Keeping a rabbit as a house pet does have its rewards and challenges. One such challenge is to protect your belongings from the gnawing teeth of your pet rabbit. Now, you cannot completely rabbit proof your home, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the carnage.
First, acknowledge that rabbits need to chew, and anything on floor level is fair game for your rabbit. When I was in college, my roommate had a pet guinea pig that had free reign through the house. We thought we had everything picked up and away from the guinea pig, until we washed the rag rug in the kitchen. The guinea pig had chewed the stitching binding the rug together which went undetected until it returned from the washer in strips of fabric. So if you have an expensive Persian rug, you will have to keep the rabbit out of the room with your valuables.
The second challenge is electrical cords. One bite through a plugged in light cord not only ruins the cord, but can be potentially fatal to your rabbit. Try to tuck cords up and out of sight or cover them with aluminum foil, hard plastic, PVC pipe or spiral cable wrap designed to protect them. Do not run the cords under the carpets because this can cause a fire hazard. Remember that rabbits like to get into small places and the electrical cords of small appliances, like crock pots, stored in cabinets or your pantry, can also fall victim to the chewing tendencies of your pet rabbit. (I know this first hand because a loose hamster chewed up my crock pot cord).
Challenge number three is houseplants. Since rabbits are herbivores, the will seek out your houseplants to forage upon. Plants need to be kept out of reach because your bunny can destroy it, or the plant may be harmful to your bunny. Not all house plants are toxic, but you do need to know which ones are potentially poisonous to your bunny. The best advice is to keep your plants up on a potting table out of harm's way.
Protecting your furniture and other wooden objects is challenge number four. There are special plastic guards that you can put around the legs of your couches or chairs. Aluminum foil sometimes works well in areas that are under skirts so they can't be seen. Some people have had some luck with the bitter sprays or chew guard applied to wooden surfaces. You also have to protect the baseboards, walls, cabinet doors and anything else that is at bunny eye level. Furthermore, keep cabinet doors closed to prevent access to cleaning products. Child proof cabinet latches are a good idea just in case.
Rabbits sometimes will try to burrow into the underside of your furniture or mattress, making it a great place for a rabbit to hide. There are a couple of things that will keep the bunny from making a hidden nest under your furniture. One is to staple either wood, hard plastic sheets, or shower board to the bottom of your furniture to keep them out. Another is to make a wooden box frame to fit under the furniture to prevent access.
You additionally need to remember that anything on the floor is also fair game. That includes books, magazines, remote controls, shoes, socks, purses, toys, games, and anything else you can think of. Having a rabbit or a puppy loose in your house is one way to make your kids pick their stuff up because if the treasured item is found by your rabbit or puppy, it can be destroyed in seconds.
The best way to bunny proof your home is to only let them out when they can be supervised or use doggie gates to restrict their access to off-limit areas. Give your bunny plenty of chew toys, such as hard rubber or plastic balls, to keep them occupied. There are a variety of chew toys available for rabbits nowadays. You can also purchase apple sticks online that rabbits love to chew on. Just remember, if your rabbit chews on something valuable, it is not his fault because you shouldn't have left it out in the first place.
Filed under About Pet Rabbits, Featured by on Feb 20th, 2011. Comment. 
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is an infections viral disease that can occur in the Euoropean rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The majority of the domestic and commercial rabbits in the United States are derived from this species and are susceptible to infection from RHDV. Fortunately, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits are not susceptible to the infection and are not a source of infection to the domestic rabbits. Humans and other animals are also not infected by the RHD virus. If the disease is introduced to a rabbitry or a household, it spreads rapidly, causing a 70%-100% of the rabbits to get sick and die. There is not a treatment and there is not a vaccine available in the United States as of yet. Survivors of the virus can become carriers and transmit the disease for up to 4 weeks following infection.
Signs of the Disease
When a rabbit is exposed to the virus, the virus attacks the liver, intestines, and lymphatic system which results in massive blood clots within just a short incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. Young rabbits can die suddenly in just 6 to 24 hours after you first notice they are even sick. Some signs that rabbits can show are a foamy, bloody nasal discharge from the internal bleeding. The can also show depression or a reluctance to move, which can then progress to a variety of neurologic signs. Some rabbits may show increased excitement, in-coordination, paddling movements of their legs and opisthotonos (stiffness and abnormal position or the head and back in a arched position).
