I was searching the web the other day for tips about how to care for a young rabbit, as I have never found one before, and I came across this page:
http://www.valleypetnews.com/q&a_what_about_i.htm
It worries me that someone gave out this information on rabbit care. I may not be a genius, but didn\'t I hear that you\'re specifically
not supposed to give a rabbit pine or cedar bedding?
Also, caring for a rabbit isn\'t as \"easy\" as she makes it sound. I hope these people are dedicated enough to take care of a rabbit, otherwise it\'ll probably just end up at a shelter. It\'s frustrating to think that if this person had done their research before writing this, they might have saved a rabbit\'s life.
That\'s all for now,
~Lima
Well...there seems to be a bit of controversy over the use of pine shavings. Now cedar...is a bit harsh and much more aromatic, but despite the talk of increased liver enzymes in rabbits kept on pine shavings. there are really no
documented cases of rabbits actually sucumbing to their use.
I have used pine shavings as a next box bedding for 42 years and have observed no ill effects. Of course there are alternative beddings out there that might even be better, but would be cost prohibitive for someone such as myself who is a breeder and buys their bedding by the bale.
So...not sure this is an article that should make one sad. I did notice the statement : \"...Ceramic crocks keep water cooler than plastic bottles, but some rabbits will use it a toilet. Using a rabbit crock helps prevent this.\" (This must be a typo. Using a crock would certainly NOT prevent a rabbit using it for a toilet.)
Also...\"... A cardboard box placed on its side will suffice as a nesting box as well as provide a solid surface for the feet. Just put some straw or pine shavings in as bedding and your rabbit is set.\" (What a MESS this would be!)
Otherwise, I thought it was an OK article and really didn\'t contain truly dangerous or harmful information.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com
I use cardboard boxes for my litter boxes because I can get all the boxes I want for free. I just use the box bottoms and I put paper on the bottom, then aspen, then some hay at the edges. I like using them because I can toss them out when they get soiled. I also use them for nesting boxes, but I just put hay on the bottom and my rabbits don\'t poop inside of them. The nesting box is in the middle of the floor and they love to run around it, but almost never go inside, and I think this makes them feel safe inside of their hutch. They even check out the dog when she puts her nose up to the wire.
I guess I just think in terms of my situation. I only use nest boxes for does going to have litters. I know what they do to cardboard. LOL
My nest boxes are metal with removable wooden bottoms. I empty them out, clean and flame them out with a propane torch between litters. For folks with one or two pet rabbits, the cardboard box (that can be tossed and replaced) is probably very workable. For me it would be a waste disposal nightmare.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com