Tips To Raising Healthy Rabbits
To successfully raise rabbits, it's essential to provide a spacious, clean, and dry hutch or pen with good ventilation. This enclosure should also offer adequate shelter from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions. For beginners, we recommend "bunny-proofing" any indoor spaces where your rabbits will roam, providing ample opportunities for exercise, and familiarizing yourself with common health issues such as GI stasis.
Housing and environment
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Location and temperature: Place the hutch or pen in a cool, dry, and quiet area, away from direct sunlight, especially in the summer. The ideal temperature is between 45−70°F45 minus 70 degrees cap F45−70°𝐹.
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Ventilation: Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent ammonia buildup, but avoid direct drafts that could harm the rabbits.
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Protection: Rabbits need shelter from rain, wind, and predators.
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Space: A pen should be large enough for the rabbit to stretch out and stand up on its hind legs, with a minimum of 6 square feet per rabbit recommended. Colony setups need at least 10 square feet per adult.
Health and care
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Cleaning: Clean the hutch or pen at least once a week, replacing old bedding with fresh shavings, sawdust, or peat moss.
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Health issues: Be aware of common health problems like GI stasis, which can be caused by diet changes and stress.
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Veterinary care: Find a rabbit-savvy vet and consider spaying or neutering to prevent certain health issues and unwanted litters.
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Exercise: Provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play, with at least an hour outside of their enclosure daily.
Handling
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Handling: When picking up rabbits, hold them securely. You can pick them up by the scruff of the neck, pin their legs, and wear thick clothing for protection against kicks and claws.
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Bunny-proofing: If your rabbit has indoor playtime, be sure to bunny-proof the area to protect them from hazards like electrical cords and baseboards.
