Why should rabbits be spayed or neutered?
We recommend spaying female rabbits for the following reasons: - by the age of 6 years, there is more than a 50% probability of uterine cancer.
Spayed females won't contribute to the problem of overpopulation of rabbits - spayed females tend to be happier, less aggressive, more friendly; some females are utterly miserable from hormonal problems (bunny PMS) until they are spayed - spayed rabbits are easier to litter train
We recommend neutering male rabbits for the following reasons: - neutered males won't contribute to the problem of overpopulation of rabbits - neutered males don't spray (except in the presence of another male), are less aggressive, and are relieved of the intense need to mate which limits their ability to enjoy other things in life - neutered males lose their hormonal urge to mark territory with urine and poop and are therefore easier to litter train.
Is surgery safe on rabbits?
Surgery can be as safe on rabbits as on any animal. Unfortunately, the vast majority of veterinarians aren't experienced with safe rabbit surgery techniques. Don't allow a veterinarian with little or no experience with rabbits spay or neuter your rabbit. Using isofluorene as the anesthetic and appropriate surgical and after-surgery techniques, spaying and neutering of rabbits is as safe as for any other animal.
At what age should rabbits be spayed or neutered?
Females can be spayed as soon as they sexually mature, usually around 4 months of age, but many veterinarians prefer to wait until they are 6 months old, as surgery is riskier on a younger rabbit.
Males can be neutered as soon as the testicles descend, usually around 3-1/2 months of age, but many veterinarians prefer to wait until they are 5 months old.
When is a rabbit too old to be spayed or neutered?
Veterinarians will have their own opinions on this, but in general, after a rabbit is 6 years old, anesthetics and surgery become more risky. It is always a good idea, in a rabbit over 2 years of age, to have a very thorough health check done, including full blood work. This may be more expensive than the surgery, but it will help detect any condition that could make the surgery more risky. This is especially important if anesthetics other than isofluorene are used.
Can you tell if female rabbit has already been spayed?
The probability is very high that she hasn't. One can shave the tummy and look for a spay scar. However, when veterinarians use certain stitching techniques, there is no scar whatsoever. Hopefully, these veterinarians will tattoo the tummy to indicate the spay has been done, but otherwise, the only way of knowing is to proceed with the surgery.
Should I give the rabbit items to chew?
Yes. You can give rabbits pieces of the thing they want to chew: their own bit of carpet, for example, providing they aren't ingesting it. This is especially useful when the attraction is the particular consistency (nothing pulls quite like the threads from a piece of carpet). Here are some items that are OK for rabbits to chew on:: - apple, willow, aspen branches; - pine firewood; - untreated fresh pine lumber attached to cage so it doesn't move--piece of molding, 1"x2"s, or 2"x4"s; - basket with hay in it--let the bun chew the basket as well as the hay; - compressed alfalfa cubes
Does chewing carpet hurt the rabbit?
Since swallowing indigestible such as carpet presents a health hazard to your bunny, follow up excessive chewing incidents with a petroleum laxative such as Petromalt or Laxatone
What kinds of cages work best?
Use a cage large enough to contain a small litterbox (along with bunny's food and water bows, toys, etc.) and still allow enough room for the rabbit to stretch out. Place the box in the corner of the cage that he goes in. With a litterbox in the cage, when the rabbit is confined to his cage when you're not home, cage time is learning time.
Can the rabbit have a running space?
Even if your goal is to let your rabbit have full run of the house, you must start small. Start with a cage and a small running space, and when your rabbit is sufficiently well-trained in that space, gradually give her more space. But do so gradually! If you overwhelm her with too much freedom before she's ready, she will forget where her box is and will lose her good habits.
Why is my rabbit Kicking litter out of the box ?
Some rabbits love to kick their litter out of the box. You can get a covered litterbox (with a hood) to help solve this problem. You can also try experimenting with different litters.
What should I do if my rabbit starts dribbling all over her cage instead of using the litter box?
Dribbles usually indicate a bladder infection. Get your bunny to a rabbit-veterinarian who will probably put her on an antibiotic. If the dribbling stops, you know that that was the problem. (Fear antibiotics given by veterinarians not familiar with rabbits as companion animals!) If the "dribbles" are more than dribbles, or if the antibiotic doesn't stop the problem, consider any factors that may be making your bunny feel insecure (new pet, house guests, change in location of cage, etc.), any of which can cause a bunny to mark her cage more enthusiastically .