Unfortunately, by the time the rabbit is showing signs, there is very little a pet owner can do.
What is RHD?
The disease is caused by a virus that has been identified as a Lagovirus belonging to the family Caliciviridaeis (calicivirus). While previously limited to China, Europe and some other areas, it has been known to be in the U.S. since the year 2000 and had a major outbreak in Indiana in 2005. Since then, cases have been diagnosed in several states such as Iowa, New York and Utah. With a distribution that broad, it could potentially occur anywhere.
There are vaccines in other countries, but they have so far not been proven completely effective. Pfizer is currently working on a vaccine in the United States, but it is not known when it will be available or how effective it is. Unfortunately, there is no effective cure for the disease , but there are treatments that can alleviate suffering.
Disease prevention
The main concern is to avoid introducing RHD into to the rabbit population in the United States. RHD virus wreaked havoc in Europe causing massive losses to the rabbits and rabbit industry. If you are importing rabbits, rabbit cages, supplies, pelts, feeders, clothes from a country that has RHD, you should avoid contact with these objects and your own rabbits. Rabbits can be carriers of the disease for 4 weeks and the virus can remain viable on objects for a long time. Disinfectants such as, 2-percent 1-Stroke Environ (Steris Corporation, St. Louis, MO), 0.5-percent sodium hypochlorite, or 10-percent household bleach, can be used to sanitize equipment and cages. Also, if you are purchasing used products from an auction site, be sure to disinfect all surfaces before letting your rabbit use the product, and sanitize your hands after touching the objects to prevent transmission.
Keep newly purchased rabbits isolated from your own rabbit for at least 5 days. It is also a good idea if you are showing your rabbit at livestock shows to isolate them for 5 days when returning from shows. You should also de-contaminate your hands and footwear when going from the isolated rabbits to the rest of your population.
Researchers are working very hard to find a vaccine for RHD. With just a few precautions, hopefully your rabbit will not be exposed and suffer from this terrible disease.
Filed under About Pet Rabbits by on Feb 12th, 2011. Comment.
Pet bunnies spend most of their lives in their cages but keeping them just in a small cage can cause problems for your bunny. Real rabbit warrens (dens) in nature consist of a continuous series of connecting tunnels and small caves that the rabbit can hide in. Your outdoor rabbit hutch should provide a safe enclosed den for the rabbit to hide in as well and an area to exercise in so he won't get fat. If the hutch does not have an exercise area attached, then it is up to you to give your bunny some exercise every day.
When choosing your rabbit hutch, you should get as large a cage as you can so your rabbit can have room to move and jump around in. There are also hutches available that have an exercise pen attached for extra room. If your rabbit hutch has a wire floor, try to fence it off so cats and predators cannot get under the pen and grab their toes as they stick out.Also watch for sores that may develop on the rabbit's hocks (the ankle bone). Lots of hay bedding, squares of fleece or fake fur can help from developing the sores. Avoid carpet squares because they cannot be washed and may be more abrasive than the wires and the fibers can be chewed that can result in impaction. Do not use clay litter for a litter box because rabbits can swallow the litter which can also result in intestinal problems.
If you buy a used rabbit hutch or cage from an auction site, be sure to sanitize it thoroughly before putting your bunny in it. There are some viruses and parasites that can infect your bunny left over from the previous owner and those germs can live for some time on the surface of the cage or in the cracks. The discounted hutch may sound like a great bargain at first, but won't be for long if your bunny gets sick.
Some rabbit hutches can have ramps leading to a second story which can give the bunny more room to play in. Large enclosures, (dog exercise pens) can be used for your bunny to get more room to stretch. If the pen does not have an enclosed top,do not leave them unattended because predators, like cats and hawks, may spot your bunny and decide to make him a tasty snack. Bunnies can also dig and may try to dig out of the pen.
Rabbits can overheat easily, so it is best to find a shady location for your rabbit hutch. Make sure your rabbit has plenty of cool, fresh water to drink at all times. When it gets really hot, you can take a 2 liter soda bottle, fill it with water and freeze it. You can then put it in your rabbit's cage in the morning to help keep him cool as the sun warms up.
In the winter time, make sure your rabbit has plenty of warm bedding to nuzzle in. If it gets too cold, then it is time to move your rabbit inside to an indoor cage.
