Supplies
If you're considering adopting a bunny - or already have one and want to ensure that you've got all the right stuff - here is a checklist of items that your rabbit should have.
1. Timothy hay - this is the mainstay basis of your rabbit's diet if your rabbit is more than 6 months old and not a lactating mother.
2. Alfalfa hay - only if you have a lactating mother rabbit or juveniles younger than 6 months old. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium, which is necessary for milk-producing mothers and their young ones for the first six months. However, the high amount of calcium can cause problems in rabbits that are over 6 months of age.
3. Oxbow Bunny Basics pellets - this timothy hay-based rabbit chow is recommended by vets who are expert on rabbit health. It can be found in pet supply stores, special ordered by pet supply stores, purchased from some veterinarians' offices, or purchased directly from Oxbow at http://www.oxbowhay.com/index.sp.
4. Compressed hay blocks or wood for chewing - like beavers and squirrels, rabbits teeth grow continuously, so they need something to chew on in order to keep their teeth short and healthy.
5. Rabbit litter - Yesterdays News and Carefresh are recommended by rabbit vets. Avoid wood litters, such as cedar shavings, which contain aromatic oils that can damage your rabbit's liver and might prove fatal.
6. Nail clippers - some rabbits are great about "trimming" their own nails by scratching the floor or other areas. However, you might want to help out by trimming your rabbit's nails. A pair of cat clippers should work fine. Be sure that you don't trim below the quick!
7. Laxatone, Petromalt, or other petroleum-based hairball product - Malt flavor please - if your rabbit is under the weather, be sure to schedule a vet appointment pronto. Rabbit's gastro-intestinal systems can be sensitive, and when they're not feeling well, stay on alert. You might want to give your bunny a little Laxatone, Petromalt, or other hairball product in the event s/he has a blockage.
8. Toys - small balls, cardboard tubes, wicker huts, and other items can be great fun for your rabbit and keep her/him from becoming bored.
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