Tips on Getting a Pet Rabbit

Are you thinking of getting a pet rabbit?

Rabbits are pretty good pets for the certain people such as those who do not have time or space for a cat or dog. Rabbits are active in the day (unlike hamsters and other nocturnal pets) and can be walked on a leash when using a harness.

There are several breeds of rabbits, some being rather small and others being very large (often used for meat). Fluffy rabbits require proper grooming and regular brushing. Breed selection is very important, keeping in mind that the larger rabbits will need a lot more space. The lop eared rabbits also tend to need more space because in a small cage they tend to stand on their ears a lot which makes them dirty.

The size of the rabbit's cage, or hutch, is important. At the very least a small rabbit will need three square feet of space in its cage, while a larger rabbit may need six square feet of space. The smaller the cage the more time the rabbit should have out of it for exercise and mental stimulation.

Some people leave their rabbit loose in their house, allowing it to use a litter box much like cats do.

You must consider where you are going to keep your pet rabbit. While many people do keep pet rabbits outdoors in hutches this is not the ideal place. Not only do they tend to be neglected when outside but they also are at risk for attacks from predators and problems such as fly strike.

Rabbits need proper rabbit food, timothy hay, and fresh vegetables. You can feed them carrots, cucumbers, apples, and romaine lettuce (no other lettuces), but be sure to wash all vegetables first. You can also give a rabbit dandelion greens from your yard as long as you have not used any chemicals on your lawn.
Bedding in the cage should be straw, or aspen shavings; pine shavings are okay, but cedar shavings should never be used in a rabbit's cage.

When looking for your rabbit's supplies be sure to check That Pet Place for discounted pet supplies and treats.

General Considerations Before Getting a Pet Rabbit

• Be sure you have space, and money, for a large cage.
• Be sure you have time to let your rabbit out of its cage for at least 2 hours a day.
• Can you make a lifetime commitment to owning a pet rabbit?
• If you are planning on keeping your pet rabbit outdoors, is it safe from predators, will it be warm and dry in bad weather?
• Where do you plan on getting your pet rabbit? Consider adopting your pet rabbit from an animal shelter.

Links on Exotic Pets and Pet Care

It has been a busy spring which has left me little time for blogging.  We had 18 lambs and a couple need bottle feeding so that is time consuming.  Rather than writing a full article about one specific pet, I am just going to provide you with some short information on several exotic pets with links to further reading on each.

Rabbits

Rabbits are very popular as pets, there are many breeds of rabbits, some of which require more care in regards to their fur.  Rabbits are often kept as outdoor pets however if their rump becomes dirty they are at risk from fly strike, a condition in which flies lay eggs on the rabbit's rump and the maggots can kill the rabbit.  Rabbits should have at least 2 hours out of their cage every day.

Read more about Rabbits.

Ferrets

Ferrets are possibly more work that rabbits in that they are very intelligent, curious, and playful.  A ferret should be out of its cage for at least 4 hours a day.  Ferrets are carnivores and will try to kill other small house pets, such as rabbits, birds, or even kittens. 

Read more about Ferrets.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are nocturnal pets so may not be suited for everyone, as they can make a lot of noise at night.  Hedgehogs should be taken out for at least 2 hours every evening, usually starting around 8:00 pm.  Care should be taken when buying a hedgehog food as many low quality hedgehog foods do not meet their needs for meat.

Read more about Hedgehogs.

 

Skunks

Skunks are not a common exotic pet but they are certainly one of the most unique.  Skunks are carnivores and are nocturnal so they are not a suitable pet for everyone.  In some areas descenting skunks is illegal even though they may legally be kept as pets.  Once they are tame they are not likely to spray.

Read more about Feeding Pet Skunks.

Insects

For some people furry pets are no good, they cause allergies and are more demanding than a smaller pet such as an insect.  There are many types of insects that can be kept as pets, however in most areas it is illegal to catch and keep wild insects for more than 24 hours, however the pet trade does sell some insects as pets, such as mantis, beetles, and walking stick insects.

Read more about Walking Stick Insects.

