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By Edison T. Rabbit
November 1999
You have made the room
the room where your new friend is going to be most of the time more
"bunny friendly", but have you thought about giving your bunny a his
or her own "room"? A place that the new little ball of fluff can
feel safe and secure? That new bunny is going to need a cage of some
sort .. where they can enjoy some quiet time.
But how big should this cage be? and how should your bunny's cage be
"decorated"? Well let me tell you about my place, and perhaps you
can use it as an example for how your rabbit's home should be set
up!
Most sources that my pet human looked into recommended that for a 6
to 7 pound bunny, the dimensions of the cage should be as follows:
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2 Ft. Wide |
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2 Ft. Long |
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18 inches high |
This is about what my cage looks like (although my cage is about 2
ft 6 in wide and I'm about four and a half pounds) Why so big? Well,
you want to give your friend room to just be, to stretch out,
perhaps do a little exercise, or even stand up. Even though your
friend may be tiny right now, that little bunny is going to grow up,
so get a room that your rabbit is going to grow into not grow out
of.
Also, make sure that the cage is constructed well, that means if you
see something like chicken wire in the cage, hop away and leave it
at the shop. The floor also should be sturdy too.
Keep in mind that a cage should not be used as a substitute for real
exercise time*. Just like you humans, we rabbits need to exercise to
stay healthy and happy. Plus, how are you and your new friend going
to get to know each other if your bunny is in the cage all the time?
You would be missing out on the best part of having one of us
around, getting to know our magical personalities. And I'm sure your
new friend would love to get to know you better as well!
So what should be inside the cage? That's easy! Our pet human has
given me two wood resting boards which measure 12 and a half inches long by 7 inches wide. The resting boards are sort of
like my sofa's. Having these boards prevent my paws from getting a
condition called " sore hocks" from walking on the wire floor too
much. You can use any kind of wood with one exception: What ever you
do, don't use redwood! Its very toxic to us
rabbits!
My pet human thought
about putting carpet remnants in my cage but I'm a chewer and would
just rip on the carpet in there. The last thing we would want is for
me to get carpet fibers into my digestive system! It could cause a
blockage that could only be removed surgically! That's why my pet
human opted for the wood boards for me. However, carpet remnants may
be an option for your bunny.
I also have in my room a few alfalfa chew blocks and a special
carrot shaped mineral chew block to help me keep my teeth grinded
down. My teeth grow constantly and chewing on these help my teeth
stay at a healthy length. Also it helps keep me from being bored!
I do have a modest sized litter box in my little abode (Yes we
rabbits can be litter trained as you will see), a small food dish
for my alfalfa pellets and my hay. A large 20 ounce water bottle
attached to the side of my room. There is always fresh water in
there, its changed
daily.
Our "rooms" get a through cleaning every two weeks. While I'm off
hopping around, my pet human rinses the cage with warm water then
cleans the cage with an solution of warm water, a dash of an
antibacterial hand soap, and just a dash of mild bleach. The bottom
pull tray is lined with newspaper to catch the hay and other items
which fall to the floor. That's replaced daily. Its really important
that you keep your rabbits home clean, this way he or she will have
a long and happy life!
Of course I have to
inspect the newly cleaned cage to make sure it meets with my
approval!
So this is how my humble room is equipped. Please feel free to use
it as a base line for the way your rabbit's "room" is set up!
* As of December of 1999 ,
Edison was given free run of the den area. The room had been "bunny
proofed" so he could not chew any of the wires around. Edison
continued to use his cage but it has simply become a "bathroom."
|
abbit
Room Review