tips on rabbits

[shivvy]

I have just taken charge of my nieces 2 rabbits for a week. I have their food, bedding etc all sorted out obviously but my nieces mentioned that they shouldn't be fed lettuce as it gives them diarrhoea (the rabbits - not my nieces!). Are there any other rabbit-related tips that I should know to prevent the dreaded 'death while in someone elses care' scenario?!
Thanks

[goldilocks24]

I had a rabbit years ago, they are very easy to look after - let them out of the hutch for some time during the day for a run around. lettuce never gave mine the runs - i used to go to the local fruit & veg shop and ask for veg that was old (not rotten but what they did not sell as it was not as fresh) my little fella loved it!! if in doubt just give it carrotts and food from the pet shop!!

[Psychick]

It depends on the breed as to what they can and cant eat with regards to fruit and veg. Have they told you of anything the rabbits are ok eating besides the dry mix?
A carrot a day should be fine and maybe half an apple each but once a week just in case. At the first sign of diarrhea, just stop give them anything other than their mix and they will be fine.
As goldilocks said, give them a run out of their hutch every day (weather permitting!!lol) but make sure your garden is rabbit friendly.....ie nothing about they shouldnt eat but probably would and no gaps in the fences where they can escape. Remember rabbits are natural burrowers so if you have a picturesque landscaped garden.....best to only let them out when you can keep a close eye on them! lol

[bensmum]

Its also worth bearing in mind that if the weather turns hot and there are more flies about you need to check their bums and wipe the fur round there to keep them clean. You can get special pet wipes or spray for this - it's particularly important if they do get the runs!

[what..the?]

I assume they are outdoor rabbits then, alot live ondoors these days.

Mine is indoors and with that brings danger with them getting out escaping from their cage or run and chewing though an electric cable.

Whether their indoors or out, have you any pets that could be a danger to the rabbits or a neighbour have a 'uncontrollable' pet, some dogs can be very agressive and can kill a rabbit. Have you any wild animals that could be a risk ....foxes?

Alway make sure they have clean water, staple food and hay. Fresh food is not massively import, put some in carrot apple - no pips, but remember to look for uneaten fresh food when you go back next time and remove it, this stops insects being attracted to it and stops the animal eating rotten old food, carrot is the most hardy food and lasts longer in the cage, apple goes all brown very quickly.

Make sure if the rabbit is outside that it has shelter from the weather, not in full sun and is weatherproof.

I think the main basic fact to remember is to alway remember to lock them in properly, if you are at all worried about them getting out add and extra lock or catch, or place some thing heavy infront of the door.

[spitfire1958]

My rabbit s were outdoors. Lettuce did give them diarrhea and several of them died as a result. Vets will tell you to feed them only the food specially made for them as it has all they need. I had my rabbits for over 10 years and recently had to euthenize my last one due to a parasite he supposedly got from a wild raccoon. I don't know how he got it, but he became paralyzed and we had to hand feed and water him. I couldn't bear to see him like this any longer and had him "put down" on Monday July 16, 2007. His name was "Bugs".