dwarf bunnies
Dwarf Bunnies
Dwarf bunnies are the cutest little creatures you can have as pets, but before we go any further, you also ought to know that they are slightly 'high maintenance'. If you are ready to take on the responsibility of a dwarf bunny as a pet, here's all you need to know about them.
• Dwarf bunnies require to be caged, as leaving them loose around your house is definitely not a good idea. A wire cage that is 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep and long is ideal for them. The base of the cage should either be covered with a piece of wood, some hay, or a piece of cardboard, and should never be left bare as it can harm your pet's feet. • The cage of a dwarf bunny should always be kept indoors, in the shade. They are very susceptible to developing health conditions from exposure to direct sunlight or heat. Furthermore, if kept in sight of a visible or perceived predator, dwarf bunnies can even have heart attacks. • Dwarf bunnies require litter boxes too, but ensure the ones you provide for them are lined with newspaper or timothy hay. This litter box needs to be cleaned daily in order to avoid the odor it gives out. • Apart from a litter box, your little pet will require a box where it can dig and hide as it is a burrowing animal and the love for dark spots is inherent in its nature. It will also require something to chew on (phone books, chew toys, etc.) as this is another one of its natural traits. • The diet of dwarf bunnies mainly consists of as much hay as they like. Timothy hay is the best type for them. Along with hay, they require good quality rabbit pellets. These they can consume in unlimited amounts when younger, while 1/4 cup is suitable for fully grown rabbits. Fresh greens are essential for them, and 2 cups of any such greens such as carrot tops and dark lettuce can be given to them daily. Fruits such as apples and bananas can be provided as an occasional treat. Finally, water is important and a fresh supply is required daily. • Though dwarf bunnies require to be caged, it is essential to ensure they get a good amount of exercise for a few hours on a daily basis. These pets cannot be left loose without supervision, so ensure you are always monitoring their activities. Keep wires, curtains, and other chewables out of their reach. When outdoors, the space they can play in should be enclosed well, and they should not be allowed to dig too many burrows lest they escape thereon. No potential predators should be in sight. • When letting a dwarf bunny out of a cage, do not ever lift it by its ears as this affects them emotionally. Let them come out on their own, and hold them with both hands cupped. This shows a lot of affection and gives them the attention they need. Children may be prone to scratches and bites from dwarf bunnies if they do not handle them carefully. As such, make sure your kids are never left alone with them. • As mentioned earlier, it is possible that dwarf bunnies may develop certain health conditions, symptoms of which they may not show immediately causing the condition to get worse over time. You must really be tuned with their personality and nature to be able to notice any changes in their behavior and point out health problems. • A Netherland dwarf bunny weighs only up to 2 pounds when full-grown. The life span of a dwarf rabbit ranges anywhere between 7-10 years, though some have known to exceed this range and live up to 13 years. Simply put, the amount of care and affection dwarf bunnies receive is essential in determining their life span. |