Any Rabbit advice ?

clutterydrawer

hiya

I couldn't quite tell from your post if you friend meant problems would arise from him being on grass, or from being on the patio?
.

gabyjane

Hi my friend said probs may arise now he is on the patio? nothing to do with his claws though so not sure what she meant..maybe not a prob if no one has heard of it! He has been running loose in the garden for the last 3 days as we have been at home a lot and he has the garden so hes been fine and not missed the grass!

clutterydrawer

Living on concrete/flags *can* cause "sore hocks" (more correctly ulcerative pododermatitis), where the underneath of the feet develop sores from the pressure exerted on them from always standing on an inflexible surface.

Not all rabbits will get this, it's most prevalent in Rex rabbits due to having less fur on the pads of their feet, but individuals of other breeds may be susceptible too.
That's not to say you shouldn't keep him on a hard surface, but be aware of the potential problem and check his feet every so often to see if they look red and sore, in which case you should speak to your vet.
You can also reduce the risk of sore hocks by providing alternative, soft surfaces within the run eg a big box of hay/straw/soil, or putting down rubber matting like they use in stables.

So on summary, be aware, but don't fret

sacol4940

Hi All

Me and my BF bought a 8-10week old Netherland Dwarf rabbit on Saturday and everythings been going great so far apart from the last couple of days he's starting biting everything that he shouldnt - including us! I've bought him wooden chew things and a big cardboard tube thing from the pet shop but he doesnt chew any of them. He chews on the bars of his cage too (he's an indoor rabbit)

I'm worried cos i know they're meant to gnaw on things to keep their teeth filed down and i dont know what to do to sort this out

ladylumps45

im just wondering if he is highly sexed and is frustrated ?

ClareEmily

Hi there

Because he is just a baby at the moment he will take time to settle down, so try not to worry too much.

The BEST thing for his teeth is LOADS of good quality hay, when he is older his diet should be made up of 90% hay. My bunny has no teeth problems as she happily munches hay all day.

Here are some useful leaflets from the RWAF, including one about biting bunnies.
http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/index.php?section=leaflets.html

I have a house bunny so any questions please ask.

She has lots of willow toys to play with and also cardboard boxes and tunnels etc etc.

Different hays I get from here:
http://www.willowwarren.co.uk/
http://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/

Clare x
Also join the rabbits united forum, loads of experienced owners on there who will offer advice, my user name on there is Biscuit Bunny come say hello.
http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/

sacol4940

ClareEmily wrote: »

Hi there

Because he is just a baby at the moment he will take time to settle down, so try not to worry too much.

The BEST thing for his teeth is LOADS of good quality hay, when he is older his diet should be made up of 90% hay. My bunny has no teeth problems as she happily munches hay all day.

Here are some useful leaflets from the RWAF, including one about biting bunnies.
http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/index.php?section=leaflets.html

I have a house bunny so any questions please ask.

She has lots of willow toys to play with and also cardboard boxes and tunnels etc etc.

Different hays I get from here:
http://www.willowwarren.co.uk/
http://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/

Clare x
Also join the rabbits united forum, loads of experienced owners on there who will offer advice, my user name on there is Biscuit Bunny come say hello.
http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/

Thanks Clare

He's always chuffing on the hay - dont know where he puts it all cos he's so tiny! lol.

ClareEmily

LOL aw bless him, well can't wait for you to put some pics on RU (rabbits united) it is strangely addictive

miss_cupcake_2

Hello! I'm sorry I don't really have an explanation for your wee one's behaviour, but I just had to post because this time last year my boyfriend and I got our first pet - an 8wk old mini lop indoor rabbit, Travis. I absolutely love him to pieces, he's brought so much happiness and laughter to our house and the year we've had him has absolutely flown by! Travis has adopted some pretty naughty behaviours in the time we've had him... he used to bite at his cage ALOT, chew on our skirting-boards etc... but we found that all that calmed down when he had the 'snip'. He still does it now and then but only when he's being cheeky! He's visiting the vet tomorrow for a quick nail clip because as a house rabbit he doesn't have much opportunity for digging etc to wear them down naturally - something that you might consider when yours get a little older. Anyway, I'll stop rabbiting (sorry!) on now.

Enjoy your lil rabbit whilst he's young (they grow up so quickly!)

shelley1977

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if its normal for rabbits to sit out in the rain?
I haven't had Bigwig long and he was in the pet shop for best part of 7 month when i got him.He is a quiet bunny and spends most of his time in the run even when it rains which is quite often.I just worry about him getting wet and maybe getting poorly.
Any advice is appreciated.

Shelley