Clean your rabbit hutch out every week with a water hose and mild detergent. Change the bedding when needed.Be sure to rinse the cage well after using the detergent so the residue will not irritate your rabbit's skin. Indoor rabbits can be taught to use a litter box, which makes cage cleaning a lot easier.
At least pet rabbits do not have to be walked every few hours like dogs do, but they do need to be played with, exercised and groomed every day. Having a hutch with an exercise pen is a great way for your rabbit keep active and healthy.
Filed under About Pet Rabbits by on Feb 7th, 2011. Comment.
Before you buy a care insurance pet policy for your pet, check the list of the firms approved veterinarians to watch if your veterinarian will accept the businesses check. Try to have useful answer from your own veterinarian what sort of pet health care prepare would great suit your household cat and dog. Before you make decision to buy a pet health insurance policy you ought to review and understand how the policy deals prescription coverage. Most firms that sell pet healthcare insurance don't comprise prescription coverage in their basic medical health care insurance policy.
Different pet healthcare plans require different deductibles. Most pet insurance firms have "cap" or restrict placed on each pet healthcare insurance policy. Before you buy your pet health care policy talk to the firm representative about waiting periods. Many pet owners especially, those that possess dogs, discover that hereditary defects come into their particular dogs aren't covered by their pet health care plan.
If you are considering a comprehensive health care insurance policy ask if the plan covers teen veterinarian visits like; dental care, immunizations, and heart worm testing. Also ask if the pet health care insurance plan also covers the office environment call.
Pet Care Insurance Saves Your Pets
The first is that you absolutely need to have pet care insurance if you are going to be able to care for your pets correctly. Lastly, you will want to remember that with the right pet care insurance, you can provide your pets with the best possible care for the rest of their lives.
The insurance company will pay for the vet care, as long as you have coverage for your pet. The best pet care insurance is going to allow you to take care of your animals for the rest of their lives. Pet care insurance will lead to better overall care for your pet, in the long run, and to allow your pets to be a real part of your family for many years to come.
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Filed under About Pet Rabbits by on Mar 8th, 2010. Comment.
Delicious, happy meals, this is what TV commercials try to sell pet owners for their pets. Trusting brands and increasing sales, this is the effect of such advertising, but one can simply wonder about how healthy this so praised food actually is! Pet food is certainly an issue if we think of quality, because there is a large amount of chemicals used in the composition for the only purpose of enhancing taste and making the animal believe it is real food. A recent tendency is to use organic pet food as a replacement, and a really healthy variant, so that the pet's diet be based on valuable nutrients alone.
You can order organic pet food on the Internet, or purchase it online. Veterinarians speak in favor of such products because due to the absence of artificial compounds, they are really balanced in terms of nutrition. Just as it happens with humans, animals become overweight or get ill with various diseases, the causes of poor health are rooted in the intoxication with food chemicals. Pets that are not fed on organic pet food grow old at a much quicker pace, they lack vitality and prove more exposed to viruses.
Gas, diarrhea and vomiting represent the main issues of a digestive chronic or acute ailment that may be favored or triggered by regular pet food. If organic pet food is introduced in all the meals, the animal's metabolism and health condition will register significant positive changes. Improvements have also been registered with the immune functions of pets fed on organic food, because the higher quantity of nutrients thus available, allows the body to create and support the defensive barrier constantly, with low chances of getting exposed to viruses and bacteria. This means that the pet will be happier and healthier, with more vitality than ever.
You can find organic pet food not only for cats and dogs, but also for parrots, tortoises, fish and canaries. Food prepared according to age demands is also available mainly for cats and dogs. Thus, for young animals, the amount of nutrients needs to be larger and in formulas that correspond to the body demands during the intense growth period. Fresh or dry food is both available, but you need to pay attention to the packaging so that the food may be preserved in optimal conditions.
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When the author isn't feeding her two dogs with organic pet food, she's a fan of psychic reviews, the Seattle HCG Diet and Weight Loss Center, and theCadillac XLR windscreen windblocker wind deflector.
Filed under About Pet Rabbits by on Feb 23rd, 2010. Comment.
There are other common reasons why pet adoptions occurs, including lost pets, where owners and pets are separated; owners' change of mind, where owners no longer feel they can take care of a pet; and one of the saddest reasons; that breeders produce too many pets, which they then can't sell.
