Care Sheet for Small AnimalsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 08/14/2007 |
Main Category: | Non-Reptile/Amphibian |
Sub Category: | Small Animals |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Anonymous |
Years Experience: | 1 to 2 Years |
Species: | Rabbits/"Bunnies" |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | I may mention wild rabbits, but they’re all from the same family. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Sexing is best done at 4-6 months of age for best accuracy by a reputable vet. Gently turn over the rabbit, and if there is a little "lump" under the rear end on the underside, take it on the two sides and gently slide your fingers down while still pressing. If a penis appear out of it, it is a buck. If not, it’s either a girl or really hard to sex! |
Mostly Active During: | Both |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Water is best provided in a 16 or 32 oz. capacity leak-proof water bottle with a cap, nozzle and dripper. Every day it should be filled with clean, filtered, cold water. In winter, if the bottle cracks, be prepared to replace it several times. When it is hot, freeze a water bottle and the next day, place it in the cage for the rabbit to lay next to.
I suggest Aspen bedding (although mine prefer Aspen, which can cause liver/respiratory problems, but mine are healthy so far) about 1--1.5 inches of bedding. You can litter train them in under 2 or 3 days like a cat. PM me to find out how. |
Lighting and UVB: | N/A |
Temperatures and Humidity: | N/A |
Heating and Equipment: | Here is a general supply list
1. 32 oz. water bottle and hanger
2. Ceramic crock for food (plastic is easily destroyed and your rabbit will toss it around)
3. A soft-bristle small animal brush
4. Plastic litter pan
5. Aspen shavings
6. Wooden chew blocks/sticks
7. Timothy hay for rabbits under 6 months
8. Plastic or wood hiding house (Giant Igloos work well, or small rubbermaid tubs with the front cut out and edges sanded)
9. Appropriate caging |
Caging Provided: | We have used the Super Pet X-Large homes, but the plastic is easily destroyed. We have had better luck with wire cages with close floor spacings and a metal (or plastic if you’re willing to empty it every day) drop-pan to catch feces and urine. Wire cages are healthier than plastic cages. Germs and feces stick and build on plastic. |
Diet: | Herbivorous |
Description of Diet: | A diet with mostly pellets (I’d say 70-80 % pellets, but people would disagree), 15% seeds, grains, and dried vegetables, and 5% fresh vegetables 2-3 times per week. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | N/A unless prescribed |
Maintenance: | Rabbits are usually low-maintenance for small, short-haired breeds. Angoras, for example, need combing to take out mats every day. Feed 1/4 a cup of food for small rabbits per day, and 1 whole cup of food for large breed rabbits like Flemish Giants. Empty the litter box every 2-3 days, scoop out dirty bedding and change it once per week, and wash the cage and everything every other week. |
Some Words on this Species: | Rabbits are fun to have. They are intelligent, and love their owners. They don’t make much noise, but they like to "rearrange" their furniture. If you form a strong bond with them, I promise you they will love you forever!
p.s. If you are looking for a child’s pet, I recommend a medium breed like a lop. They are easier to handle and not as excitable and temperamental as Dwarfs, Dwarf Hotots, etc.
PM me if you have ANY questions whatsoever, I have had twin bucks Heidi and Cookie (Dwarf mixes, we think) for almost 3 years. |
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