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FORUM HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Preparing for a new rabbit?

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    • Emileigh
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        I really need tips with adopting a new rabbit. I surfed the web for information but, none seemed to give me much information on rabbits. Here are my questions: What is the best kind of bedding to use for rabbits? Are males still friendly when unaltered? Diet? Friendliest breed of rabbit? Is there any hazardous bedding? (I have guinea pigs and they need a certain kind of bedding.)


      • tobyluv
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          Have you looked at the BUNNY INFO link here? It’s at the top of the page. There is some great information on all the basics of bunny care, such as diet, housing, bunny proofing, etc.

          I’m not sure that any breed of rabbit is friendlier than another. Even within the same breed, they have different personalities. Some rabbits are more people oriented, and other rabbits prefer the company of their own kind, but that’s not dependent on the breed. Unaltered males can certainly be friendly. Unaltered males can also be sexually frustrated, they can spray, they can hump people and you may not be able to litter box train them completely.

          If you plan to keep the rabbit in a cage, you shouldn’t have bedding all over the floor of the cage if you hope to train them to use a litter box. That just confuses them. You should only have litter/bedding in the litter box. Some people may have a rug or a fleece blanket in their rabbit’s cage or pen, but you do have to watch for chewing.

          Here is an article on the kind of litters that are safe and ones to avoid:

          What To Use In Your Rabbit’s Litter Box

          Remember that rabbits may sit in their litter boxes for extended periods, and that they nibble on everything, so it’s important to choose the right litter.
          Do not use cedar or pine shavings. These contain dangerous aromatic oils that have been found to cause liver damage and respiratory problems. Swheat Scoop Litter should not be used since rabbits will often ingest it. It is comprised of wheat, is very high in carbohydrates, and can cause obesity, excessive cecal production, diarrhea and other health issues. Don’t use clay litter. The dust causes respiratory problems, and if ingested, it is harmful to the digestive tract. Don’t use any clumping litters–if nibbled on, they are likely to cause obstructions in the intestinal tract. Also avoid corn cob litter. If eaten, it can cause a lethal intestinal blockage.
          Recommended litters:
          1. Newspaper, shredded or cut-up. It’s inexpensive and readily available, but it offers no odor control. If the newspaper is cut into larger pieces, urine may puddle at first until it is absorbed into the paper, which could cause your rabbit to have damp feet. It can be composted.
          2. Paper pulp litter. It has low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, though it offers less odor control than some other litters. It can be flushed or composted. Brands include Carefresh, Yesterday’s News, Cellu-Dri, and Eco Fresh.
          3. Oat, alfalfa and wheat straw based pellets. Low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, although they can cause bloating if too much is ingested. They can be flushed or composted. Brands include Critter Country, Cat Country, and Oxbow Eco-Straw.
          4. Compressed sawdust (pine) pellets. Unlike pine shavings, these are safe, since they have no dangerous aromatic oils. They are economical, highly absorbent, and have good odor control. They may be composted. Brands include All Pet Pine, Feline Pine and Exquisicat.
          5. Aspen bark, pellets or shredded. Highly absorbent, with good odor control. Pellets are economical, because it only takes a thin layer in the litter box. They may be composted. These larger pellets are good for long haired rabbits, since they don’t get stuck in their fur as easily as the small particle litters. Brands include Aspen Fresh, Gentle Touch and Aspen Supreme.
          6. Straw or hay. Straw can be dusty and is not very absorbent, but has no hazards, unless it becomes moldy. Any of the grass hays can be used. Be sure to clean frequently, as your rabbit will also be eating the hay. It may be composted.
          7. Wood stove pellets. These are compressed pine or hardwood pellets. Make sure that the pellets are plain and that they don’t contain accelerants. These are very economical.. They can be found in home supply or tractor supply stores.
          8. Horse stall pellets. They are compressed sawdust (pine), also very economical. Found in feed stores, home supply stores, or tractor supply stores. One brand is Equine Pine.

          If you change to a new litter, your rabbit may hesitate to use it. Mix some of the new with the old, or put some of the dirty litter into the new litter. Daily cleaning of the dirty areas is best. Regularly dump out the whole contents of the box, and thoroughly clean with an organic cleaner or a natural cleaner, such as white vinegar.

          Many of these litters are available in pet supply stores, grocery stores, or discount stores. Litter, food and other rabbit supplies can be ordered online from drsfostersmith.com, wag.com, bunnybytes.com, petfooddirect.com, binkybunny.com, leithpetwerks.com, or various other pet supply catalogs and websites.

          Here is an article

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      FORUM HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Preparing for a new rabbit?