Rabbits – Exotic Bird Hospital

Biological Facts

Behavior

Highly social; make better pets if socialized with humans when young
Can be litter trained
Fast and curious and need supervision while outside their cage environment
Chew everything, including electrical cords
Must “rabbit proof” all areas in the rabbit’s environment to prevent injuries and escape.

Diet

Young rabbits up to 6 months of age: quality alfalfa-based pellets – ¼ to ½ cups per day – and unlimited amounts of alfalfa and grass hay, such as oat, timothy, or brome
Adults over 6 months of age: quality timothy hay-based pellets- ¼ to ½ cups per day – and unlimited amounts of grass hay
Greens, such as kale, parsley, endive, romaine lettuce, collard and mustard greens; up to 1 cup per 4 lb of body weight per day
Supplement with small amounts of apples, pears, peaches, carrots or green bell peppers as treats
Limit or avoid high-sugar, high-carbohydrate treats like bananas, raisins, and yogurt drops
Fresh water daily

Environment

Large cage, wire or solid bottom, preferably indoors
Place the cage in a quiet location and maintain a temperature of 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C).
To prevent heat stress, avoid temperatures exceeding 85°F (29.5°C).
“Rabbit proofing” involves making a room escape-proof, covering electrical cords with conduit to prevent shock, and removing lead paint, toxic plants, and other hazards
Supervised ”rabbit-proofed” environment large enough to explore and get exercise
Litter box with pelleted or shredded recycled newspaper or aspen shavings (Avoid shavings made of pine or cedar shavings, which can irritate the respiratory tract). The litter box should be cleaned daily.
Nest box made from untreated baskets or boxes (can be filled with hay or other bedding) to provide a sense of safety and security
Untreated wooden toys, cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, or paper bags to prevent boredom and provide environmental enrichment

Preventive Care

Complete physical examination every 6 to 12 months
Consult a veterinarian with experience treating exotic companion mammals if you have any questions or concerns about your rabbit’s health
Annual fecal examination for parasites
Spaying and neutering as early as possible at sexual maturity to help prevent uterine cancer later in life in females and urine marking behavior in males
Regular dental examinations to check for dental spurs, overgrown teeth, and other problems
Routine blood tests for adults, as recommended by your veterinarian

Common Medical Disorders