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Instructions for new owners

22 10:03:32

Question
What would you include on one page for people with no rabbit experience?

Answer
Hi Tom. OK, here is a brief summery for you. Feed: good quality pellets, lots of good quality grass hay, clean water at all times, no people food, though you can give a little uncooked old fashioned oats,1 tablespoon or less daily. Green food usually ends up causing problems. Best to stay away from it. Housing; the bigger the better. Make sure it is out of the wind or drafts. Wire floors are a nescessity. All wire cages are best, rabbits will chew wood and in time destroy a wood and wire cage. Be aware that rabbits that run loose in the house will chew everything including the electic wires and phone lines.:o( Keep them safe. Pet rabbits are best if neutered. I think males make the best pets but that is my opinion only. Breeding rabbits need to be in separate cages. Breeding should only be done within the same breed and for a responsible reason, ie. to produce show stock or for meat for the family. Rabbits are being overbred just like dogs and cats. (Showing is fun. I suggest everyone try it!) Female rabbits will have babies 30 to 31 days after breeding. She will need a nest box which can be purchased or made of wood, and enough hay or straw to fill the box half full. She will make a nest in this box and line it with her fur to keep the KITS warm. After the babies are born the mother will visit the nest about twice a day to feed them. You will probably not see her do this. The kits eyes will open around the 12th day, they will begin to leave the nest at about 3 weeks but need to stay with mom till at least 6 weeks. Watch your bunnies to make sure they eat and drink every day. Check under the cage to make sure the stools are solid. Watch for runny noses and sneezing. This is a sign of illness and the rabbit needs to be seen by a vet. Find a good vet, who knows about rabbits, BEFORE you get one!!! Buy your bunny from a reputable breeder. Make sure they come from a clean, healthy enviornment. Love your bunny, be kind to it, and have fun with it!!!:o) Ask questions any time you need to.   Hope this helps..       Pat