How to Keep Pet Rabbits Safe

Pet rabbits make excellent pets and provide the same level of companionship as do cats and dogs. Rabbits trained as indoor pets learn to use the litter box easily, and they even respond when called. There are things every rabbit owner should know, however, to keep her pet rabbits safe and healthy. Read on to learn how to keep pet rabbits safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Supervise children around pet rabbits. Although a child never intends to hurt her pet, it's the parent's responsibility to keep these fragile rabbits safe from accidental falls or rowdy play. Likewise, pet rabbits bite and scratch when frightened.
2. Keep your pet rabbits indoors to protect against predators and to provide them with the attention they crave. If you have more than one rabbit, however, spay or neuter them before housing them together. One medium-sized rabbit requires a large enough cage for it to move and jump freely, at least 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Cover the bottom of the cage with enough straw or hay for your rabbit to make a bed.
3. Give your rabbit something to do. Pet rabbits are natural property destroyers, so they need plenty of chew toys and digging boxes to keep them occupied. Provide them with cardboard boxes for chewing and a box of shredded newspaper for digging.
4. Exercise your rabbits by giving them a safe, enclosed space in which to roam for several hours each day. Stay with your rabbits if you choose to take them outside, and remember to play with them in an enclosed area. Large birds, cats, and dogs are natural predators. If you let your rabbits roam free indoors, ensure there are no exposed wires or harmful substances they can chew.
5. Groom your rabbits by brushing them regularly. Also, keep their cages clean by sweeping them of old material at least once every week. Additionally, take your pet rabbits to a veterinarian for an annual checkup.