Pet adoption can be an informal or formal arrangement. More common though is the formal adoption process whereby pet shelters and pounds have pets that they try to find homes for.
Pet shelters and pounds are normally more selective about who can adopt their pets, and will often check out perspective owners and homes before allowing pet adoption to go ahead. Any one of you though, when searching for a new pets, prefer to shop from a great breeder or pet market rather than adopt. Fortunately an increasing number of perspective owners are looking to pet adoption to find their new pets.
If more people were aware of pet adoption then there would certainly be fewer pets being put down each year. To reduce the numbers of pets being put up for take to adoption, the idea owners need to be aware of the responsibility that will comes with pet ownership.
The online virtual pet adoption (VPA) works by you having to locate a cyber pet adoption site of your choice, where you register. On some VPA sites, you are allowed to select multiple virtual pets, but the number permitted will vary amongst the cyber pet adoption websites selected.
After you have finished the virtual pet adoption you are free to do anything you wish with your pet. One factor that separates this from other online games is that accountability for the pet is stressed in virtual pets.
It is one of the best things about virtual pets, your pets are entirely yours, and are similar to real pets. If your kids are interested in a pet to love and look after, you can consider virtual pet adoption.
Please also check out my other guide about : dog crate furniture and pet feeder
Filed under About Pet Rabbits by on Feb 19th, 2010. Comment.
Gone are the days when folk like to have dogs and cats as pets. In the present times the animal lovers are exploring the many exotic options of pets. It's the time to be in style by keeping pets like snakes, taming the vicious tigers and a few exotic forms of the wildlife. If you are a little edgy and want to be the proud owner of an exotic pet, you have plenty of options to make a choice from. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
One of the freshest unique pet today is undeniably the chimpanzee. They're our closest family in the animal dominion and with a considerable amount of intelligence. Having this animal for a pet can be tons of fun fundamentally because they're more communicative then any other species save us humans. They let you know about their feelings at any given point thru gestures, movements and sound. there's a drawback to having these otherwise intelligent animals as pets. They're known to lose their cool often and when they do, they may throw a fit or maybe get violent.
One great choice for exotic pets is Marsupials. If you're curious about marsupials as your pet you have two good options going by the names- wallaroos and sugar glider. Sugar gilders are customarily terribly energetic and concerned species. So if you are the fun and the adventurous sorts you are definitely going to have a ball with such pets. However, be prepared to spend some sleepless nights as these pets can be pretty active during night too. You can set the issue straight by getting 2 of them in order that they can be busy with one another. Else you can go in for wallroos as they're relatively quieter species.
If you are not particularly startled on snakes, you may need to keep one as a pet. Of many exotic pets you could bring back, the snake is perhaps the most low maintenance and undemanding. Of many species of snakes, pythons are commonly the hottest. You can bring home Albinos, Ball Pythons, Burmese pythons or reticulated python. Of these, the Burmese python has a name for having the biggest appetite. The others can survive by taking eating each 10-14 days.
You can also get an Emu as a really exotic pet. This bird is large and can run at a highest speed of 30mph. they are also low maintenance as compared to others of their species. You must only bring one of these home, if you have a big living space. The Emus keep running from one corner to the other and can't be limited to any precise corner.
You can also consider selecting Bengal cats as your pet. Bengal cats are a cross-breed kitty that are a good to have as a pet. Quite in sharp relief to what many people believe, these cross-breed pussies are not a product of synthetic insemination. While they look as wild as a tiger, they're at the same time trained as their domestic counterparts. The only issue with Bengal cats is they could have some health concerns.
Go ahead and own an exotic pet, but only if you can afford to.
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Filed under About Pet Rabbits, News by on Feb 9th, 2010. Comment.
Chinchillas originated from South America, especially the Andes Mountains. In their own habitat, these rodents can jump high, reaching more than a meter. Their agility serves them well in the mountains as it allows them to survive threats present in the environment. Animals that prey on them in the natural Chinchilla habitat include snakes, birds of prey, and canine. To protect themselves against these predators, Chins have the ability to release fur. They spray urine to ward off any attacks.
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Chins feed on plants and at times, small insects In their natural habitat. This is the primary reason why most captive Chins are given diet based on hay. Other foods may cause irritation on the digestive system of these animals. Groups of Chins are referred to as ‘herds’ in their natural habitats.
