Getting a pet is a huge step in life towards commitment. Just like having a child, a pet requires every basic need as well as a loving home. There are many types of pets you can choose from, the common and exotic animals. Dogs and cats are the most common type of pets everywhere. As for exotic animals, they include birds, snakes, and even rabbits. This time, let’s learn more about rabbits, their characteristics and what do you need to keep these fluffy bunnies as pets. Read this article about the Bunny Stuff Checklist: 9 Things You Need For A Rabbit in Malaysia to find out more!
What to know about a rabbit?
Apart from being small and fluffy with big ears, there is a lot to know about a rabbit before you decide to get one. These small mammals originate from the European continent and were subsequently spread globally over the years. They come from the family of Leporidae which includes hares. They are known as naturally wild prey animals and as domesticated animals too.
Rabbits like short grassy patches that are either naturally occurring, such as in semi-arid regions, or arise from highly grazed meadows. These creatures can adjust to a broad range of environments, although they avoid big farmed regions, woods, wetlands, and black soil land overall. Of course, human presence does not discourage rabbits so they can become house pets.
A rabbit’s digestive system is divided into two stages. The chewed food will pass through the upper digestive tract where it will be combined with stomach fluids. After that, it passes into the lower digestive system and the fibrous material is taken straight out. This is where we see the rabbit droppings that look like small fibrous balls. The remainder of the combination, including the fluid and non-fibrous pieces, is sent to the caecum, a large fermenting tank where many bacteria work to extract all the nutrients from the plant materials. The majority of this is then packaged into pellets known as caecotrophs, which the rabbit consumes directly from its rear. During the second act of eating, more nutrients are taken in after the bacteria had time to function. As pets, rabbits can be litter-trained too.
Rabbits are generally active from mid-evening to early hours, but they’re also energetic at any moment if left alone. When there are strong winds or rainfall at night, movement tends to diminish as it is limiting their capacity to detect predators. The primary mode of communication is by scent, although warning signals can be delivered by flicking the tail while sprinting and pounding with the rear legs.
Male rabbits are known as bucks while female rabbits are called does. A young rabbit is usually called a bunny, not only by young children but also adults. Naturally, rabbits are herbivorous. They eat a broad range of plants like pastures, vines, crops, young trees, roots, etc. They like any vegetation that is short and succulent types. The average weight of a rabbit is 1.6 kg. It can eat up to 1/3 of its own weight, about 100g to 150g every day.
A rabbit’s lifespan can go up to 12 years if taken care of properly. However, on average, it can live up to 8 or 9 years, depending on the rabbit breed.
What are the types of rabbit breeds in Malaysia?
There are different types of rabbit breeds out there with different features and characteristics.
- American Rabbit – Due to its peaceful, gentle demeanour, this unusual breed is an excellent option for first-time adopters. Small kids, on the other hand, are not advised to tend for them since they are timid and may bite if not treated delicately. This rabbit may survive for up to 12 years if properly groomed and fed a nutritious diet.
- Belgian Hare Rabbit – This rabbit is one of the earliest breeds, with roots dating back to the 18th century. It flourishes best outside, with plenty of room and hay. It’s considered high maintenance, because of its anxious demeanour, which is known to scare quickly if people don’t correctly introduce themselves before coming near it.
- Blanc de Hotot – This French rabbit breed is easily identified by its ‘black eyeliner’ that differs from the whole of its white body. As an added benefit, these rabbits get along well with kids and other pets provided that they are raised with them. Grooming time and trips outside are excellent ways to connect with them.
- English Lop – Due to its extremely pleasant and relaxed demeanour, this rabbit has earned the title of ‘the dog’ amongst other rabbit breeds. It also holds the record for having the longest ears, and it’s no wonder that this distinguishing trait needs some upkeep. Their ears must be checked regularly while their nails must be maintained short. This is because they might step on their own ears!
- Harlequin Rabbit – This rabbit, dubbed ‘the clown’ in the rabbit world likes investigating its surroundings. It will explore each room, inch by inch, even if it has done it a dozen times already. Their outgoing nature makes them ideal companions for youngsters and first-time pet owners.
- Holland Lop Rabbit – This dwarf rabbit is the ideal companion for city residents with its adorable and charming floppy ears. It weighs just barely 4 pounds and has up to 14 years of lifespan. If you have an extra room, give this rabbit breed its own room where they can sunbathe, play with their toys and even sunbathe.
Why do people like to keep rabbits as pets?
Apart from cats and dogs, rabbits are slowly becoming a popular option for first-time pet owners. Here is why:
- Quiet pets – Rabbits generally make little to no noise at all. This means that you can have it, regardless of where you stay, a landed house or an apartment. You will not have to worry about noise levels, disturbing the neighbours or even you while you sleep.
- Close bonding – Just like a cat or a dog, rabbits can learn to know their owners very well. They are able to identify them by seeing them and listening to their voice. If bonded well, they will even respond to commands, sit on the owner’s lap and even follow the owner around.
- Less space – Since it’s already a small animal, relatively the space needed to keep them is also less. This makes them great pets to keep in high-rise buildings or even to be kept in rental rooms. Even if you want to keep them in cages, it doesn’t need to be big.
