How to Care for a Pet Dutch Rabbit
Easily found at many pet stores and popular for their classic twotoned patterns Dutch rabbits can make wonderful pets. Like other rabbits they do require some space to play and exercise as well as fresh green vegetables on a daily basis but if you are looking for an interactive small pet with a personality Dutch rabbits are worth the work. Read on to learn more about these rabbits.
Dutch Rabbit Behavior and Temperament
A Dutch rabbit can make a great pet for someone looking for an alternative to a cat or guinea pig but they are definitely more work than a typical caged pet. Rabbits are easygoing animals and are known to be playful calm and smart. Dutch rabbits are not aggressive creatures and are more likely to run away than to try and nip if they are scared or threatened. That means they can make great pets for adults and children alike. Like other rabbits they are most active at dawn and dusk but can often be found lounging around and napping during the day and evening.
An adult Dutch rabbit usually weighs about 4 5 pounds but can vary in weight from 3 5 to 5 5 pounds. They are considered to be a small to mediumsized rabbit and should not be confused with the smaller Netherland dwarf rabbit.
Housing
All rabbits including Dutch rabbits need a lot of space to run and play but when they arent hopping around they also need a secure place to sleep. If your adult Dutch rabbit is an indoor rabbit a minimum cage size of 3 feet by 3 feet should be provided. Storebought cages are available but many people create their own rabbit enclosures using exercise pens dog crates and other items. Outdoor rabbit hutches can also be bought or made but should be
especially secure to prevent your rabbit from escaping or being injured or killed by an outside predator.
Specific Substrate Needs
If you choose to use a bedding in your Dutch rabbits house avoid cedar and pine shavings. These can be aromatic and contain oils that cause respiratory and skin irritation. Opt instead for Aspen shavings timothy hay or recycled paper materials if you want to provide your bunny with some soft bedding to sleep in. Litter boxes can also contain these substrates or you can use hay or unscented dustfree cat litter.
Like other rabbits Dutch rabbits need to eat a variety of vegetables and hay to stay healthy. Depending on the weight of your bunny 2 tablespoons to 14 cup of rabbit pellets without seeds or colored pieces can be provided but the majority of their meals should be composed of grass hays and dark leafy green vegetables. You can also give them occasional treats of sugarfree cereals crackers fruits and vegetables that arent green. Remember though that if your rabbits diet isnt appropriate theyre more likely to develop ileus.
Dutch rabbits can unfortunately develop a variety of health problems. Some of the most common issues seen in rabbits include
All of these health problems and many others will require the help of a veterinarian experienced in rabbit care.
Training Your Dutch Rabbit
Dutch rabbits are very smart and can be trained to do simple tricks come when called and use a litter box. Some people even teach them to walk on a rabbit harness and leash or fetch toys.
Leash Training
If you want to train your rabbit to walk on a leash be sure to attach the lead to a harness that is designed for your size of rabbit. Verbal coaxing as well as treats can
