Raising Rabbits 101:  Part 2
Channel: Pets Life
Date: 04/02/2021

Part 1: https://youtu.be/BPMKoWGsHuo

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Aside from the efficient tips from our previous video, there are still few things that you should know when raising rabbits.

Litter Box Training.

Most rabbit rescues will start the process of litter training the bunnies they take in. So a rescue bunny should have the basics down, but sometimes rabbits forget their good habits once they move into their new home. This is natural because the drastic change in the environment can be very stressful. Litter training can be frustrating at times, but the key is persistence and consistent reinforcement of good habits.


Traveling.

Rabbits get very stressed out when traveling or when placed in unfamiliar environments, so it’s best to have a good pet sitter on hand to watch the bunny if you go on vacation. If you’re a big jet-setter, with the need or desire to move to various places around the world, rabbit ownership probably isn’t right for you. Very few airlines allow rabbits to fly in-cabin within the United States and abroad. Oftentimes rabbits are subjected to multi-month-long quarantine periods upon arrival into other countries, and in many places, pet rabbits are not permitted in at all.


Rabbit's Health problems.

Rabbits are vulnerable to a number of health problems, in particular diseases such as Myxomatosis and Calicivirus. These diseases are generally fatal for pet rabbits. They have been introduced into Australia to control the wild rabbit population. Unfortunately, pet rabbits are just as susceptible to them. Try to reduce the risk of mosquito bites to your rabbits as mosquitos can carry Myxomatosis from the wild rabbit population to your pet. There is a vaccine for Calicivirus. You can have your rabbit vaccinated against this disease every 6 months by your vet.

Rabbits can develop dental problems. It is important that they are constantly chewing on something, either grass, hay, or a gnawing block. Their teeth grow at a rate of 2 to 3 millimeters per week. Overgrown teeth can lead to weight loss, severe pain, and discomfort. If you think your rabbit's teeth are getting too long, talk to your vet about some suitable options for reducing their length and maintaining an appropriate length.

Rabbits are susceptible to mite infestations. Symptoms include hair loss and itchiness. Thoroughly clean out and disinfect the hutch. The rabbit should be treated by a vet. Get advice from your local vet about any health issues your rabbit develops.


Desexing your rabbit.

Many animal welfare shelters are inundated with unwanted pet rabbits, which have been bred by accident. If you do not plan to breed with your rabbit, discuss desexing with your vet. In male rabbits, this is a relatively simple procedure. In female rabbits, it is a more major operation. Desexing can help reduce nesting behavior and improve toilet training. Alternatively, you can separate males and females into different pens. 


Heat stress in rabbits.

Rabbits can suffer from heat stress. Once the temperature rises above 28 degrees Celcius it is necessary to regularly monitor your rabbits. It is important not to place the hutch in direct sunlight during the warmer months. Keep it in the shade even on warm to cool days. It does not take long for the heat to build up in small areas. On hot days it may be necessary to provide a frozen drink bottle or ice brick in the nesting area of the hutch to reduce the temperature.

If your hutch is located inside the house and the temperature is likely to get rise above 30 degrees Celcius you may need to place the hutch in an area where there is a breeze. You could open a window if there is a breeze that will help cool your rabbit. A rabbit suffering from heatstroke may show signs of weakness, incoordination, convulsions, and coma.


Feeding your rabbit.

Rabbits are herbivores and only eat plant material. Their natural diet consists generally of young leaves from plants or bushes, grasses, sometimes the bark from bushes and trees. Rabbits need to eat small amounts frequently. Approximately 30 feeds, of 2 to 8 grams of food, each day is normal. Pet rabbits must be fed a high fiber diet to help maintain their body and teeth health. Rabbits' teeth are constantly growing and need to be continually worn down by eating.


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