Rabbits

[canouan]

I'm thinking of keeping a rabbit or some rabbits. We have a small paved back garden, no children and no other pets, although quite a lot of cats come into the garden at the moment from neighbouring houses. I'm particularly fond of the huge, stately-looking blue/grey rabbits I've seen from time to time. I'm a complete novice. Obviously I'll get a book and look on the net, but does anyone have any hints or tips they think I should particularly know about? Thanks.

[Cetti]

The most important tip would be the position of the cage. It needs to be out of the sun. This might seem obvious, but like you we were completely green and put the cage in the garden facing east thinking this would be suitable. It wasn't until our beautiful little girl started wheezing that we realised our mistake - and moved her instantly!

In the winter she was against our dining room wall facing south - spring and summer she was moved to the back of the garden facing north.

A happy rabbit needs a lot of exercise, but are terrified of cats, so this could be a problem unless you buy a large buck, but even then don't leave your bun unattended. I do envy you as they make gorgeous pets.

[Noweia]

My friend is in the exact same type of location as you, canouan, and she's had her rabbit for 7 years, so it can be done.

You're doing the right thing, reading around and asking for help! Try talking to the people at pet stores - they should be able to give you a bit of guidance.

[christy053]

definatly dont keep your rabbit outside it is not healthy for the rabbit as it may become abandoned and durin g cold winter months will need to come inside. i have a indoor rabbitt and only got him about one month ago and he is adorabel when they are inside you dont have to worry aout other animals attacking him or the cold and you dont have to worry about flystrike in the summer. if you go on rabbit websites they will all say to have a rabbit as a indoor and never to keep them outside. you need to bunny proof the house covering qwires though or they will be bitten through. and build a pen inside and then one outside so he can enjoy fresh air .

[freak_unique]

Hey i bought my rabbit about 3 months ago and have him as an indoor rabbit, in my local petshop they sell a decent enough starter kit which includes a hutch, water bottle, food bowl, hay bale and sawdust for �40. I started off with that and had him as an indoor rabbit but then changed to a cage as he is male he kept doing his business outside of his hutch through the mesh!!!probably marking his territory. Also cages are much much easier to clean! I wouldnt keep your bunny outside if cats are known to be about. What i do is take him out for a fus and give him the run of the kitchen and put his cage on the floor for him to go in and out of and luckily my bunny trained himself and hops in his cage to do his droppings then hops out again!
Id personally keep a rabbit as an indoor pet they tend to get a lot more attention idoors :)
Also another thing i didnt know from the start but do now, until your bunny is 6 months old only feed him on his food mix, hay and a small amount of veg (but no lettuce), you shouldnt really introduce lettuce or treats until they are 6 months when theyre stomachs are properly formed!

[buck_rabbit]

Thanks so much everyone, loads of good advice so far! Definitely an indoor bunny then - I work from home on the computer so he/she can distract me during the day ie get loads of fuss.BTW is it true that contrary to the Bugs Bunny cartoons carrots are not really suitable?

[buck_rabbit]

PS Yes it's me, canouan, changed my id in honour - also if I spoil my bunny I won't be able to afford to go to the Caribbean anymore!

[Noweia]

Carrots are very suitable for rabbits - just not as the sole foodstuff!

Giving rabbits fresh veg to gnaw on, in association with a good quality rabbit mix, helps prevent their teeth growing too long; things like dandelion leaves, grass, carrots, broccoli and apples can all be used.