A long-eared rabbit moves in: Everything for your rabbit
21.8.2017
Translation: machine translated
They hop and are fluffy - perhaps one reason why rabbits are popular pets. But what basics should you really get as a future owner and what do you need to consider? I've put together a range of products to make it as easy as possible for you to get started with your long-eared friend.
There are various points to bear in mind when keeping rabbits. Rabbits are social animals and should never be kept alone. Nutrition and the hutch are also very important for your pet's well-being. You can find out what you need to look out for as a future rabbit owner here.
Nutrition
A healthy diet is the basis for a long rabbit life. You need to know that rabbits have a fragile digestive system. The stomach and intestines have poorly developed muscles. The so-called stuffed intestine only passes the digested chyme on to the next food. You must therefore always provide your rabbit with sufficient food.
The healthiest diet for your rabbit in summer is a green diet. Everything our rabbits need grows in meadows, namely herbs and grasses. As the plants are very rich in protein in spring, you should start with small amounts in spring to slowly get your pet used to it. The portion sizes can then be slowly increased. But it's not just grasses and herbs that are important for a rabbit's diet. Vegetables (e.g. carrots, lamb's lettuce, cabbage leaves, fennel, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli and parsley) are also important. No lettuce, as this contains too much nitrate), fruit (in small quantities), hay and dry food ensure a balanced diet. The correct composition can be found in this nutrition pyramid.
Rodent food + Treats
Quantity discount
CHF8.– per piece for 3 units CHF11.87/1kg
Bunny Allgäu fresh grass
0.75 kg, 1 x
My tip: If there are no more fresh herbs outside, you can also use dried herbs. For example, dried dandelion.
Retreat option
Rabbits are flight animals. So that your long-eared rabbit can retreat to rest or simply flee from noises, it needs different retreat options. I recommend choosing materials that can also be found in nature. Wood and grass elements are particularly suitable.
Litter
Rabbits are clean animals. Good bedding is important for the well-being of your hopping friend. The animal needs a surface to run and lie on that is not only absorbent but also does not create a lot of dust. Rabbits don't like it too damp or too dry. If they have to live on a wet surface, this not only goes against their sense of cleanliness, they will also become ill sooner or later. On the other hand, if the environment is too dry, the dust rises into the sensitive nose and the nasal mucous membranes become irritated.
To make cleaning easier for you, an absorbent floor mat made of hemp is suitable. The mat is particularly absorbent and prevents the stable from becoming too damp. Place hemp or wood fibre bedding on top of the hemp mat. Both of these types of bedding are absorbent. You can also use straw as additional bedding. Straw is an ideal and comfortable top litter, faeces and urine fall through and collect under the straw in the bottom litter. Long-haired animals stay free of bedding that gets stuck in their fur with straw bedding. Rabbits also like to snuggle up in straw. So it's best to simply use it where your rabbit sleeps. For example, by the hutch.
Cage
Please don't force your pet into a 50x50x50cm hutch. There are many large rabbit hutches that offer your long-eared friend enough space to hop around. The luxury version consists of a lockable hutch with an attached outdoor run. Shade is also provided. Of course, you have to lock your pet in at night so that the fox doesn't get any ideas when it visits the garden. If you don't have space for this luxury option, or can only occupy the garden of your rented flat during the day, you can use a standard hutch. I also recommend a mobile outdoor enclosure. Here, too, you need to make sure there is enough shade, retreat options and security.
I recommend that you read the animal welfare conditions for keeping rabbits before you buy them and act accordingly. Remember that rabbits require care and time and cost money. Think carefully about the purchase and clarify who can look after your pet during any holidays.
Click here for the information sheet from Swiss Animal Protection
Header image: Retreat possibilities are important for the escape animals.
Tanja Lehmann
Senior Category Business Manager
tanja.lehmann@digitecgalaxus.chFriends, family, cats and good wine are my lifeblood.