Rabbits make popular pets. Soft, cuddly and cute - no wonder as they are amazing animals. But they're also one of the most misunderstood.
Rabbits, like dogs or cats, each have their own personalities and complicated needs. But because of widely held, beliefs and myths about them, we sometimes fail to give the best care to our pet rabbits.
Here, are the top rabbit myths busted:
MYTH 1 | “Rabbits love carrots.”
Bugs Bunny has a lot to answer for. Root vegetables aren’t a natural part of a rabbit’s diet, and carrots are high in sugar so should only be fed occasionally and in small amounts. If you do want to feed your rabbits carrots, you should only do so sparingly. Don’t ever feed them whole carrots. Instead, try giving them a small slice as a sugary treat.
Instead feed pet rabbits, leafy greens like spinach, watercress, fresh herbs and dandelion leaves.
MYTH 2 | “Rabbits and guinea pigs make good pals.”
These small pets used to be sold as a perfect match. But experts now agree that the species should be kept apart. Both animals use different methods of communication, so they can’t understand each other and they also need different diets. Also, rabbits can and do injure guinea pigs.
MYTH 3 | “Rabbits are happiest outdoors”
We often think that because wild rabbits live outside, our domesticated rabbits must be happier outside too. However, it is better to consider what our rabbits’ needs are and where we are best able to provide these for them.
When rabbits live outside, it is essential to keep them in a secure enclosure that is out of direct sunlight and at least partially covered. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund recommends that a pair of average-sized rabbits should live in a single enclosed area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high.
SOURCE
RABBIT WELFARE ASSOCIATION: “Outdoor Rabbit Housing.”