Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Lop-eared rabbits are so cute! However, they need to be properly cared for like any other pet. Just follow these seven easy steps to become the perfect bunny host.

Steps

1. 1 Think carefully! It can be tempting to buy a fold rabbit because of its adorable appearance, but you need to think carefully before buying a rabbit. Rabbits live 9-11 years and during all these years they need care and attention. Caring for a rabbit can cost a pretty penny if it gets sick. Rabbits are wonderful extraordinary creatures with unique characters, they need a master who is ready to become a real companion for them. Make sure local veterinarians can provide rabbit treatment services.
2. 2 Get a rabbit. Find a breeder who sells rabbits, or consider adopting a rabbit from an animal shelter. Try to find out more information about how to approach buying a rabbit.
3. 3 Give your rabbit a nickname. Think about the color scheme. For example, a brown rabbit can be called Brownie (from the English word brown). Think about the features. For example, a black rabbit with a white spot on its forehead might be called a Star.
4. 4 Select a cage. You will need a large solid bottom cage. The wire bottom can damage your rabbit's feet. The cage should be filled with safe litter, toys, food and water bowls, litter box, and hay container.
   • Clean the cage regularly. Remove droppings and clean the litter box daily. Change the bedding weekly (a towel can be used instead of sawdust). Wash your food and water bowls daily or every other day.
5. 5 Feed your rabbit. Rabbits under 7 months old should have unlimited access to alfalfa pellets, alfalfa hay and clean water. Rabbits over 7 months old should get 1/4 cup (62.5 ml) granulated alfalfa, some vegetables, unlimited timothy hay, and clean water. Fruit should be given occasionally as it is high in sugar for regular feeding. Safe vegetables include Chinese cabbage, basil, mustard shoots, lettuce (not cabbage), lettuce, carrot tops (carrots are sugary and should rarely be given), collard greens. Healthy fruits include blueberries, apples (stems and seeds removed), melons, peaches, pineapples, plums, bananas, and strawberries. Talk to an experienced rabbit owner or veterinarian for more information.
6. 6 Chat with your rabbit. Read on for information on how to improve your relationship with your rabbit. When you become friends, spend at least 4 hours a day together, 2 of which the rabbit should be out of the cage in a safe, enclosed area. Rabbits don't like being picked up a lot. Instead, communicate with them at their level, let them do their exploration of the territory and come to you of their own free will.
7. 7 Buy a pair of bunnies. Rabbits are happier if they have a companion, it is highly recommended to buy a second rabbit (preferably the same size or breed).
   • Let the rabbit choose your own mate (Would you like a forced marriage?).It is recommended that you contact an animal shelter, which will allow you to pre-meet the rabbits. Don't expect rabbits to fall in love with each other right away, ignoring is also a good sign.

Tips

• For exercise, let your rabbit out of the cage at least twice a day.
• You should feed your rabbit daily mixed foods as these are better for their health.
• This does not often happen, but if the rabbit has diarrhea, do not feed him pelleted food, only oats, hay and fresh water are needed to treat the diarrhea. If diarrhea persists for more than one day, contact your veterinarian immediately. The rabbit gets sick and dies very quickly.
• Rabbits need regular brushing to remove loose hair. They are quite clean and lick themselves, and hair loss when swallowed can lead to the formation of hairballs in the digestive tract. Rabbits cannot regurgitate a hairball, so it can cause serious illness and death.
• If you accidentally damage a blood vessel while trimming your rabbit's claws, simply use flour or styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Be careful when trimming your nails! Consider attracting a professional to perform this procedure (in some pet stores, as well as in veterinary clinics, this procedure will be carried out for a small fee).
• Do not purchase a cage with a pull-out tray. Rabbit paws are different from dog paws, the wire bottom can seriously damage them. Choose a cage with a solid plastic bottom.
• Lop-eared rabbits are better served with hay and timothy pellets than alfalfa. Alfalfa hay and pellets are intended for young rabbits and rabbits raised for meat. Other options include oats, a campfire, and a hedgehog team.
• When buying a rabbit, make sure it is healthy.

Warnings

• Do not feed your rabbit too many oats, as they can also cause diarrhea.
• If your rabbit is sick, contact your veterinarian immediately. Rabbits are the target of predators, and therefore tend to hide their diseases, if you were able to notice the problem, it can be very serious.
• Always support the rabbit's hind legs. If this is not done, the rabbit can seriously injure its back.
• Rabbits love to chew (non-toxic wood, cardboard, etc.). Be sure to secure the area where the rabbit is allowed to walk. Read the additional information on how to do this.
• Never do not feed your rabbit food that is human or hazardous to it. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive tract and can easily get sick and die. Feed your rabbit only approved food.
• If you have a rabbit, you must spay her. This is important because if you do not do this before she is two years old (and at the same time do not allow her to produce offspring), there is an 85% chance of developing and dying of ovarian cancer. Be prepared for health and care costs, or buy or take from the shelter an already spayed rabbit.
• If you let your rabbit go outside, keep an eye on him.
• Human (cooked) food is not intended for rabbits.

What do you need

• Granulated food for rabbits (from timothy for adult rabbits, from alfalfa for small ones)
• Rabbit Safe Food
• Fresh clean water
• Bowls for water and food
• Hay and canopy
• Nail clippers (cat claws or human clippers)
• Toilet trays
• Large solid bottom cage
• Safe area for the rabbit to walk outside the cage
• Rabbit harness and leash
• Toys
• Box or other shelter (you can make it yourself out of the box, or buy ready-made in the store)
• Dog brush for long-haired rabbits