POCKET PETS
ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY ?
While many people instantly think of a cat or dog as the perfect pet , smaller animals such as guinea pigs , rats , mice , rabbits and chinchillas are increasing in popularity . These smaller mammal pets are termed “ pocket pets ” due to their compact size and are considered good starter pets for children .
A downside of many pocket pets is that their life spans are somewhat shorter than a cat or dog . However , with good care , rabbits , chinchillas and guinea pigs can live upwards of four years of age . There are a number of factors to consider prior to bringing a pocket pet into your home , such as having an appropriate hutch or cage , supplying suitable bedding and providing environmental stimuli . Despite their small size they can still damage home furnishings , cables and cords and need to be monitored during time out of their cage .
Binky : When a rabbit is happy it will jump and twist in the air
RABBITS
Male = buck Female = doe Baby = kit
Rabbits have been kept as pets since the 1800s and today there are many different types available ranging from small to giant breeds . They offer an attractive option as a pet for people with small properties , and a well looked after rabbit can live up to eight to 12 years of age . Those who have never had a pet rabbit may not understand just how affectionate they can be and that they have distinct personalities . To have a happy bunny , you need to be vigilant and keep an eye on their weight , coat and teeth .
Rabbits ’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life and as such they have a physical ( alongside a psychological ) requirement to chew in order to wear the teeth down . Have a supply of chewable “ toys ” – untreated non-poisonous logs , pine cones , cardboard or paper are good choices . Environmental enrichment is important also – make your rabbit work for a treat and this will stop them from becoming bored .
Like cats , rabbits groom themselves regularly and as a result ingest hair . It is therefore important to groom their fur regularly , especially during times of moult . They shed every three months and if this excess hair is not removed from the coat then furballs can become an issue .
Rabbits can be easily toilet trained to use a litterbox because they naturally prefer to go to the same spot for toileting . Once you know where this spot is , place a litter tray there and make it easily accessible to remove and clean . Encourage the rabbit to use the tray by placing a few droppings in it . The hard droppings are the final waste product from the rabbit , however they do also produce a soft dropping often referred to as “ night faeces ”, as they are generally excreted at night-time . These night faeces are reingested by the rabbit as they are high in minerals , vitamins and protein .
A correct balanced diet is very important for your rabbit . Diets low in fibre can cause diarrhoea and those high in fibre (> 20 % crude fibre ) can cause constipation . A source of clean water is essential and best delivered by a water holder rather than a bowl , as a bowl can cause skin issues to develop on the dewlap . Obesity can become a problem with rabbits as they are very easy to overfeed . With this in mind , limit treats such as carrots and high sugar foods , ensure access to good quality grass hay and allow them time out of their hutch to exercise and enjoy a binky or two .
The most common disease for rabbits are digestive system problems , skin disorders and respiratory infections . Rabbits can also spread disease such as ringworm and listeriosis so it is important to wash your hands after tending to them .
Rabbits can make lovely pets if not forgotten about in the backyard . Like any animal , they require time and patience , which is very worthwhile when you end up with an affectionate bunny .