- Can be trained – If you think only dogs and cats can be litter-trained and do tricks, you are wrong! With positive reinforcement training using treats, rabbit owners can train their bunnies to learn to jump through hoops, run through mazes and even retrieve things.
What are the 9 things you need for a rabbit in Malaysia?
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about rabbits, here are 9 things that you will need before getting one in Malaysia!
Rabbit Cages/Bunny House
To begin with, your rabbit will require a good living environment that is both spacious and shielded from the weather. Rabbits typically like to live in pairs but even if you get only one, keep this in mind. They will need lots of areas to wander and burrow. They will require a wooden hutch with a covered area as well as an outside play area. You’ll have to make sure it’s safe so that they can’t escape or become visible preys.
Foldable Pet Playpen (Recommended Product)
Features
It is made of iron with 10 panels and is expandable into different shapes. It is suitable for small animals which include rabbits. Owners can easily watch their bunnies and interact with them from afar. Bunnies also have a big space to hop and exercise around.
Litter Box
A litter box and suitable filler, like hay, newspaper, straw, etc. are required to help keep their cages clean as well as your house too. You should keep the litter box a distance away from where your rabbits usually sleep and replace the litter on a regular basis.
Carno Litter Box (Recommended Product)
Features
It is designed to be small yet able to fit up to 2 adult rabbits at one time. It is strong, durable and can be placed anywhere in the house or in the cage. It also smells and stain resistant which makes it easier to clean and hygienic. It comes with a floor panel with a wire design to keep your rabbit clean from the mess.
Bunny Carrier
To transport your bunny to the vet and anywhere else, you’ll need a carrier that is solid on the sides and has openings at the front and top (non-collapsible). This is so that it can withstand any sudden movement from your rabbit and also for ventilation and comfort. Store it somewhere that is readily available in case of an emergency and remember to include a cosy quilt for added comfort.
Hagen Pet Voyageur 200 (Recommended Product)
Features
This pet carrier is suitable for rabbits as it is designed for great ventilation and airflow. It also has an opening at the top so you can pet your rabbit during the journey. It also comes with a compartment for treats and a water bowl. It has a spring locking mechanism that allows easy opening and closing of the main opening.
Rabbit Food
Rabbits are obligatory herbivores, which implies they are vegan. The majority of bunny parents give their rabbits a combination of rabbit pellets and fresh green vegetables, along with plenty of fresh grass or hay. Rabbits are tiny animals that require appropriate nourishment and regular meals to be strong.
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay (Recommended Products)
Features
This hay provides important fibre components for rabbits to promote better digestive health and avoiding any issues like constipation. Also, since rabbits are known to have chewing habits, this food will help with their dental health too. It comes with no artificial flavouring or preservatives that will harm the bunny.
Britter Bunny Pellets (Recommended Products)
Features
These pellets are rich in multi-vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, K, and E for a healthy gut and organs. It has biotin that gives the rabbits shiny fur and healthy skin and body. It also has beta-carotene to delay the process of ageing in rabbits.
Grooming Supplies
As much as most rabbits groom themselves when it comes to dirty furs and whiskers, you will still need to get a few grooming supplies. You’ll need to have a nail cutter, a brush or maybe a comb for the bunny. For cleaning urine, white vinegar is still the easiest and cheapest method. You can get a broom and a dustpan for any other mishaps.
LED Light Pet Nail Clippers (Recommended Products)
Feature
This nail clipper for your rabbit comes with an LED light design so that you can clearly see the bleeding line and trim appropriately to avoid over-cutting. It also comes with a transparent baffle so that the nails do not fly around. It makes it easier to clean too. Finally, you can polish and smooth your rabbit’s nails with its nail file design.
Pet Hair Remover Brush (Recommended Products)
Feature
This brush allows the rabbit owner to comb gently the fur to remove any loose hair, tangles and even dirt. It also can massage your rabbit as you brush them which increases blood circulation. By brushing and grooming for 2 minutes, your rabbit will have shiny clean fur for days.
Food And Water Feeder/Bowls
For the food, you should purchase a dish or a specific dispenser. Try a puzzle feeder that distributes food gradually so your rabbits don’t eat too much at once. Rabbits need a continual water supply. So, provide them with a bottle of water that attaches to the side of their housing or a heavy-bottomed dish.
Rabbit Feeder (Recommended Products)
Feature
This rabbit feeder allows two types of food to be put so rabbits can have the best of both. It is made of top-quality plastic and stainless steel. This means it is non-toxic and safe to put the food in there. The top layer will have hay while the bottom layer can house pellets and fresh vegetables.
Plastic Water Bottle Dispenser (Recommended Product)
Feature
This water dispenser can easily be attached to the side of your rabbit’s cage or playpen. This allows the water to flow easily as they suck to drink it. It is 125ml in capacity and comes in different colours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as much as bunnies are cute and fluffy pets to adopt, you must know how to handle them and what to prepare for them. Just like any other animals or pets, they have their needs to be met. So, make sure you are fully prepared to be a rabbit parent and give your bunny a full, happy life! Share this article Bunny Stuff Checklist: 9 Things You Need For A Rabbit in Malaysia with your friends and family if you think good enough.