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01
Intro.
Adopting VS Buying
True Love
A pet shop sells for money and a breeder exploits a mother for their babies. A rescuer takes in a neglected pet, nurses it back to health and sterilizes it before finding it a home.
Right information
A pet shop markets pets as cheap and easy to care. Some even offer a deal if you buy more than 1! A rescuer provides accurate information and sets realistic expectations to find the most fitting pet for a family.
Transparency
A pet shop will never reveal the pet’s heritage nor their medical record. If the pet is sick, they will only say ‘sorry no refund’ and turn you away. A rescuer will provide the pet’s background and even attend vet visits to discuss their medical history. If the pet is sick, they will support you to seek medical treatment.
Rabbit Care Guide
The Rabbit Care Guide by Bunny Wonderland is compiled to prepare prospective owners for the commitment towards their future rabbits and assist existing owners in receiving accurate information to support their care.
Social Responsibility
Buying a pet supports a cruel pet trading industry that exploits animals for profit. Unwanted pets end up in shelters and may face euthanasia. Adopting a pet saves a life and helps shelters make space for more to be saved. Your action will positively influence others to help more animals.
Want to lend
a helping hand?
02
Diet.
A Balanced Diet
When choosing greens, it is important to know what your rabbit requires. They receive vitamin A from hay so greens like kale and lettuce should be given in moderation. They also make their own vitamin C so there is no need for anything dark green, peppers or anything citrusy. Instead, a few varieties with low to zero oxalic acid such as bok choy, chye sim and cilantro are excellent local choices. Rabbits do have sensitive gastrointestinal system and it is best to avoid 'gassy' vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Roots like potatoes and beans contains sugar and starch which can cause indigestion. The onion family (leeks, chives, onions) can also cause blood abnormalities.
As with all things in life, there is no one size fits all. There are rabbits who benefit from greens but some with weaker digestion who should avoid. Do discuss with a trusted vet what diet works best for you.
Dos
Hay is most important to provide the fiber they need to keep their guts healthy
and their teeth well grind. Vegetables provide fiber and hydration. Pellets
provide fortified vitamins and minerals that a rabbit need to balance it all.
A healthy rabbit diet should be:
80% hay
10% vegetables
5% pellets
5% treats
Don'ts
Do not feed the following:
Beans, nuts, corns, seeds, peas
Citrus fruits, milk or yoghurt drops
Chocolate, candy, chips or any human snacks
Iceberg lettuce and cabbage, coloured vegetables
Rabbit-
Friendly
Herbs
Parsley
Comfrey
Improves healing and bone formation.
Good digestive aid for stress.
Relieves inflammation of kidney and
bladder. Great for digestive disorders.
Milk Thistle
Removes ammonia from blood and
protects liver and kidney.
Chamomile
Relieves pain and has a calming effect.
Willow
Relives inflammation of the intestinal tract
and pain for the ill rabbits.
Plantain
Soothes gastric and urinary tract
infection with its anti microbial property.
Birch
Relieves pain, inflammation and is
duretic.
Dandelion
Echinacea
Strengthens immunity and a natural
antibiotic against bacterial infection.
Helps cleanses blood. Improves respiratory
infections as well as intestinal disorders.
Lavender
Improves blood circulation and
relieves stress.
03
Grooming.
01
Comb Away!
Rabbits should be combed twice a week for short fur and daily for long fur. A slick brush can be used to pick up loose fur and a flea comb to untangle knots. Serious clumps can be carefully trimmed using grooming scissors.
02
Clip 'Em!
Nails should be clipped at least once a month to keep them trimmed. Long nails can hinder movement, get caught easily and cause injuries. A good clipper should give good grip to trim off the clear portion of the nail away from the 'quick' (red blood vein).
03
Listen Up!
Bunnies have sensitive ears that can get sick easily if neglected. Gently lift out clumpy ear wax using cotton swab and wipe the surface with a slightly damped cloth. Do not push into the ear canals as that can end up hurting them instead.
04
Thumpy Feet
Ensure their paws still well padded and comfortable. Bunnies housed on wired floorings can develop painful blisters known as sore hocks. Solid surface floors lined with soft rugs keep them comfortable and separation grids in their litterbox help keep their feet clean.
05
The Stinky Bits
Rabbits have scent glands both under their chin and around their anus. The anus scent glands can build up and can develop an unpleasant odor. The scent glands are on the two slits on either side of their genitals. Dip a cotton swab in some water and carefully swipe away the buildup.
06
Check Check Check!
Their teeth should be neat and straight to indicate good chewing habit. Any crooked or overlapping teeth are signs of malocclusion which requires a vet visit. Any signs of redness, discharge or fur loss indicates tear duct issues or infection that has to be treated by a vet. Their fur coat should be smooth and free of specks or flakes which can be indication of external parasites.
07
Prevention Is Key
Bunny Wonderland regularly treats bunnies with Revolution (selamectin) for flea and mites control. A safe dose of 0.1cc per kg of body weight using the 60mg/ml solution is recommended for indoor rabbits 1-2 times a year. If this is your first time applying for your rabbit, please consult a vet to ensure accurate dosage and application.
04
Sterilization.
Tips for a smooth sterilization procedure
Pick a trusted
rabbit-savvy vet
These vets see rabbits regularly
and are experienced in conducting surgeries, administering anaesthesia and dealing with complications.
Rabbit is of good health
prior to the surgery
The vet should conduct a full body check and blood test before the surgery. Blood tests ensure healthy liver and kidney and overall health.
Prepare yourself well
for the recovery process
The neutering for a male tends to be less painful while the spaying for the female is more invasive. Painkillers or supplements may be prescribed until your rabbits regain their appetite.
05
Playtime.
Rabbits have open-root teeth and are always itching for a
chew of electric wires, clothing, books and wooden furniture.
To prevent your properties from getting damaged, you can
raise wires and curtains off the ground. You can also use cardboard/plastic tubings and metal/plastic to keep your
properties safe.
Rabbits require mental stimulation to stay active.
Clean and dye-free cardboard boxes with more than
1 opening are a natural way for them to practice
their burrowing skills.
Other toys include tunnel, paper towel roll, phone
books and even stuffed toys can be quite fun especially
for a solo rabbit.
i. Toys
ii. Bunny-Proofing
iii. Play Area
Rabbits are natural burrowers and explorers. They will seek for dark and tight corners to hide in as well as new grounds to venture.
If you do not want your rabbits in these areas, it will be best to
use a baby gate or solid panels to block their access.
All credits for this resource page goes to Bunny Wonderland. For any
enquiries or more information on rabbit care or rabbits up for adoption,
visit their website here.
ALL FOR PAWS
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