Pet Bunny Facts

• Bunnies do not have to be walked or let out in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. They don't bark or meow and do not need a smelly litter-box. Bunnies are quiet, clean pets that do not require the veterinary care and vaccinations that other pets do.
• Bunnies do not need shots and can be kept as free roaming pets if certain precautions are taken. Most of all, a pet bunny needs love and attention. The more attention a bunny receives, the friendlier it will be.
• Cleck to make sure that the animal has bright eyes and a clean nose. Does his coat look healthy? Make sure to check the animal's teeth to make sure that the bottom teeth go underneath the top teeth. If you are afraid to check, ask the seller to show you the teeth. Remember a buuny's teeth should look like yours' -- the top teeth go over the bottom teeth --NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
• Ask about the bunny's age. You do not want to purchase an animal that is younger than eight weeks. Be sure to ask for some food to go with the animal. That way it does not go into a new home and have a complete change of diet. If you want to change feeds, do it gradually, mixing the new and old food, while increasing the amount of the new food each day. A bunny should get about one ounce of food per pound.
• All your pet bunny really needs is dish of pellets and clean water every day. Should you decide to give your pet a treat, a piece of apple, carrot, dried bread, or a cracker may interest him. Green beans, oatmeal, or cereals are also popular treats. Hey are also on the recommended list.
• If you notice that your pet has loose stools, give him a little oatmeal on top of his food and add a little Kaopectate or Pepto Bismol in his water.
• As for a home for your pet, there are many sizes and types on the market. Make sure that your cage is big enough for your bunny to move around comfortably, and if you are going to keep your bunny indoors, that the cage has a pan or tray on the bottom that can be easily pulled out for clean-up.
• When you need to clean the cage (about twice to three times a week), all you need do is pull out the pan and dump it into the garbage. Pine shavings canbe used in the tray for absorption. It's simple, clean, and quick. Cedar shavings are NOT recommended. They might cause upper respiratory problems.
• Rabbits can be taught to use a litter box or newspapers by confining the rabbit to the room in which the litter box is to be placed. Place the bunny in the litter box so her knows where it is and place a piece of cardboard or wood with his smell on it in the litter box.
• If the bunny smells his own urine, he more likely to use the same spot. You will notice that he usually uses the same spot as a bathroom in his cage and his bowls should not be placed in that spot. It may take a little time for your bunny to be trained to use the litter box, but it can be done.
• Make sure that you are supervising your bunny at all times when he is out of his cage to avoid any accidents. Keep all electrical cords. Male bunnies may spray to make their territory when they grow up. However, like eats and dogs, your pet bunny can be neutered and many pet owners will tell you that male bunny tend to make more loving pets that females.
• Having a bunny as a pet can be a fun experience as they do get along well with cats and dogs provided you introduce your bunny to your other pets in non-threatening way. So go ahead; enjoy your bunny. But beware, should you decide to take it to a show, you may get hooked and the next thing you know, you'll be looking for a mate for your bunny.

FROM: The American Rabbit Breeders Association "Official Guide Book -- Raising Better Rabbits "