Kostanas

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    • Home
    • menu
      • Our Buns
      • Adoption
      • Available buns
      • Rescue Buns
      • Health Information
      • Care Information
    • Useful links
      • ARBA
      • Holland Lop
      • Californian
    • Gallery

Dalkostana@yahoo.com

Kostanas

KostanasKostanasKostanas
  • Home
  • menu
    • Our Buns
    • Adoption
    • Available buns
    • Rescue Buns
    • Health Information
    • Care Information
  • Useful links
    • ARBA
    • Holland Lop
    • Californian
  • Gallery

Care information

Basic Rabbit Care

With the right setup, rabbits are low-maintenance companions. They require a proper diet, clean living space and social interaction to stay happy and healthy. 

Food Transitioning

  • Start slow, introduce new food in small amounts. Gradually mix in the new food into regular feed, over the course of at least 2 weeks, while slowly increasing new to old feed ratio. 
  • Monitor droppings. Soft stool or reduced appetite may indicate digestive upset. 
  • Balanced fiber and fresh foods. Avoid sudden increases in pellets, fruit or rich greens. Too much sugar or starch can cause digestive issues. 
  • Plenty of water. Hydration supports digestion and prevents blockage. 
  • It's very tempting to give your buns all the yummy fruits and veggies, but please do your research prior to adding anything new to their diet. 

Feeding

 Main Diet

  • Free feed high-quality Timothy hay. Different hay can be added as variety, but  Timothy is our main kind of hay.
  • 16% protein rabbit pellets
  • Rabbits can have grass, herbs and veggies as their main diet as well. however,  if you want to feed fresh diet, please do extensive research on what to feed, quantities and how to introduce and switch over.

Safe Snacks to Feed in Small Ammounts 

  • Mint, dill, parsley, basil, chamomile, dandelion greens
  • Lettuce (avoid iceberg)
  • Bok Choy, carrot tops

Snacks to Avoid or Give in a Very Small Amount (High in Sugar)

  • Carrots
  • Apple (no seeds)
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberry
  • Banana

DO NOT FEED

  • chocolate, any sort of candies, pastries or anything high in sugar or fat
  • Anything processed
  • Onions, garlic, potatoes, corn, beans, seeds or nuts

Grooming

Baths - Rabbits should never be  fully bathed as it can strip the fur of natural oils, cause extreme stress or even shock. Their fur takes a long time to dry and being submerged in water can lead to serious health risks. Instead, rabbits self-groom like cats and regular brushing helps keep their coats clean.

Safe Cleaning Alternatives:

  • Spot Cleaning:   If your rabbit gets dirty, use a damp cloth or unscented baby wipes to gently clean the area. 
  • Dry Bath:   For mild messes, sprinkle cornstarch powder on the fur and gently brush it out. 
  • Scent-Free Wipes:   Use pet-safe wipes for small messes, especially around the hindquarters. 

Note:     If the rabbits has a persistently dirty bottom, it may include dietary issues or health problems like obesity or digestive troubles. 


Trimming: 

 You can carefully trim or shave the fur around a rabbit's hindquarters if it is dirty, matted or prone to soiling. This is especially helpful  for long-haired breeds. 

Avoid full body shaving, as rabbit's fur helps regulate body temperature. 


 Nail Clipping - Regular nail trimming is essential for rabbit's health and comfort. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect mobility or even lead to injuries. Trimming should be done every 4-6 weeks, depending on growth rate and activity level. If rabbit is nervous, take breaks and reward them with treats. If you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, a vet or a groomer can help. 


How to Safely Clip Rabbit's Nails

  • Use small pet nail clippers
  • Secure your rabbit. Hold them gently but firmly, or towel wrap ("bunny burrito")
  • Identify the quick. The pinkish vein inside the nail. Avoid cutting too close to prevent bleeding
  • Trim small amounts at a time if unsure
  • Have styptic powder ready in case of bleeding


Bedding

Choosing the right bedding is important for your  rabbit's comfort  and health. Paper-based bedding, aspen and pelleted litter are great option - soft, absorbent and low-dust


Avoid:   Clumping litter, aromatic woods like cider


We personally use clean straw in our rabbitry for warmth and comfort, but we encourage you to research and choose what works best for your home and your rabbit

Enclosure

Minimum  space/cage suggested:

4ft x 2ft  For Holland Lop

6ft x 2ft  For Californian and similar size rabbits


These sizes give room for litter box, food/water bowls and space to hop and stretch comfortably. The more space you can give your rabbit the better. Even with a properly sized cage or enclosure, rabbits need daily time in a larger space to stretch, hop, explore and stay mentally and physically healthy. This can be a secure playpen, a bunny proofed room or supervised free-roam time around the house. Rabbits are active animals and thrive when they have room to move and explore safely. 

Toys

Toys will allow your buns to chew, dig, toss and explore. There are many toy options that you can find in stores


Good items to use:   rabbit tunnels, hidden houses, digging boxes

Chew toys:    safe, untreated wood    (avoid cedar, cherry, peach, stone fruit trees)

Indoor vs Outdoor

Many people choose a hybrid setup. Rabbits live indoors, but get supervised time outdoors  in a secure playpen for fresh air and exercise. No matter the setup, safety and cleanliness are the key. 


Indoor Pros :

  •  Better protection from predators, extreme weather and parasites
  • Easier to monitor health, behavior and eating habits
  • More social interactions with the family

Indoor Cons :

  • Requires bunny-proofing your home or space
  • Litter and hay may cause mess or odor without regular cleaning
  • Less natural airflow and sunlight


Outdoor Pros :

  • More space for larger hutches and play areas
  • Access to fresh air, natural light and environmental enrichment
  • Less mess and odor inside the home

Outdoor Cons :

  • Risk of predators and parasites
  • Must be weather-proofed for heat, cold and other elements
  • Harder to monitor closely
  • Less human interaction

Kostanas

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