| So you have decided to purchase a pet rabbit, and | | | | to think that because rabbits are relatively small and |
| now you are wondering how do I pick out the right | | | | spend a good deal of time in their cages that they're |
| one?Well, aside from appearance, there are a number | | | | easy to take care of. Well, that may be true in some |
| of important considerations that you will have to make | | | | sense, but it's foolish to bring home a rabbit thinking that |
| when you pick out your pet bunny rabbit at the local | | | | it's not going to be much of a time commitment. If you |
| pet store or other venue. This is important both to | | | | are not willing to spend time with your pet rabbit, then |
| ensure that you choose a healthy pet rabbit, and to | | | | you probably should not get him. This, of course, |
| make sure that you and he are compatible!Now I'll | | | | applies to all pet animals!Well, here's what to expect. |
| explain what you'll need to think about before heading | | | | You should ensure that you have plenty of time for all |
| out to buy your pet rabbit, and what to look for when | | | | the initial and intermediate stages of pet care, which |
| you're actually selecting an animal from a local breeder, | | | | include:- Rabbit-proofing your house to make sure the |
| adoption center or pet store.Housing: Do You Have | | | | little guy won't get hurt |
| Enough Space for a Pet Rabbit?When it comes to | | | | - Litter box training |
| tame pet bunny rabbits, they do much better indoors | | | | - Cleaning up after the inevitable accidents |
| than outdoors. Living indoors will ensure that your pet | | | | - Spaying/neuteringYou will also need to devote a |
| bunny rabbit stays healthy and safe and gets to know | | | | good deal of time to your rabbit well after you bring |
| the members of your family. Rabbits kept in outdoor | | | | him home for the first time. You must:- Give him |
| cages are at risk of being threatened by other animals; | | | | exercise (at least a few hours per day out of the |
| foxes, dogs, and raccoons have been known to open | | | | cage) |
| cage doors.Therefore, before you decide to bring | | | | - Give him attention (just like any pet or child, rabbits |
| home a pet rabbit, make sure that you have plenty of | | | | need to feel love!) |
| space inside your house for your new animal friend. | | | | - Buy and provide rabbit toys |
| For most rabbits, plan on buying a cage that is either | | | | - Administer feedings |
| 30 inches square, or 2 feet by 3 feet. You will also | | | | - Take him to the vet if necessary and for |
| need to make sure that you have enough room inside | | | | check-upsAbove all, just keep in mind that bringing |
| your home to fit a cage of this size. If you don't have | | | | home a new pet bunny rabbit is not so different from |
| space for a cage, you will not be able to provide a | | | | bringing home a new infant. You will need to spend |
| rabbit with an adequate living situation.Keep in mind that | | | | adequate time preparing for the arrival, as well as |
| the cage should not just be placed in any old spot, but | | | | adjusting to life with the newcomer. Setting aside time |
| should put somewhere where the rabbit can feel | | | | for all these necessities will make for a happy, |
| connected and close to the family. At the same time, | | | | comfortable situation for everyone involved.Before |
| the rabbit cage should be away from heaters, air | | | | bringing home a pet rabbit, make sure that you can |
| conditions, loud objects like TVs or radios, and not in | | | | commit to giving him the quality of lifestyle he |
| direct sunlight. Since you will be letting your rabbit out of | | | | deserves throughout his lifetime (5-15 years, depending |
| his cage for exercise, you will also need to put the | | | | on the rabbit-s breed and age and health at the time |
| cage in an area that can be bunny-proofed. (more on | | | | of purchase).by Andrea Austin, |
| that later...)Your Time InvestmentA lot of people seem | | | | hope you enjoyed this article. |