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Rabbit Care
Rabbits make attractive, very appealing pets and great furry companions. They are social animals which, with a little time and patience, can be house and toilet trained. However, a lot of time needs to be spent with them and their hutch must always be clean to prevent parasites and disease, and ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Rabbits were introduced to Australia from Europe, and though not prolific there, they thrived in in this country. In fact, it didn't take long for the rabbits to make themselves unwelcome, and in less than 20 years they had devastated the local land. Since then, wild rabbits have been a big problem throughout Australia, eating their way through farmers' crops and destroying natural vegetation. Rabbit-proof fences were erected in an attempt to try and stop the rabbits spreading. This failed, however, and wild rabbits still cause many problems for landonwers today.
Many people still keep rabbits as pets, but these rabbits are not likely to cause the same problems as wild rabbits provided they remain as pets. There are about 30 breeds of rabbits, ranging in colour, shape and size, but all need the same amount of care and attention.
Housing
A rabbit needs a good-sized cage with two compartments. One side should be enclosed to provide protection from the weather and a safe, secure place to sleep away from predators, draughts and rain. The floor should be made of wire mesh if it's to stay on grass and should be covered with newspaper or sawdust with a layer of straw on top for warmth and comfort.
The other compartment should be completely covered in wire mesh to create a day run with access to fresh air and sunlight. The hutch must have a removable door for cleaning, and the bedding straw should be replaced every day. The hutch should be thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed every week to prevent skin infections, mite infestations or the fungus which cases ringworms.
The hutch should be covered in a gauze mesh over the wire to keep out mosquitoes which carry a deadly disease called Myxomatosis.
Pet rabbits should also be vaccinated each year against rabbit calicivirus disease.