Rabbits have a very special kind of character – they are extremely affectionate and hate being without their owners; they love spending the day outdoors, running about in the garden or here and there in the house. But can these fluffy friends be left at home alone?
Taking care of a rabbit is not that complicated. Of course, like all animals, they need constant care and attention, but today’s hectic lifestyles mean we might not always be around as much as your rabbit might need (or like!). So what should we do when for some reason, we have to go away for a bit?
Rabbits are not particularly independent, so they can’t be left on their own for more than two days. However, if it’s just a weekend or a working day, we can make sure they get everything they need, so we can spend time away from home without worrying too much about their health.
The first thing to do is get a wide, spacious hutch, so our furry friend has all the space he needs to move around without feeling too “caged”. If you need one, the Arena hutches by Ferplast are some of the best, and come ready fitted with all the accessories: a hay rack, water dispenser, plastic bowl, and a house with a comfortable platform and ramp. They are very stable and have feet that ensure they are perfectly balanced, so even if your rabbit runs round like a mad thing, the hutch won’t fall over. Thanks to the practical removable plastic tray for collecting dirt under the hutch, cleaning it out when you get home is child’s play!
Secondly, it’s important to think about food. Rabbits need to eat constantly, to avoid getting a dangerous intestinal obstruction. Therefore, you’ll need to give your rabbit as much hay as they want, to make sure they’ve always got something to nibble. Watch out, though! Put a litter box inside the hutch, so your rabbit doesn’t use the hay as a place to do his droppings. Add in some super-fresh vegetables that will keep for a couple of days without going mouldy. Rabbits don’t drink a lot, so a single full water dispenser should be enough. Just in case, you could add a second one.
Leave the hutch in the largest room of the house where there’s the right sequence of light and dark – above all, before you leave make sure that the hutch is not in direct sunlight, to avoid overheating. If you prefer to keep it outside, it’s essential to make sure it is sheltered from draughts or bad weather. The little Zorro in these photos likes staying inside his house, even when his friend Giada is at work, before racing around like a mad thing in the garden when she comes home.
Booked to go away next weekend, for a last weekend at the sea? No problem, your rabbit will be fine for a couple of days.