Why is rabbit proofing your home so important?
Preventing rabbits from chewing on electrical cords is of utmost importance, since rabbits can be badly burned or electrocuted. The consequences of biting into an electric wire are too severe to risk relying on training alone. Instead, you must take action to move the cords safely out of reach. Some ways of doing this follow.
How do I keep my rabbit from eating house plants?
Most house plants are toxic. Putting them on high furniture may not keep a rabbit away. Hang them from the ceiling if you have an active bunny, but watch for falling leaves! If you are unsure which plants may be toxic, the House Rabbit Handbook has a complete list of poisonous plants
Can I let my rabbit run loose outside?
Always supervise your rabbit when she's outside. It takes just a few seconds for the neighbor's dog to jump the fence and attack or frighten your rabbit to death. Make sure that the grass has not been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers. Check the yard for holes in the fence and poisonous plants.
Why is it important to provide toys?
Toys are important because they provide Mental stimulation. Without challenging activities to occupy your rabbit when you're not home, your rabbit, especially a solitary rabbit, will get bored. This could lead to depression and/or excessive destruction. The creative use of toys can extend your rabbit's life by keeping him interested in his surroundings, by giving him the freedom to interact with those surroundings, and by allowing him to constantly learn and grow.
What are good bunny toys?
Some good toys to start with: - Paper Bags and Cardboard boxes for crawling inside, scratching, and chewing - Cardboard concrete forms for burrowing - Cardboard roll from paper towels or toilet paper - Untreated wicker baskets or boxes full of: shredded paper, junk mail, magazines, straw, or other organic materials for digging .
What are the basics of a good house rabbit diet?
A rabbit's diet should be made up of good quality pellets, fresh hay (alfalfa, timothy or oat), water and fresh vegetables. Anything beyond that is a "treat" and should be given in limited quantities.
What makes a good pellet?
Pellets should be fresh, and should be relatively high in fiber (18% minimum fiber). Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. Pellets should make up less of a rabbit's diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day.
Is feeding hay important?
Hay is essential to a rabbit's good health, providing roughage which reduces the danger of hairballs and other blockages. Apple tree twigs also provide good roughage.
Should I vaccinate my rabbit ?
All pet rabbits in Britain should be vaccinated against the killer diseases myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD or HVD). Even rabbits who lives indoorsall the time are at risk if they're not vaccinated. If your vet won't vaccinate your bunny, change your vet. Myxomatosis is a disgusting disease that many of have seen in wild rabbits. The British myxi vaccine can be given from 8 weeks of age. Most of the dose is given under the skin (subcutaneously) as normal, but a small part of the dose has to be given into the skin itself, either at the base of the ear or into the skin of the scruff. This "intradermal" part of the injection is vitally important to ensure the best possible protection. Myxi vaccines need boosters at least every twelve months. In high risk areas, six monthly vaccines are recommended. Don't forget that if your rabbits live outside in a high-risk area, you'll still need to look at insect control measures as well as having them regularly vaccinated. talk to your vet for advice. VHD is a deadly new disease that first appeared in 1984 and reached the UK in 1992 and spread across the whole country. Vaccination is the only practical way to protect your rabbit from a horrific death from VHD.
Don't indoor rabbits need sunlight?
Rabbits don't need sunlight to manufacture vitamin D so long as they are obtaining enough calcium and vitamin D from their diet. If your bunny is eating a healthy, hay-based diet together with small quantities of a quality commercially prepared rabbit food (and eats every bit of it) then nutritionally he/she should be fine living permanently indoors if you don't have access to a garden.
How long do rabbits live?
7-9 years on average. Some make it to be teenagers, so you need to allow for 10.
Can I keep more than one rabbit?
If they are both neutered, yes. Introductions, carefully supervised, should take place on neutral territory and be prepared for some scuffling during the "get acquainted" period. A male/female pair works best, but two brothers or sisters will usually stay together happily if you have them neutered before they start fighting.
Information and advice contained in this section is for your consideration only. Please consult your veterinarian before implementing treatment for your pet .
