One of my favorite things to do during fair week used to be to go out and hang out with my rabbits, letting kids pet them, talking to people about my animals, and answering all the questions they had about owning rabbits. So to help out, I've compiled a small list of FAQ's about pet rabbit ownership.
Can rabbits live outside?
Yes, they can! If you are housing a rabbit outside, they should have a properly constructed wooden hutch, 3 sides solid wood, with a wire door on the front. This allows the rabbit shelter from cold and rain and also allows for some sun bathing in nice weather. Rabbits deal with the cold very well if they are provided with lots of nice, warm straw to nest in. However, they do have trouble dealing with heat, so plenty of cool fresh water should be provided several times daily.
Can I keep two rabbits together?
It is possible to house two or more rabbits together. Two females (does) do especially well together if they are brought up together from the time they are babies. Males (bucks), however, cannot live together past the age of about 8-10 weeks. Bucks will get territorial and fight with each other, causing injury or death to the other rabbit. The best pair by far is a buck and a doe that have been spayed and neutered. It seems that these pairs tend to be the easiest to bond as adults.
Do rabbits require annual vet care like dogs and cats do?
No. In fact, rabbits seldom require vet care at all. Some rabbit owners do choose to have an annual check-up for their pets with a rabbit savvy vet. However, they do not require the same shots and treatments that dogs and cats do. A few of my rabbits have been to the vet for a minor illnesses, but not for regular vet care.
Which do you suggest for a pet, a buck or a doe?
In my experience, bucks are usually the better pets. Overall, the bucks are more likely to enjoy playing, snuggling, and being with you. They are generally more friendly and outgoing and are definitey more "cuddle buns" than the does are. Of course, it depends on the individual bunny, but usually when does reach maturity they become somewhat aggressive and need special attention and arrangements to be happy. Does are more of an "on my own time" pet and will come to you when they want attention, but like to be on their own more than bucks that just love being around you all the time.
Can rabbits be litterbox trained?
Of course! Rabbits are very clean animals and are easily littertrained. To train your rabbit, start with a litterbox in his cage. Place some bedding and some dirty litter in the box to tell your rabbit that this is where they're supposed to use the bathroom. As he gets better with his box, you can increase his roaming area to your preference (just one room, 1st floor of your house, the whole house). Litter training can be done with any rabbit with time and patience, but having your rabbit spayed or neutered does wonders to dimish territorial behaviors such as spraying or going outside the box.
"I can't have a rabbit, I have a cat."
This is a common statement that I hear ALL the time. When in fact, rabbits and cats and/or dogs can live very happily together. When you first bring your rabbit home, just be careful in introducing them. My grandmother owned a cat for several years before bringing bunny home, and with careful, supervised play dates and introduction, they're finally starting to enjoy spending time together. Just make sure the rabbit's cage is inaccessable to the other animal when you are not available to supervise them.
"What kinds of treats can I give my bunny?"
My rabbits prefer rolled oats to anything. You can get rolled oats at some feed stores, or just buy regular, uncooked oatmeal at the grocery store (it's the same thing!). Just make sure you feed the "Old Fashioned" oats, not the "Instant" or "Quick" oats. We usually sprinkle a pinch of oats over the rabbits' pellets every night. The rabbits love them, and they really help the condition of their coats too.
Suggested Veggie List - Just remember to introduce veggies one by one, very slowly. Introducing too many at one time, or in large amounts, could cause illness. Rabbits have very delicate digestive systems and should be transitioned slowly to new foods.
Suggested Fruit List - Sugary fruits such as bananas and grapes should be used only sparingly, as occasional treats.
I try to stay away from processed pet store treats that contain high sugar and can cause illness or obesity. Oats, veggies, or low-sugar fruits make much better treats.
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