Keeping Rabbits - What to
Consider Before You Start Raising Rabbits
Keeping rabbits
as pets is a daunting but fun task. Not only are they cuddly
and cute, they can also be good sources of income if they are
sold for their meat. Having them as pets, however, needs
dedication from the part of the owner. Some of the things that
should be considered in keeping rabbits are housing, food,
handling techniques, and cleaning. When it comes to housing,
rabbits are animals which are very sensitive to temperature so
they must be kept in a warm and sheltered spot. Rabbits should
also be given a cage which has a lot of space because they get
anxious if they are confined and cannot properly move. Also,
female rabbits are territorial so owners should also be
careful when it comes to reproduction. In breeding, the female
rabbit should be the one to be placed on the cage of the male
because doing otherwise may just lead to fighting.
Females are also more sensitive if they are pregnant. In
rearing rabbits
which are nearing delivery, one must prepare a nest lined with
materials to keep the mother warm. The nest can be made of a
simple cardboard or litter box which should be lined with hay
or wood shavings. In creating a nest, it is not recommended to
use newspapers or tissue because these materials do not
sufficiently hold warmth in them. Moderating the temperature
is important in keeping rabbits because the more body heat
these animals use, the higher their tendency of eating too
much. This concept is important for those who are raising
rabbits for meat because overeating can just make them fat
instead of having lean meats.
Unlike common notion, rabbits don't only survive on carrots
only. These animals also need to be given a balanced diet
too if they are to have longer lives and finer muscle and
bone structures. Pellets and hay are good foods to give.
When it comes to handling, rabbits should be lifted through
their loose skin on the back of their necks with their lower
body supported.
Rearing rabbits also involve giving them space to
move around and hop. They should be regularly given activities
because being dormant will just make them overweight and
weaken their muscles. The last element which should be
considered is grooming and cleaning. Even though rabbits are
naturally neat animals, it will be better if they are groomed
every now and then. Keeping their cages clean is also very
important to make them less prone to bacteria and diseases.
