As prey animals, rabbits can be easily startled and stressed by the loud noises and fast, uncoordinated movements that are typical of excited children. You may need to wait until your kids are older before adopting a rabbit. Kids may be enthusiastic about the new bunny for the first couple of weeks, then lose interest when taking care of them interferes with their activities.
If your kids are begging for bunnies now, just keep in mind other things they've begged for and remember that the animal may end up spending most of their time with you. Your kids may think they're ready for a pet, but you definitely have to be. The initial adoption fee for a rabbit may be small, but a rabbit's care costs add up quickly. In addition to veterinary costs, these are some of the start-up items that new rabbit owners will need to purchase:. Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they generally sleep during the day and night and are most active at dusk and dawn.
It thrives best outdoors with ample space and hay. It's considered high maintenance, mostly due to its nervous personality — known to easily spook if people don't properly announce themselves before approaching it. Originating from France, the Blanc de Hotot can easily be spotted by its "black eyeliner" that contrasts the rest of its white body. As a bonus, these bunnies do well with children and other pets as long as they grow up with them.
Dedicated brushing time and taking walks outside are amazing ways to bond with them. A cross between a Himalayan and a Chinchilla, the Cal's dense coat allows them to enjoy time indoors and outdoors including the snow. Although bred for show, the Californian loves to interact with its human family through play and cuddle time. Weighing in at about 13 pounds, a Checkered Giant is an ideal pet for couples or seniors looking for a companion. This breed is more independent than others and is less affectionate, but is still curious and gentle.
Spot a Checkered Giant by the butterfly-like marking on its nose. Developed in England in the s, the Dutch is one of the most popular breeds.
Socializing is key for this energetic rabbit, who can become depressed if it spends too much time in its cage. Thanks to its easygoing attitude, children are more than welcomed to care for it. The English Lop's friendly, laid-back personality has earned it the nickname, "the Dog of the Rabbit World.
Outdoors, a cover, blanket or piece of old carpet or other insulation material could offer added protection on cold nights provided there is enough ventilation.
Newspaper or shredded paper should be used as a toilet area. Alternatively a litter tray can be provided with non clumping, non toxic material. Wood shavings containing pine or clay based cat litters should not be used as they can be hazardous to rabbits.
The entire living area should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week but as often as necessary to maintain a clean hygienic environment for your rabbit. You should not keep more animals than you can look after and meet their welfare needs.
The more animals you have, the more work is involved in keeping them clean. You should be careful when using either herbicides or pesticides. You should not allow your rabbit into flower beds or other areas that are likely to contain poisonous plants. In the house, potentially poisonous plants should not be kept or should be placed where your rabbit cannot reach them.
Household cleaning materials including liquids, medicines or other products intended for people or other animals should also be kept out of reach. You should contact your vet quickly if you think your rabbit has come into contact with anything that could harm it. You may need to transport your rabbit by car or other vehicle.
Rabbits should be transported in a secure pet carrier of adequate size and with good ventilation. Your rabbit should be familiar with the carrier to help it feel at ease and reduce the stress of transportation. The carrier should be secured firmly in place with a seat belt, or wedged in the foot well of the car, making sure there is adequate ventilation. Do not put the carrier in the boot of a saloon car. Your rabbit should have access to food in its carrier and on long journeys you should regularly offer water and the use of a litter tray, but only within the safe confines of the vehicle when it has stopped.
Rabbits should not be left unattended in a car or other vehicle in warm weather. This can be life threatening and you could be prosecuted for causing unnecessary suffering. The temperature in the vehicle can rise extremely quickly and cause heat stroke or even death in a short period of time. You have a responsibility to make sure that your rabbit is cared for while you are away. When someone is looking after your rabbit in your absence, they are legally responsible for its welfare and you should make sure that they understand its needs and any special requirements it may have.
You should provide contact details to deal with an emergency medical situation. You should supervise the introduction of any new object to make sure that your rabbit is not frightened or stressed by its presence see above for signs of stress.
Never shout at or punish your rabbit. It is unlikely to understand and can become more nervous or scared.
However, owners should consider neutering pet rabbits. Find out more about housing rabbits, the need for a suitable diet and protecting them from pain, injury and disease:. We will not reply to your feedback. Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers. The nidirect privacy notice applies to any information you send on this feedback form. Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence daera-ni.
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