Toucans

Toucans are considered to be soft billed birds, this is not in reference to the bill, but rather to what these birds eat, they eat soft foods, not things like nuts.  Their mouth is not as strong as a parrot's.  As such they are a more gentle pet.  Similar, but smaller, are Toucanets.

Read more about Toucans and Toucanets.

Buying Exotic Pets

Remember exotic pets are not for everyone, be sure to buy from a reputable breeder and do your research first to make sure you pick the right kind of exotic pet for your lifestyle.  Never buy a pet that you cannot provide lifetime care for.

Read a Guide to Buying Exotic Pets.

Also remember many animal shelters have exotic pets up for adoption, always check there first.

Myiasis, Pets Being Eaten Alive

In the summer there is a risk to your pets that you may not even be aware of.

If your pets are indoors this is not a common problem, but is a huge risk to outdoor pets, particularly rabbits.

Myiasis is a condition in which fly larvae eat an animal alive, and can kill it.  There are many flies that can cause this problem, the most common being the blowfly.

Myiasis is also called Fly Strike, or Blowfly Strike.

The problem often starts at an open wound, the flies lay their eggs on the flesh, and the larvae hatch out and start eating into the rotting flesh, sometimes feeding on live flesh.  The maggots spread bacteria infection to the bloodstream of the animal and effectively kill it.

In many cases the problem happens around the animals anus (bottom), which when dirty attracts flies even when their is no wound.  The flies lay their eggs on and around the anus of the animal.  The maggots then hatch and start eating the animal while it is still alive.  This is very common in pet rabbits who are kept in outdoor hutches, and in sheep, particularly those in Australia where blowflies are very active in the summer.

You can protect your pet from fly strike by keeping an eye on it, making sure that there are no open sores, and that its rump is always kept clean, and dry.  Cage areas should also be kept clean to prevent flies from being attracted.  People who own pets in areas where blowflies are common can help their pet by keeping it indoors, rabbits in hutches face huge risks.

If you suspect your pet has fly strike veterinarian attention is required immediately to control the bacterial infection from killing the pet.  Maggots can be removed if possible, but this alone is not enough.  In many cases by the time the owner discovers that the pet is infected with Myiasis it is too late.

Further Reading

Fly Strike, a Deadly Killer of Pets
Mulesing, Australias Cruel Way of Dealing with Fly Strike

Adopt the Internet Day

Petfinder.com is using March 15, 2011 as Adopt the Internet Day, a day they plan to "take over" the Internet in an awareness campaign about pet adoption and issues facing homeless pets. 

Petfinder.com is a place where prospective pet adopters can go to find shelters with certain animals for adoption.  They list adoptable cats, dogs, horses, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and even farm animals.  Thus they may even have the exotic pet you are looking for!


On March 15 Petfinder.com is encouraging people to change their Facebook profile picture to one of an adoptable pet.  They ask people to tweet about an adoptable pet, specifically using the hashtag #adopttheinternt.

Until March 15, 2011, pet lovers can visit ICanHasCheeseburger and create a caption for an adoptable pet.

Please support Adopt the Internet Day, and make plans visit Petfinder.com's Special Page, on March 15.  Be sure to tell people about pet adoption on March 15 and encourage them to use Petfinder to locate a shelter near them.

Read How to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter
Read Petfinder Making News

Cutest Bunnies in the World

At the Animal Cabin we like all kinds of animals, from tiny bugs, to massive creatures, but of course we also love looking at some cute critters, and what could be cuter than a bunny?

Writer RJ Evans is noted for his original sense of humor, and ability to find the most awesome pictures!
He must be a Star Trek fan too because in this link he references one of Star Treks most famous animals - the Tribble.

The Angora rabbit is Earth's version of the Tribble, and nearly breeds as fast!

photo source
If you think this Angora bunny is cute you will want to check  RJ's article The Real Life Tribble - click here.

Angora rabbits are not easy pets to care for, they require regular grooming or their hair can become a real problem for them.  If hair around their rump is allowed to become dirty it can attract flies which can lead to a deadly problem - fly strike.



Read more about angora rabbit breeds.
See other cute rabbit breeds.