Rabbits- the adventurous herbivores

With 45 different rabbit breeds in the world, wild and domesticated rabbits are found everywhere in the world (except Antarctica). Making great indoor pets, here are 10 interesting tips for promoting their health and wellbeing.

1. Did you know? - a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing

Unlike cats and dogs, a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing, with growth occurring as rapidly as at a rate of 1cm a month.  Dental check-ups with your veterinarian can check for dental disease, tooth fractures, and overgrowth of the incisors.

2. Did you know? - rabbits need pedicures too

Nails that are too long can alter the foot placement, leading to a loss of traction, but additionally that more pressure is then placed on the back of the feet. This can lead to the development of painful pressure sores. Rabbits nails should be trimmed every 1-2 months. Some people believe that positioning a rabbit lying on their backs, for nail trims, reduces their struggling, but it causes them even greater fear, anxiety, and stress. The use of cat scratchers, can aid in keeping a rabbit’s nails worn down, and the digging action promotes their burrowing instinct too, and strengthens their shoulder muscles.

3. Did you know? - rabbits can be litter box trained

It is suggested to use a cat litter box tray, with low sides, and no top. Avoid using clumping litters, scented litters, or wood shavings.

4. Did you know? - exercise is important for your rabbit too

Exercise for your rabbit can reduce undesirable effects from developing, such as weight gain, and destructive behaviours. As rabbits are crepuscular, they are most active at dusk and dawn, and increasing their activity levels in these times should be promoted. Make use of ramps, boxes (for your rabbit to climb on), durable treat-dispensing food puzzle toys, and rabbit-safe chew toys (for example pinecones). These chew toys can also promote dental health.

5. Did you know? – how big your rabbit’s enclosure should be?

Rabbit enclosures should be at least 4 times the length of the rabbit. Being too small can limit mobility, and predispose your rabbit to obesity, and skin conditions on the their feet (pododermatitis).

6. Did you know? - slippery floors are not your rabbit’s friend

Allowing your rabbit to move about, and navigate, over slippery floors can do more harm than good. Having a very light skeleton (relative to their body mass), rabbits are thus more prone to fractures. The use of non-slip runners and yoga mats can aid in reducing the risk of accidents.

7. Did you know? - rabbits can distinguish between salty, sweet, bitter, and sour tastes

Rabbits can enjoy 1-2 Tablespoons of treats a day. This may include (over and above their hay and pellets) some of the following fruits, vegetables, and greens: asparagus, brussel sprouts, celery, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce (Romaine or dark leaf), rocket, spinach, coriander, cucumber, salad peppers, watermelon, apricots, bananas, cherries, and blueberries.

8. Did you know? – stress can be life threatening to a rabbit.

As a rabbit’s hearing is very good, loud, and unfamiliar sounds can cause them to feel fear and anxiety. Undesirable smells can also be very stress-inducing for a rabbit, and their vision covers nearly 360 degrees so they probably won’t miss anything new in their environment. Vocalisation, foot thumping, heavy breathing, and hiding can all be responses to stress. Some tips to help your rabbit feel calm include:

• Avoid cleaning rabbit enclosures with detergents that may have a strong odour
• Avoid rearranging their environment
• Covering a rabbit enclosure with a blanket can help minimise loud noises
• Minimising outdoor activity after dark- while rabbits are not afraid of the dark, they may exhibit and experience more fear at this time of the day
• Make use of rabbit-specific pheromone sprays
• Never handle a rabbit by the ears

9. Did you know? - rabbits are physically unable to vomit.

This puts rabbits at even greater risk of poisoning if they ingest something toxic. Avocado, for example, is one of the most dangerous foods for a rabbit.                                      

10. Did you know? - rabbits cannot see the colour red

Rabbits have dichromatic vision, meaning they can see shades of yellow, blue, and green

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