When we speak of pets always think of dogs, cats, turtles and hamsters. However, the variety has entered the world of pets with the incursion of snakes, spiders, iguanas ... and, of course, rabbits.
Most people attach the image of these animals with a gentle eyes and a nose that is constantly moving. The rabbit has gone from being a farm animal that was intended purely for human consumption to become a member of the family in many homes around the world. Furthermore, there are a variety of breeds.
A shy character
There is a common belief that rabbits and hares are animals afraid. In its natural range, this behavior is determined by the need for survival, ie, these animals are the main target of many predators such as wolves, eagles, foxes and weasels, so keep alert attitude is your best weapon. Thus, any threat, this animal has only two choices: to run away or crouch pretending to be dead. At home, behave similarly. If you notice loud noises or very high shrink with the rabbit ears back, eyes open wide and her whole body tremble.
These reactions lead them to safety mark territory they consider theirs. In the field they will by placing branches or stones around a hole, or through bodily secretions. In his home life, with us, these animals will consider your shelter cage. Although calm animals are not uncommon confrontations with conspecifics to defend their space.
Nutrition for Your Pet
Rabbits are herbivores. Their diet consists of various vegetables, with a significant fibrous component, that is, eat a lot of fodder and little grain. The peculiarities of its digestive process makes these adorable companions need a special diet. The food must contain high cellulose and not too many simple sugars or starch can be fermented rapidly in its slow intestinal transit.
They also need to eat every little time for such transit is maintained, so eat small amounts from time to time and continuously. It is estimated that a rabbit can eat food up to 80 times a day. There are three main components in the diet of a rabbit dry fodder, food and green food concentrates.
The forage, fresh or dried, should be the main component of the diet. The best fodder that can give this pet is a good quality hay, comprises a wide variety of plants, with a pleasant odor. Make sure it is not moldy or discolored.
The food must be concentrated in small quantities by the digestive problems that could cause the animal. This group would form energy-rich foods rich in carbohydrates such as grains. You should never supply in an amount greater than 10 g. per kg. of live animal weight per day, and always have to be crushed, as if swallowed whole would give problems.
Green foods can constitute 45% of the diet, but you have to gradually accustom the animal. If he comes suddenly a lot of them, they will cause intestinal disorders. Also, if the pet is not accustomed to fresh food, it should increase every day their numbers gradually to reach the desired limits. Some examples of this kind of food are clover (not more than 20% of total green fodder), alfalfa, dandelion, carrot, pear and apple (peeled). Also herbs like sage or mint are valid.
In water, it is useful to know that require 3 to 5 liters of fresh water is recommended that the container is heavy enough to not throw. On the other hand, have to look at a model that fits perfectly to the housing.
Basic care
The rabbit has to be checked daily to detect any abnormalities. Be sure to drink water and eat their food. It is also necessary to inspect your teeth regularly: Must be strong, and surpassing the upper legs. It is also necessary to monitor not have fleas or lice.
Among the most common diseases of this pet can be highlighted:
Mites in the ears: can be caused by scratching or shaking them.
Red urine: food must be controlled.
Mucus: usually caused by bacterial infections in the airways.
Sores: occur by contact of the foot pads rough floors.
Twisted neck: caused by a bacterial infection in the inner ear associated with respiratory disease.
Malocclusion: the opposing teeth do not face.
Watery eyes: clogged tear ducts. It is sometimes associated with respiratory tract diseases.
How should the housing
They can be wire cages or wooden boxes (do not forget that the rabbit is a rodent, so if it's wood, it must be of good quality). The first indoor fit, however the wood is recommended for outdoor use.
The size of accommodation will depend on the size of the pet but as a general rule, the correlation is 0.70 square meters of housing per 500 grams. the weight of the animal chosen.
In terms of location, as a first step should always be well ventilated accommodation must be very careful with the high temperatures, since it does not support them.
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