Rabbits are capable of learning a variety of simple tricks. They will play with toys, roll a ball around and carry things in their mouths. Plastic cat or bird toys with bells or rattles in them will also amuse rabbits. Rabbits also like to climb ramps and explore tunnels. In fact, with a little imagination and some scrap lumber, you can make a "rabbit gymnasium."

A fun way to exercise your pet is to teach it to walk on a leash and harness. This requires patience. Start by putting the harness on for short periods until the rabbit is used to it. Then attach the leash, and follow the rabbit where it wants to go. Rabbits do not have the desire to please and natural instinct to follow that a dog has, so do not expect the same kind of "heeling." Reel-type leashes work well with rabbits, allowing them to scamper about a larger area in safety. Do not exercise rabbits of the opposite sex together, or they will readily breed. Also, make sure there are no dogs around that could attack the bunny.

Health Care

Rabbits are usually quite healthy with regular care. They do not require any vaccinations. Their toenails should be trimmed regularly to minimize scratching and prevent them from becoming caught and torn. The ears should be checked often. Rabbits are susceptible to ear mites, which can be treated with the same medications used for cats' ear mites.

The rabbit's teeth are essentlal to its good health. They grow continually and must meet in perfect alignment. Before purchasing a bunny, check to make sure its front teeth line up evenly. Misaligned teeth are a hereditary problem that is especially prevalent in dwarf and lop breeds. If the teeth become chipped or broken, they may need to be trimmed or flled to be sure they grow back in proper alignment.

Respiratory problems are highly contagious in rabbits. Do not purchase a rabbit that has any nasal discharge. Separate any animal that comes down with sneezing or discharge from other rabbits, and seek help through a veterinarian. There is a common chronic respiratory condition which a rabbit can harbor while appearing healthy. The condition tends to show up under stress. Infected animals can live a good life as pets for years but should be kept away from other rabbits to prevent spreading the condition.

Any stress or change in diet can cause bouts of diarrhea. Care should be taken to be sure it does not turn into enteritis. If the rabbit stops eating or becomes inactive, a veterinarian should be consulted. Do not confuse the rabbits' normal small, dark, sticky "night droppings" with diarrhea, however.

Baths are not recommended for rabbits unless scaly skin is observed or if the rabbit becomes infested with fleas. Use only medicated or flea shampoos that are considered safe for cats. Dry the rabbit as much as possible in a towel, then keep it in a very warm location, or use a hair dryer to dry the pet as quickly as possible. Do not allow the rabbit to become chilled.

Spaying and neutering procedures are becoming popular as the rabbit's value as a companion animal has increased. These procedures are performed under anesthesia in a similar manner as for cats and dogs. They have many advantages for the rabbits as well as their owners.

Male rabbits will spray and scent-mark unless neutered. They will also "ride" the family cat or dog, sometimes biting them in mock mating behaviors.

Female rabbits become frustrated during mating season (warm spring weather in most areas) and will hiss and jump at anyone who disturbs them. They are capable of inflicting nasty scratches and bites and will at least badly frighten children. Spaying eliminates this problem as well as unexpected or unwanted litters.

Author(s): Julie Wright

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