Hop, rabbit, hop

MANILA, Philippines - Playful, lovable and friendly. What’s not to love about rabbits?

Like cats and dogs, rabbits are wonderful companions because of their playful and friendly nature. They entertain you through their enthusiastic behavior.

Rabbits are active. They need two to four hours to hop freely and play. They like to play with toys such as empty paper towel rolls, straw balls, cardboard boxes and towels. Rabbits also like and enjoy playing with other rabbits. Human interaction is also advisable to develop a close bond between you and your pet rabbit.

Rabbits also get bored when they don’t have something or someone to play with. When they get bored, they easily get lonely or depressed. They also get nervous and scared when being punished or shouted at.

Aside from playing, rabbits are fond of eating. Some of the important items of a rabbit’s diet are hay and vegetables that are rich in fiber and calcium such as carrots, parsley and spinach. Lifespan is normally from eight to 12 years.

Rabbits are typically clean but unlike any other pets, rabbits need not take a bath because they find it stressful. Brushing their fur will keep them in good condition. Short-haired rabbits should be brushed once a week while the long-haired should be brushed regularly. Bristle brush is best! In cutting the nails of your rabbit, make him/her feel relaxed and comfortable before cutting their nails.

Communication

Rabbits are usually silent. They use their bodies to communicate to humans or to fellow rabbits. When your rabbit is stomping on the ground with its hind leg, it means they are annoyed. Teeth grinding: soft grinding means they are contented but when they grind their teeth loudly it means they are in pain. When the rabbit licks you it means he/she likes you. But when they scream, it is a sign of extreme pain or fear;  you should take your rabbit to a veterinarian.

Proper care

Rabbits are delicate. In holding a rabbit, one hand must support the chest with fingers placed under the rabbit’s armpit while the other hand must support the lower spine region and hips to prevent fractures. Never pick a rabbit by their ears; it will damage the cartilage that supports the ears. Their ears also help regulate their body temperature.

Knowing and understanding the traits of the rabbit can help you take good care of them. (FREEMAN)