained, for these beginners. Article by wikiHow Rabbit Litter Box Pet Rabbit Bunny Cages Rabbit Cages Rambo Rabbit Eating Clumping Cat Litter Some Bunny Loves You Clean House Provide him a cage that's at least 4 feet wide and 2 feet tall. You can gather them yourself or allow your rabbit to munch on the lawn in a movable cage with no bottom. Is it safe for my bunny to play outside on the grass with a leash on it? If the rabbit doesn't want to go to its cage, try putting a treat in it. It may kill them by causing diarrhea and digestive upset of the good bacteria in the gut. They are, however, nervous creatures that require a lot of care before they will get comfortable with you. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It just means your pet likes you and wants to smell/explore you. Is it normal for bunnies to scratch themselves? How to Feed a Wild Rabbit: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow For young growing rabbits (up to 4 months) feed alfalfa hay and pellets to provide extra calories needed for these life stages. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Rabbits can't see directly in front of their face or under their jaw. Get expert-reviewed advice on everything from buying the right rabbit to addressing rabbit health problems like overgrown teeth. Also, put some toys and fresh vegetables into his cage. Scroll down for tips on playing with your rabbit and keeping it healthy! Last Updated: January 25, 2021 If you want them to poop in a litterbox, find the spot where they do all their poop and place the litterbox there. Pick out a rabbit litter box. Its ears may be flat on its back. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Do not put your hand below the rabbit's nose. Some good books for finding information about caring for rabbits are: Rabbits need to have their nails trimmed every one to two months, depending on their activity and living situation. Pick up and pet the new rabbit you are considering to make sure that it can be handled with minimal difficulty. This is called a binky. Wool breeds (like English, Giant, French, Satin Angoras) need more grooming than others if not shorn. Thanks for all the great information. Wire floor can be cleaned less frequently and is required for breeds with wool to keep feces, bedding and urine from matting in the coat(Otherwise, the rabbit should always be shorn). This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dec 27, 2015 - How to Litter Train a Rabbit. For tips on evaluating your rabbit's mood before petting it, read on! Some owners like to do what is called "Free Range Rabbit Housing." Can you put rabbits on their back and rub their belly? That means they are naturally used to being hunted, so if you startle them they'll run away. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Whether in a solid floor or wired, always monitor a rabbit's feet. Explained everything about how to care for a bunny. (So, for example, a 12 pound rabbit would receive a … She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Don't worry. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you enter the room and your rabbit is facing away from you, give him a signal you're in the room. If a rabbit is very relaxed chilled out, it will be laying stretched out with its front paws in front of it, or it may have all its paws tucked beneath its body. Is it safe to walk my bunny on a leash if I have lots of dogs in my neighborhood? Baby rabbits can have as many alfalfa pellets as they want until they are 6-7 months of age. Be patient if your bunny is nervous around you for the first little bit. Make sure when you pick up a rabbit put your hand on its rear, also cover their feet, in case they struggle to escape. This article covered all the questions I had! This would be very helpful for her and for me. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears, even if it refuses to get inside its cage. If it wags its tail and comes toward you, you can start petting it. You can allow a rabbit to eat grass that has not been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides and let the bunny choose what to eat on the lawn. Offer vegetables like spinach, celery, and the occasional sugary treat, like carrots and fruit. ", "This article has helped me be able to be very responsible to take of my two pet bunnies. https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/upload/images/rabbit_edu.pdf, http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/care/handling.asp, http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-behavior/building-a-relationship-with-your-rabbit/, http://animals.mom.me/cant-rabbit-back-his-cage-1289.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Otherwise, let him come out when he wants to. Rabbits are herbivores and even vegetables can make them gain weight(avoid feeding vegetables too frequently or if rabbit is young as they have sensitive guts) . Not all rabbits can be housed with other rabbits, though many can enjoy the company of others. Depending on the type of rabbit, the animal may be more fragile than a typical cat or a dog. "When I got my rabbits, they were so scared, but when I did this, they were like totally different rabbits. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. For bathing, you need at least 1½ (one and a half) room bigger than the rock itself, as the rock might not bath inside if it's smaller. Be sure to get one that is a good fit with the rabbit you already have. Alternatively, consider cutting the dandelions and giving them to the rabbit. A pregnant doe will then begin to pull her fur from her stomach to make a soft lining for the kits. It is important to not force him to come to you. It may also be laying on its side. Putting the rabbits in a cage together could trigger fighting, since original rabbit will be upset with the new rabbit in his territory. Managing healthy dentition in rabbits may require anesthesia to fully examine the teeth and address any sharp points discovered on the back teeth (premolars and molars). You don’t want to stand and bend over the dog since that could be seen as a threat. Keep cats, dogs, and predatory birds away from the bunny at all times. Rabbits are shy and nervous little creatures. Sometimes, when a rabbit is extremely happy and excited, it will jump into the air and flick its body. Approach a new rabbit slowly and calmly so the rabbit doesn't get scared. Always be soft and gentle and never make quick moves and loud noises. This article has been viewed 1,188,236 times. Although, it really depends on the animal. fixing may reduce hormonal aggression. Consider putting an extra covering over the hutch at night to prevent spooking. This can startle the rabbit. This page, "This page helped me so much, now I'm going to get a bunny, and it will make my life much more happy. Blow the fur at the bottoms of the feet or brush with your finger to insure there are no sores. