Calico Rabbits
RABBIT CARE
We encourage you to always do your own research before purchasing any animal. This page is intended as a quick guide to some of the main questions concerning rabbit care and is not all inclusive. Before purchasing any animal you should find a veterinarian in your area that is willing and capable of caring for your new addition's special needs.
FOOD
Our rabbits eat a variety of food.
Daily Diet:
Rabbit Pellets offered at all times
Timothy or Bermuda Hay given in the morning
(never alfalfa, as it has too much calcium and protein and can make a rabbit sick)
Old fashioned Oatmeal - one handful per adult rabbit in the morning, specially important for momma rabbits and babies
one treat (various)
and fresh water
Treats:
(should only be given in small amounts)
lettuce (Romaine only and in small amounts)
(Iceberg lettuce has no nutrients and should never be fed to any animal.)
rodent block
a prune
small bits of fruit without seeds
(strawberries/strawberry tops, peaches, watermelon or apples)
clover - should only be given if pesticide free
dandelion greens
kale
carrots
To help tooth control:
A rabbit's teeth are constantly growing and they need to knaw on hard objects to keep them in shape.
Our rabbits are given pinecones (pesticide free and boiled for steralization), cut apple tree limbs, or chewing stones bought at the pet store for this purpose.
They will eat weeds and grass that grows in the exercise pens when out in the yard. Do not allow this if you use chemicals and or pesticides in your yard or are in an unknown area.
VETERINARIAN
Not all veterinarians are willing to provide care for rabbits. You should find a veterinarian in your area that is willing to provide general and emergency care for your rabbit. It is always a good policy to establish a relationship with your veterinarian for several reasons. 1.By law a veterinarian must have seen the animal at least once within a year to prescribe medication. 2. An established relationship makes communication between doctor and client easier. 3. Some veterinarians offer special clinics at discounted prices to repeat clients only.
I have used and recommend the following clinics in my area:
Thunderbird Veterinary Hospital - Norman, OK
Large and small animal practice
Best Friends Animal Clinic - Shawnee, OK
holistic veterinarian
Neel Veterinary Hospital - Oklahoma City, OK
provides general as well as emergency care for exotics and domestics
CAGES
When cages are used we either purchase all metal cages from an animal supply store or build our own using rabbit wire or hardcloth wire and pvc pipe. Resting platforms can be purchased or metal cookie sheet pans work well (plastic litter pans can work as well but some rabbits will chew on them). We also use metal nesting boxes for easier cleaning and sanitation. Underneath cages we use rubber stallmats, which so far have proved unappetizing for the rabbits to nibble on and straw or aspen chips to soak up urine. (The dirty straw and aspen chips go to the garden afterwards and make great fertilizer for the plants.)
Do NOT use cedar or pine chips as the natural chemicals in them can cause respiratory issues in small animals including rabbits.
Why a Colony?
A rabbit colony allows the rabbits to get more exercise, more social interaction, and can be made to simulate a more natural environment. There are also problems associated with being caged, such as foot sores, that are not a problem for rabbits in a colony.
Why Not a Colony?
A colony is not for everyone. It takes more space. Parasite control and contamination can be more difficult to deal with and spread more quickly. Rabbits can become territorial or irritable and fights can break out, leaving rabbits scratched or wounded.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?
Should your rabbit be an indoor or outdoor animal? This can depend largely on where you live. Rabbits do better in cold weather than in hot weather. During the summer months heat stroke can be very dangerous but old or young rabbits can freeze in the cold winter months. Indoor rabbits can be messy and chew on a variety of dangerous and possibly expensive objects. Indoor rabbits should have either a rabbit proof area to run in or a suitable size cage for when they won't be supervised. Outdoor rabbits should have a secure area that protects them from the elements and potential predators including dogs, coyotes and bobcats.