If you're still at that stage where you're deciding what pet to get, don't get a rabbit. They are fragile animals that require extensive care and in the absence of such care, they fall ill and suffer problems like mange and diarrhea. We see many of these cases due to improper care.
If you already have a pet rabbit, here are some useful guidelines on how to take care of them. Rabbits' bones are so delicate that the muscles in their powerful hind legs can easily overcome the strength of their skeletons. As a result struggling rabbits can break their own spines. One way to carry a rabbit is to gently gather a handful of loose skin at the scruff of his neck, turn the animals face away while pulling his body towards you and immediately place your other hand underneath his rump to support his body weight. Never let his body hang free! Never pick him up by his ears. Rabbits should have a protected warm and dry place. A humid or wet place will lead to illness.
Rabbits can eat hay, cereals, vegetables (carrot, beetroot, cauliflower, green beans, fresh maize, tomatoes, cucumber slices), groundnuts, dry bread and must drink fresh water. Never feed them lettuce or cabbage – they lead to diarrhea and death.
Rabbits can easily learn to use a litter box. Be careful around electrical wires as they like to chew! Spaying (birth control) is important if several rabbits live together. Shops that sell rabbits do not inform people how to care for the animal and it is not recommended to purchase any animal from a pet store. Further, they lead confined lives in cages. So instead of purchasing a rabbit, adopt a shelter animal or save one from the street.
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Whiskers is a month-old kitten who is fairly mischievous and loves goofing around. Call 9841236008
Hi everyone, I'm Taffy. I survived a really bad injury and am being treated by Cattitude Trust's Guardian Angel programme. Will you help pay for my medical care? I've almost recovered and I need you now! Call 9884097862 or mail cattitudetrust@gmail.com for info.
(The author is founder of Dayakara Trust, Pondicherry and can be reached at marioncourtine@gmail.com)
