New dwarf rabbit

dubsgirl

Hi All

We recently had a new addition to our family a 6 wk old dwarf rabbit. We have all instantly fallen for the little girl! However we have never kept a rabbit before. Thought I'd post on here if anyone has any tips or advice for me. Don't want to do anything wrong!! Bought a book on caring for your rabbit but not a whole lot in it.

Any owners on here that would have any tips or warnings?

Thanks

Sigma Force

Hi, here are some hints and tips.

Basic needs of a rabbit.

Constant supply of good hay.
Constant supply of water in a drip feed water bottle with stainless steel spout.
Heavy ceramic bowl for dry food - Burgess rabbit green bag is the best you don't need to give a lot and it will last for ages better than re packed pet shop food but it is available in pet shops.
Bedding- layers of newspaper and hay on top. Avoid wood shavings very messy and can irritate some rabbits.

Small cat Litter tray - place in corner of where the rabbit pees the most add layer of newspaper or suitable litter like carefresh (no hay) and weigh down with a small brick so rabbit can't knock it over.

Fruit and veg - start off with a small amount at first, everytime you introduce a new food do so in small gradually. Safe fruit (a little fruit is better than a lot) apple, pear and grapes. Safe veg broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrot, dark green cabbage, cauliflower avoid lettuce and never feed iceberg lettuce.
Safe fresh herbs great as a treat apple mint, orgegano, thyme (don't give this to pregnant bunnies) rosemary.
Ensure all fresh foods are well washed, have not been treated with sprays or pesticides.

Access to fresh grass if possible (also not sprayed or treated) if the bunny is staying indoors you can pull handfulls of grass. Untreated apple branches are a huge hit with rabbits most rabbits prefer this than any other toy or treat. A large apple tree log goes down really well.

Space - rabbits even small ones need lots of space. Their housing should contain a seperate area for sleeping. Once litter trained (they will still poop everywhere they cannot help that but that's not hard to clean) you can use soft cat beds or vet bed if you want your bun to be extra cosy. In the bed area there is no need to mess up such beds with hay etc as long as they have access to hay on the other side of the housing.

A rabbit must be able to stretch out fully in housing and also be able to stretch upwards fully and turn around comforably also being able to hop and jump without bashing themselves off the roof of the housing.

Access to a secure run (wired top and bottom) or free run of a rabbit proofed room (wires covered up or hidden away etc) is a must.

Health: A rabbit wether indoors or outdoors must be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and then 2 weeks later against the deadly virus VHD. If outdoors check bunny for fleas and flies esp. in this weather. The vet can give you flea drops for kittens which is ok for rabbits you only need to give a few drops of it. Worming with Parazole wormer (ask vet for correct dosage for your rabbit) every few months as well. Never vaccinate and worm dose etc a rabbit at the same time, always leave a week or two between different types of treatments.

When a vet prescribes antibiotics for a rabbit ensure you have a suitable pro biotic to give an hour before the medication.
Ensure the vet checks the rabbits teeth for any problems any time you go for a health check (at least once a year even if bun seems ok). Over grown teeth are the no1 cause of rabbits not eating. A rabbits gut must be constantly working therefore a constant supply of hay is a must. In emergencies plain complan or ideally critical care can be fed via syringe, follow vets instructions.
Get a baby brush or small animal brush grooming your bunny will help him/her relax and get used to being handled it makes vet visits less stressful.

Find a good vet in your area that knows about rabbits.

Neutering/spaying at no more than 6 months of age is a must to avoid behavioural problems and unwanted litters should you choose to get the bunny a friend. More details on this are available on my guineapigcottage website below on the rabbit page.

Companionship is important for buns they are highly social creatures so lots of human contact or another rabbit for company eventually could be an option. Do not house the rabbit with a guineapig rabbits need their own kind no matter what the pet shops tell you. They should never be housed together.

Toys and fun - Rabbits love to play they love hidey toys and toys they can roll or throw here are some which are available in many pet shops or at zooplus.ie

Treat balls for rabbits - fill up with food and let them roll the ball to get the treat.
Edible carrot throw toys.
Bunny cabins and wooden bridges
Fill a kitchen roll insert with hay and herbs
Fill a plain brown bag with hay and treats
A fun but messy option fill a deep tray or box with peat moss and watch bunny dig with delight.

Anymore ques. just ask:)

Sigma Force

Just noticed you are based in Greystones, Bray vet are good with dealing with rabbits. The pet shop up by Macdonalds sell the Burgess rabbit food and other rabbity items.

dubsgirl

Thanks so much for such a great reply! This will be my bible:D

Really appreciate it.