On this page I will attempt to answer the most often asked questions I get from someone just starting out with their first rabbits.
The first few questions I will kind of lump together as they are always asked in one breath! What do we feed our bunny, and what kind of housing does it need...
The best thing you can do for your bunny is supply him or her with a fresh, quality rabbit food. This is nutritionally complete, and the only other thing they will require is lots and lots of fresh clean water! Rabbits do not need all kinds of "treats" such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Grass and other greens can even be harmful to them if not monitored closely! If you want to add to their diet with some special goody, use the "rule of thumb" I always say "no bigger than your thumbnail". In other words give treats sparingly! Think about your size, then compare it to your bunny... How much fruit can you eat without getting a tummy ache, then consider the size of the portion you feed your furry friend.
Rabbits are a hardy animal, and can be kept outdoors easily. They require two basic things. First they need protection from the sun, and secondly they need protection from the wind in the colder weather. A rabbit can tolerate -35 degrees as long as they have good protection from the wind. They are much more inclined to have problems with the heat in the summer. Make sure they have shade all day long and lots of ventilation! When I designed my rabbit barn, I did it with this in mind. The top half of the walls have cedar siding, and the bottom half have white painted lattice. This lets in all the cooling breezes in the summer, and keeps the sun from touching any of the rabbits.
(I have hanging cages about 4 feet off the floor). During the winter time I staple clear plastic around the bottom half on the lattice, and this gives great wind protection! At the same time it lets in the much needed natural light. This is very important if you plan on breeding during the winter. With the shorter days, and less natural lighting, some does will not be as receptive. I dont do much else for the basic care other than to check every single rabbit daily to make sure that they are feeling good and maintaining their flesh condition and vigor.
As I get more time I will address other topics on this page. I will talk about health, medications, grooming, breeding, showing, transporting, & marketing.
Raising either one or two bunnies as pets, or raising a hundred, can be a fun experience. It does not have to be complicated, or hard. You get out of it what you put into it, just like everything else in life.
Written & copyrighted by Susan Origer 2000
If you need additional information you can contact me, at the following address:
havafox@uslink.net
