Rabbits shouldn't be kept outdoors if you live in a cold country. If kept outside they should be moved to a sheltered area in the cooler months and at all times have shelter from sun, wind and rain.

SETTING UP THE CAGE:

Some people let  their rabbits roam free in the house. This can have its own set of problems especially if you are away from home a lot. Rabbits like to chew and furniture and electrical cords all become good target for their sharp little teeth! Chewing through a plugged-in cord can result in severe injury or even death. Their chewing can also result in poisoning if the wrong objects are left in the open or in unlocked low cabinets. Aside from obvious toxins like insecticides and cleaning supplies, common plants such as aloe, azalea, Calla lily, Lily of the Valley, philodendron, and assorted plant bulbs can be poisonous to rabbits As a general rule, a rabbit's cage should be a minimum of five times the size of the rabbit. Your rabbit should be able to completely stretch out in his cage and stand up on his hind legs without bumping his head on the top of the cage. If outside, the cage should be away from direct sunlight and wind and rain. Rabbits have soft pads on their paws so wiring isn't suitable for the floor as it may cut their paws. Provide a clean layer of wood shavings and plenty of hay or shredded paper for bedding. Rabbits usually sleep during the day and night, becoming playful at dawn and dusk. Layer the floor with cardboard or other material. To give your rabbit a place for some quiet time, put a cardboard box or cover in one end the cage so the bunny has a comfortable place to hide and sleep. Attach a water bottle to the side of the cage that the rabbit can sip from. They are available at pet stores for mice and in a larger size for rats, rabbits and cavies. Make sure the rabbit knows how to use the sipper bottle. Water can also be in a bowl but will need to be changed frequently. When rabbits are kept in a cage, they need to be let out for several hours each day for exercise. Aside from running and jumping, rabbits also enjoy exploring their surroundings. This is an ideal time to play and interact with your rabbit. Make sure that he has a safe area to play and explore. Untreated wood gives the rabbit something to chew on and they need to do this to keep their teeth down. Bowls, balls, and rings made of willow wood are big hits with many rabbits and can be purchased online or in specialty stores. You can also use paper-towel rolls, toilet-paper rolls, and other chewable cardboard materials that can be tossed in the trash once they've served their purpose. Avoid objects with sharp edges, loose parts, or soft rubber that rabbits could chew into pieces and swallow. Rabbits burrow, so ensure the cage is sunk into the ground, escape-proof and safe from predators.

PRO & CONS

Rabbits need daily exercised in a safe grassy area so need a fair bit of attention. Rabbits can learn to use a litter box just like a cat so if yours is roaming free teach them to do so. Have several boxes in different places. Rabbits have complex, sensitive digestive systems and there are many foods they should not eat. These include iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, corn, beans, peas, potatoes, beets, onions, rhubarb, bamboo, seeds, grains, and many others. Also, don't feed your rabbit chocolate, candy, anything mouldy, or most human foods. Rabbits have fragile bones and can even break their own backs struggling to get away. Small children shouldn't hold them unsupervised so they are not really good pets for children. Rabbits may not like being held. Hold them with one hand under the bottom and one under the front. Never hold them by the ears or let the rear legs hang free. Rabbits don't cough up hairballs like cats so will need more grooming to gather up the loose hair. Rabbits are happier when they have a friend but be careful of what sex you get if you don't want the proverbial to happen! Rabbits can be speyed and neutered like cats and dogs. Their cage needs to be cleaned every day and bedding changed weekly. Rabbits may be hard to have looked after while you are on holidays. Rabbits are playful and entertaining to watch. Veterinary care can be expensive as they are considered exotic animals. LINKS & RESOURCES: