A Few Rabbit Myths That can Harm Your Bunny

Mel — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:24:46 +0000

It’s not always wise to believe everything you read or hear about the business of raising and keeping rabbits, either as a pet or to breed. Many of the old wives tales are easy to spot as false, but there are a few that persist that can be downright detrimental to your rabbit’s health and wellbeing. Here are a few of the biggest out there, and the truth behind the myth:

1. You can let an unwanted pet rabbit out into the wild and it will be OK

The average domesticated rabbit will not last long in the great outdoors. Most fall prey to local predators such as dogs, cats and big birds, very quickly. It may be true that pet rabbits possess some inbred “prey instincts”, they have never had to rely upon on them and really have no clue what to do in the wild. If you can no longer care for your rabbit, try to find him a good home, or as a last resort hand him over to a local pet shelter.

2. You can pick a rabbit up by his ears.

Rabbits ears are not a handle. How would you feel if someone tried to pick you up by your ears? Well, rabbits feel the same way. The correct way to handle a bunny is to scoop it up, supporting its body with both hands. This myth probably gained popularity thanks to those magicians who do “rabbit hat tricks”, a practice that magicians guilds now frown on.

3. Pet store rabbit treats are good for your bunny’s health.

This is for the most part false. The brightly colored treats you see in the pet store are designed to appeal to you, not your rabbit. These treats often contain way more sugar and dried fruits and nuts than the average rabbit’s digestion system can handle.

4. Rabbits are silent animals.

New rabbit owners may be very surprised by the range of noises that their pet bunny makes, and they vary greatly from breed to breed. It may go from a low “buzzing” noise to a contented purr. A rabbit that feels threatened will often let out a very shrill scream.

5. Cats and Rabbits can be bred to create Cabbits.

Since these are two completely different species, it’s hard to believe that anyone falls for this particular myth but the “cabbit” theory is alive and well. It may be the strange way that cat breeds such as the manx , which do move in a way that is almost a hop that helped get it started. However, as far as anyone knows, cabbits only really exist in Japanese Anime cartoons.

More Than Carrots – Feeding your Rabbit the Right Way

Mel — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:55:38 +0000

Sorry Bugs, it takes more than carrots to keep a rabbit in top form. When it comes to feeding and diet, a rabbit’s fairly sensitive digestive system has to be taken into account. A few tips;
Hay, Hay and more Hay
The average rabbit should have a supply of fresh hay available at all times. Feeding your rabbit a variety of the different types of hay available is often a good idea, as each different type has a different texture and fiber content.
Alfalfa Hay is great for pregnant does and rabbits under 6 months of age. However it is too rich for most adult rabbits, in excess it can cause some major health problems.
Timothy Hay is favored by most rabbits and is the type carried most commonly in pet supply stores. Oat Hay is good to give once in a while for a little variety and as it is thicker it helps keep sharp teeth in check. Orchard Grass has a much softer texture than other hay, and makes great bedding too.
Pellet Feeding
In general it is best to avoid giving your rabbit fancy “gourmet pellets” as more than the occasional treat. “Gourmet” pellets are those with peanuts, honey, colored cereal and other artificial additives. Rabbits 6 months of age and over should be given 2-3 tablespoons of alfalfa pellets per five pounds of body weight per day. Pregnant does and babies under 6 months however should be given access to all the pellets they desire.
Greens and Fruits
Rabbits will enjoy a full range of greenery. Most lettuce varieties are fine for rabbits, and they also enjoy such things as collard and mustard greens. Some rabbits even enjoy the occasional bok choy salad. Iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value for rabbits, so should not be the focus of his veggie diet. Cabbage and cauliflower should be avoided as they cause bloating and excess gas.
Rabbits can be given a variety of fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, strawberries and blueberries. Grapes, raisins and bananas should be avoided as they contain far too much sugar for your rabbit to handle.

Rabbit Breeding » rabbit food

A Few Rabbit Myths That can Harm Your Bunny

More Than Carrots – Feeding your Rabbit the Right Way