Ten Tips for Rabbit Owners

1. Most bunnies can be put in a trance. This is most effective if you are comfortable and relaxed when handling bunnies. Some people have more luck than others. Some claim that any rabbit can be "tranced." Start by scooping the rabbit up carefully between its legs with one hand while supporting the butt with the other and gently turn it over on its back into the crook of your arm. As you hold it there like a baby, gently stroke the rabbit's cheeks and nose. In general, the head will fall back, and the bunny will relax. This can be useful for trimming nails or checking teeth.

2. Rabbits should be spayed or neutered. Altered bunnies make better pets, are healthier, and live longer. In females, there is almost no risk of reproductive cancers after altering, and males are less aggressive.

3. Rabbits should live indoors. Pet rabbits need a temperature controlled environment that is free from drafts just like humans! Rabbits kept outdoors are also at risk from predators, and are more likely to escape and not be able to care for themselves. Keep your pet rabbit indoors to keep it healthy and happy.

4. Rabbits can be litter trained. Place an appropriate box in the area your rabbit usually urinates in. Usually the rabbit will just automatically start using it. If the rabbit seems reluctant to go into the box, spread some hay on the top to make it more inviting. If the rabbit decides to start going in a different location, move the box or consider having more than one. Litter training your rabbit will make it easier to give it more running room in your home and make clean up easier.

5. Pine bedding, pine scented bedding, and cedar bedding can kill your pet! More appropriate bedding includes aspen, hemp, or recycled paper bedding like Carefresh and Yesterday's News.

6. When feeding your bunny, limit foods that are high in sugar like carrots and fruit. Rabbits are natural grazers and need a diet high in fiber. High sugar vegetables and fruits will not only upset their digestion but also increase the risk of obesity in your pet. Obese rabbits have more health problems than rabbits that are at an appropriate weight.

7. Never keep your pet in a cage with a wire bottom. The wires can hurt your pet's feet!

8. Rabbits can be very shy especially around strangers. Don't think that your rabbit doesn't like you if he or she ignores you. Often the first sign that a rabbit is accepting you and that you are not a stranger anymore is that the rabbit goes about his life as if you weren't there, eating, hopping, playing, grooming. A scared rabbit will not behave typically. Once your rabbit accepts your presence, you are on the way to becoming friends.

9. Rabbits need unlimited access to hay. In the wild bunnies spend most of their awake time grazing. It is important that they have fresh hay available at all times!

10. Pet rabbits have lost the instinct to avoid eating poisonous plants. If you let your rabbit graze outside under supervision, it is important to be aware of what harmful plants grow in your area and to make sure that your pet rabbit doesn't eat them!