thread: Rabbits as pets

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    melbourne
    106

    Rabbits as pets

    If you keep them outside in a hutch, then it needs cleaning daily. They are quite smelly and pooh a lot. We have two that are free to roam in the backyard and have dug a burrow for hot/cold temps, our home built hutch sits empty. They are not expensive to feed, but need hay and regular greens.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    179

    You should note that if you do choose to keep them outside then they should not be left free to roam unless you are vigilant watching them as they do not have a great fight/flight reflex and will succumb to predators. If outside they are susceptible to mites and fleas and should be inspected daily for any signs and veterinary assistance sought if affected. You also can not vaccinate against myxomatosis in Australia at the present moment and therefore should do something to discourage mozzies which will spread the disease (among others) from any wild rabbit population in your area to your bun.

    Our bun is a mix of inside and outside. Outside during the day in a hutch, inside the rest of the time and whenever we are home. Never outside in extreme conditions. Never allowed to roam inside without supervision just in case they find something that has been missed in the bunny proofing. They will chew on things, so be warned that your furniture may not be safe.

    Rabbits are social creatures and if you pay enough attention will talk to you, play with you and generally be your buddy. Young children should be discouraged from handling as its very common for them to be dropped and die or break their fragile bones, which is traumatic and sad for everyone involved. Patting bunny on ones lap on the floor is the best bet if your child wants to interact. Our bunny is a sole bun however we interact with him daily. Unless you have the time and patience involved in taking care of a bun please please do not get a long haired variety eg. cashmere. They require a lot of maintenance to not get into a tangled clumpy mess. If you keep their hutch/potty clean daily then they don't really smell at all. Our bun lives inside most of the time and you rarely notice any smell and if you do its because someone didn't clean out the potty.

    Fresh hay needs to be available constantly as does water. Some can be trained to drink from a dropper, otherwise the use of a heavy set bowl to keep water in. If its not heavy set you will find they tip it over.

    Hope some of that helps and like Teni said, if you can rescue a bun from a shelter. There are far to many out there already needing homes.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne.
    5,673

    binky bunnies is another rescue org- they are on Facebook