Since Chinchillas have become popular pets in past years, the cage has also been considered as a Chinchilla habitat. When choosing a cage, the height and width should be prioritized. Due to their hyperactive nature, a spacious cage is ideal for Chins. Cages that have ledges and shelves are also recommended since these items can enable the creatures to play, and run around the cage. The ledges and shelves should also be sturdy enough to carry the weight of the animals.The wires of the cages should not be made of plastic, since Chins are fond of chewing on them. Plastic can be poisonous and potentially harm or kill Chins who chomp on them.
A bedroom should never be considered as a Chinchilla habitat. Chins usually asleep during the day and are active at night. Their nocturnal disposition will only cause troubles to their pet owners who insist on keeping them in their bedrooms. Chins usually run around their cages at night, and any person will have a hard time sleeping when they have these active animals running and jumping during the night.
Playtime is important to Chins. Pet owners should take them out of their cages once a day and allow them to roam around. This should be done at night, when they have the energy to perform their hyperactive stunts. The Chinchilla habitat should have ramps where these creatures can run around.
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Chins are very hyperactive that they are difficult to control when they are in their cages. These rodents are very curious, which makes them easy to teach with various tricks. Through habits Chins learn. The more frequent that they perform a task, the more that they will learn a trick. Giving treats such as wooden toys and raisins will also increase the likelihood that they will learn whatever tricks that are taught to them.
There should be enough food and water in the Chinchilla habitat. Chins may run over the food bowl, so make sure that it is sturdy enough. Pet owners should also look closely into the eating habits of their Chins since the food they eat may have an effect o on their digestive system.
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Filed under About Pet Rabbits, News by on Feb 9th, 2010. Comment.
Each extra thick, heavy duty Quick Bath wipes are safe to use on dogs, cats, and other small animals and will leave your pet looking and smelling fresh. Pre-moistened wipes are the quick way to remove dirt and clean your pet's haircoat. Quick Bath Pet Wipes are rich with emollients and conditioners to leave your pets coat shiny and conditioned.
Filed under About Pet Rabbits, News by on Jan 8th, 2010. Comment.
Many people get a rabbit for a pet, thinking they can just put it in a cage. They take it out on the rare occasions they feel like it. But that isn't very beneficial for the rabbit and provides the pet owner with more problems in the long run. Rabbits are not mechanical toys. They require care.
One area where owners will often short that care is in seeking the services of an experienced veterinarian, one with a knowledge of rabbits. Many vets are excellent with dogs and cats but have few opportunities to treat rabbits, so their skills are limited. Many owners will throw up their hands and simply let the rabbit die when it's ill then get another. A regrettable situation.
But for those who are concerned about the proper care of their pet, there are guidelines to help them.
A few common sense questions to ask of a potential vet are the first order of business. Most vets are not offended by honest, respectful questions. Simply ask how much experience they have treating rabbits, if any. Ask them which breeds. Most of the knowledge of one breed is applicable to another, but it helps to get particular. You'll find out more that way.
Spaying or neutering a rabbit is a commonly recommended practice, for example. Spaying is for females, neutering is for males. But, while similar, the sex organs of rabbits differ from dogs and cats. Here again, it's helpful to look for particular experience. Ask the candidate how many surgical procedures they've performed. You may decide in the end to use their services even if the answer is 'none'. But an informed decision leads to a calculated risk, not a blind hope.
Vets who treat rabbits should have a knowledge of which vaccines are required or recommended. Vaccines sometimes use live (but modified) viruses to stimulate a more substantial immune response. But if quality control is lacking, that also substantially increases the risk of reaction. Vets should be able to convey in clear language the risks associated with using them, just as they would for a dog or cat.
Rabbits are prone to a number of diseases and conditions that are more common in them than other animals. Fly strike, Gastrointestinal stasis and other afflictions occur. These are serious but treatable and your vet candidate should be familiar with them.
Once you find one, it's important to be prepared to seek their services from time to time. Early vaccinations and spaying or neutering are obvious times. But being alert to signs of intestinal problems and other issues may also warrant a visit.
If you don't value your rabbit as you would a cat or dog, and budget time and money for vet care accordingly, think twice about getting one. Consider a stuffed rabbit doll instead.
Filed under About Pet Rabbits, News by on Aug 20th, 2009. Comment.