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. Rabbits like to have a space that they can retreat to and relax. Careful brushing of any mats and blowing out the coat is recommended (never blow with hot air). The bad reputation wire floors have gotten are from wire misuse and neglect, mainly from using the wrong type of wire floor and/or from not using rest surfaces. Dark leaf lettuce, turnip greens, and carrot tops are often preferred by rabbits. Never bathe whole rabbit as the sudden change in temperature from wet fur can bring rabbits into shock. Use a baby gate or exercise pen for dogs to prevent full access to the house to avoid damage to the furnishings and the bunny. Rabbits are territorial animals and pairing should be done cautiously. Be cautious of predators. If you are getting a rabbit under a year old, it is best to feed strictly hay and pellets. Dec 5, 2014 - How to care for your rabbit every day. If you use a brush, avoid the eyes and make sure it is clean and soft. Hide treats (lots available at pet stores) inside hollowed out small logs with holes inside designed for mice and then plug holes with hay. Young rabbits don't always poop in one spot, but once they are adults, they will. He's a social animal, and he'll wants to be near his people. Your rabbit is scared because he is unfamiliar with your house and his new cage. Introduce your rabbits slowly and supervise them together to ensure they don't injure each other. Rinse well and allow to dry. Approved. If you'd like to play with the bunny outside, make sure you're in a fenced-in area, and never leave it unattended. Rabbits breed very quickly, and have several babies at a time. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Purring and light tooth clicking indicates that your rabbit is happy. Should I be worried? Breed your rabbits at the proper age. Domestic rabbits can't swim and a bath would cause them stress as well as the risk of chills, skin irritation, hypothermia, and general unhappiness if you don't do it right. You may need to leave it for a day and see if they settle a bit better. The area to free roam must be "bunny-proof" and lack wires, baseboards, and carpets for your rabbit to chew on. Don't worry. ", "I loved the tips, this helped me a lot.". If you have two rabbits, you may notice them grooming each other. Do not ever give full baths to your rabbits; they could get hypothermia or go into shock. Gradually decrease the distance between the cages until they are next to each other, but still safe from “attack.” As long as they are peacefully co-existing in cages next to each other, continue this arrangement for at least a week. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Remember that younger bunnies can be more difficult to train. For small-medium breeds, they can be bred at 6-7 months old. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/general-rabbit-care, http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3015, http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/rabbit-care/care-domestic-rabbits/, http://www.therabbithouse.com/blog/2009/05/22/rabbits-eat-grass/, http://www.rabbitmatters.com/introducing-rabbits.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Make sure your rabbit always has something safe to chew on. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Yelling at it or punishing it won't help. There may be exceptions to this rule though, so if your rabbit lets you rub his belly while he's on his back, he probably enjoys it. Rolling over, climbing on you, placing his head on the ground, licking, and nudging you with his nose also indicate happiness and desire for attention. Never bathe a rabbit unless absolutely necessary. ", "The whole article is extremely helpful. It's a good thing! Outdoor hutches with wooden floors tend to trap in ammonia and may be unhealthy for your rabbit. ", "I just adopted an awesome rabbit today. Keep up this process for a few days until he begins approaching you to ensure that he is comfortable when you start petting him. I didn't know if I should just play, "Great. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,188,236 times. Dogs often tend to run after smaller animals so watch out, because rabbits aren't the animals to run after. It is very important for the rabbit’s digestive tract to have long stem indigestible fiber in the form of Timothy or grass hay to prevent hairballs (trichobezoars) and to keep its digestive system happy and healthy. Thanks! Rabbits are a … If your rabbit is new to the house, he might be hesitant to approach you right away. So, take your rabbit to the vet if it starts scratching itself. Rabbits require regular grooming. In the United States, Myxomatosis vaccination is not currently recommended. Get an exercise pen to provide extra space for the rabbit to move around. Also avoid trying to pet your rabbit's stomach or paws as these are vulnerable areas for them. I came across wikiHow and I found it very helpful. unlocking this expert answer. My new rabbit is a little scared. When your rabbit seems comfortable, pet it softly on the cheeks, forehead, shoulders, and back using slow strokes. Don't rush into the training. "Instructions for care and learning how to introduce myself helped me the most. Make sure to have a large enough cage so that your rabbit can play! ", "Everything helped, because this is my 9-year-old's first bunny (and also mine). You can buy rabbit harness and leads so you can take them for walks. Bring your hand in from slightly off to the side to ensure that your rabbit sees it coming. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. How do you pet a dog Wikihow? How long do I leave the rabbit alone if I just got it? How to take care of your pet rabbits rspca australia should i for my guinea pig? Provide leafy greens like spinach as well as collards and turnip greens. Use that as a starting point for that's when they are most likely to let you pet them. If they leap or are dropped from your arms they risk serious injury especially spinal injury because their instinct is to kick out often causing hyper extension. My rabbit runs away a lot. Have the bunnies spayed or neutered right away so you don’t have unwanted litters and you prevent some hormonally driven behavior issues. Also note that these breeds and crosses with wool tend to also have wool on the feet that can get matted. Oct 6, 2019 - Kaninchen verstehen. How to Raise Rabbits: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow. Try your very best not to drop your rabbit. Thank, "Very helpful, lots of information and answers all in one place. If it wags its tail and comes toward you, you can start petting it. If you approach a nervous rabbit this way, it will likely make it more nervous, and if you do this to a territorial or dominant rabbit, you might get nipped. Outdoor hutches with wooden floors tend to trap in ammonia and may be unhealthy for your rabbit. Have the rabbits in cages far apart on neutral ground for a few days and watch what they do. ", this, I know that the bunny will be happy and healthy. Rabbits tend to live for about 8 to 10 years depending on the breed, so consider the long commitment before purchasing a rabbit. While there are rabbits who benefit from the company of another (always spay and neuter before bonding to minimize hormonal aggression! Don't be disheartened if at the beginning they bite and scratch furiously every time you try. Rabbits, being prey animals, are also more likely to panic and try to run away. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? ", "I really liked this article because it told me what I wanted to know about getting a rabbit. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Care-for-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Care-for-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/aid111044-v4-728px-Care-for-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"