Domestic rabbits make for great pets. That they’re soft and cute, everyone concedes. Not cuddly, though, despite their looks. Rabbits don’t typically like being held. They also engage in a wide variety of amusing behaviors. Anyone who has ever observed their bunny binkying can’t relate the story without laughing. A ‘binky’ is the jumping, twisting…
Grooming your pet rabbit isn’t primarily to keep it looking good. Good grooming promotes good health. Rabbits groom themselves frequently and can accumulate hairballs that may cause intestinal problems. It also helps keep down the hair around the house, which surely helps your health by reducing your stress. Rabbits almost never need a bath. In…
Gastrointestinal stasis is a medical condition in which a rabbit’s digestive system stops moving material. ‘Stasis’ is the Latin root of the English word ‘static’. The effects are painful and, left untreated, often fatal. It can have a number of causes, including a dental problem, infection, gas and others. Inadequate fiber content in the rabbit’s…
It’s easy to find many challenges involved in having a pet rabbit. But there are lots of positives, too. Here are some of the pros and cons… Rabbits can live a long time, up to ten years or so. That in itself can be either a good or bad thing, depending on your point of…
Rabbits are cute as heck, everyone agrees. And it’s true. But rabbit owners know that their little friends have natural behaviors, some would say instincts, that can make them destructive. Rabbits are no respecters of property, so you have to be vigilant. Letting them out of the cage to enjoy running around is important for…
Novices seeking a rabbit for a pet are often surprised to learn how many different types there are. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes about 50 different breeds, though they have strict criteria. There are many more. They range from the American to the Vienna. There are breeds that weigh a couple of pounds, like…
Guinea Pigs are docile, but not completely sedentary. They enjoy burrowing, exploring and interacting with animals and other elements in their environment. Giving them lots of variety will keep them mentally active for those hours you’re away. That helps keep them stimulated, a vital component of an overall health program. Animals with nothing to do…
Guinea pigs need soft, clean bedding that is changed frequently in order to stay in top health. Litter training a cavy is very difficult and, as a result, they tend to eliminate in many areas around the cage. It’s essential for their health that bedding be replaced to keep down ammonia and keep them and…
One of the many fun aspects of owning a guinea pig is selecting or designing and building a cage. Few homes are designed in a way that allow the owner to let their guinea pig simply run free. They can get into a lot of mischief that way. But creating a cage that is spacious…
Guinea pigs, or cavies, are like any other species in having a number of distinctive behaviors. Within that broad outline, of course, each pig will have its own peculiarities. It’s the latter that makes detailing the former a little tricky. Most guinea pigs enjoy companionship, both of other cavies and of humans. How do we…