When you take responsibility for a pet, a lot is riding on your shoulders. Every pet has different needs so taking care of different animals requires you to be vigilant in different aspects. When it comes to taking care of rabbits there are multiple aspects that you need to understand. One of the points of concern for many rabbit owners is whether or not they can be left alone.
If you are a working pet owner it becomes a necessity to keep your pet locked up even if you do not want to. It can help a lot of owners to know whether or not their pets will be able to take care of themselves during the time. In this article we are going to talk about how rabbits fare if left alone during the day and whether it is a good idea.
Rabbits Left Alone
First of all, let us begin by saying that anything is possible if you plan well for it. Rabbits can be easily left alone in a hutch all day. When we talk about the span of a whole day we are just talking about the range of 6 to 10 hours. This is the typical time it takes for a pet owner to make the commute from their office and back.
If left with enough water and food they can easily manage themselves. Rabbits are social animals and love your company whenever possible. If you can help it you should reduce the time they are left alone but also understand that leaving them by themselves will not cause any harm.
If you do not want them wrecking your house, the best approach is to leave them in a hutch. The best part about this entire routine is that your pets will be ready to greet you with all of their enthusiasm when you get back home after a tiring day.
Adjust the Food
Since you are leaving them on their own, making them adjust to this new routine is essential. You should try and change their feeding routine so that they are accustomed to the time alone. You can begin by feeding your rabbit pellets in the morning before leaving and salads when you come back home.
Adjusting their feeding schedule accordingly will prepare them for the change and will help them not to overeat when they are left alone. When they are left in the hutch, you should have enough water and hay in it to sustain them. The hay and water is enough sustenance your bunny will thrive on.
As soon as you return, choose to feed them salad which will give your pets enough incentive to welcome you home. Make sure that you have changed their diet by consulting a vet so that their nutritional intake is not impacted. You can get more information about taking care of rabbits on aivituvin.com.
Gather Reinforcements
When you are leaving your pet alone you should be one hundred percent that they are going to be comfortable with the arrangement. Staying in their cage will not be a problem if they have all the things they need.
Luckily for you, rabbits do not need much to survive for a day. If you have only used the cage to keep them busy for shorter periods of time, you should consider gathering reinforcements. By reinforcement we mean getting a larger feeder and water dispenser. There are multiple products available both online and at pet shops that can attach to the cage. The best part is that they will not cause any inconvenience or clutter inside your home.
Designed to be compatible with the hutch, both the water dispenser and the hey feeder are easy to use and clean. The water dispenser needs to be as sanitary as possible to continuously dispense clean water. You want to give your rabbit healthy conditions to thrive in.
Consider a Litter Box
If you are buying a larger dispenser and a feeder, consider getting a larger litter box. Maintaining hygiene is good for the health of your pet and for your home. Investing the letter box will be a worthwhile decision especially if you have recently adopted a pet. Since you will be working, you might not have enough time to train the rabbit.
We recommend getting a large little box because you are preparing for a period of time when you will not be available for clean up. Designating a spot for a particular activity will build a habit which will lead to better hygiene and health for your pet. Typically, buying a larger litter box means that the rabbit will be able to use it throughout the day without feeling the need to make a mess elsewhere. It is a worthwhile investment that you can make online or offline.
Get Some Toys
You cannot expect your rabbit to entertain themselves without some recreational help. By help, we mean getting some toys. There are many toys available at your local pet shop that are not choking hazards. Toys specifically made for pet rabbits will help them pass the time without feeling bored or restricted.
The best approach in such a case will be to buy multiple choices and swap them every few days. This reduces the chances of boredom and helps in better mental stimulation. Toys should aim at improving the physical response of your pet so always make the decision with care.
The Takeaway
To answer the question in the title, we can safely say that a rabbit will handle themselves well if left alone all day. They will require some reinforcements that basically include food, water and litter. You will also have to adjust their schedule so that they can manage themselves alone in the hutch. To help them spend the time alone you can also introduce some toys to keep them company. Make sure you spend a lot of time with them when you come home.
