[ PET OHANA ]
For Easter: Here comes
Peter Cottontail
He's got a wiggly nose, adorable ears, long whiskers, plump body, fluffy fur and a little "cottontail." Hopping down the bunny trail is, of course, the Easter bunny.
Real rabbits get a lot of attention at this time of year, too, and the Hawaiian Humane Society has some timely advice for those interested in a rabbit as a companion animal.
Choosing a rabbit at Easter for a pet is a decision that should be well researched by everyone in the family. Rabbits live for 10 to 15 years, so the commitment continues long past the Easter holidays.
"It was my pet rabbit who actually got me interested in veterinary medicine 12 years ago," said Dr. Thomas Chlebecek, an Oahu veterinarian who sees between 10 and 20 rabbits each week in his practice at Makai Animal Clinic in Kailua.
"At that time, I was an aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo. My rabbit got sick, and I couldn't find anyone who could help. I researched rabbit health care on my own, found it fascinating and ended up going to veterinary school at Colorado State University."
Inspired by his pet rabbit, Chlebecek switched careers in his 40s. "Now I have the opportunity to help all kinds of companion animals, including rabbits, while living in a place that most people only get to experience on vacation. You might say that I wanted a job where I could look forward to Monday morning -- and now I've got it!"
Chlebecek said there are many aspects of rabbit care that have no parallel with dogs and cats.
"To successfully keep a healthy rabbit at home, you need to learn all about their special needs," he said. Both Makai Animal Clinic and the Hawaiian Humane Society offer fliers with tips about rabbit care.
HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Rocky the rabbit is one of several bunnies available for adoption from the Hawaiian Humane Society. To view other prospective pets, visit the Pets of the Week in the Adoptions section at www.hawaiianhumane.org.
For more information, the House Rabbit Society's Web site, www.rabbit.org, and the "House Rabbit Handbook" are recommended, Chlebecek said. "If you like to surf the Web for other tips, keep in mind that there is bad information out there, too. It's best to stick to the House Rabbit Society and tips from your veterinarian."
Rabbits in the wild are prey animals, so as a survival mechanism they hide the fact that they are not feeling well until they are very sick. A consistent diet of recommended food and treats will keep your pet rabbit healthy. Any diet changes must be gradual, especially for young rabbits.
"The rabbit diet is simple," Chlebecek said. "Grass, hay and fresh water available at all times, dark greens daily and a limited amount of rabbit pellets every day. The high-fiber hay is important for nutrients, as well as keeping the intestines mobile. Refrigerate your rabbit pellets to keep them fresh, and do not overfeed, even if they are consumed quickly, except for growing or lactating rabbits, who can enjoy unlimited pellets.
"A good mix of many types of fresh dark greens is also essential. Try at least three different leafy vegetables from the recommended list, and introduce other types each week. Limit treats to tiny amounts of most fresh fruits. Always be observant of any changes in your rabbit's eating habits and behavior."
DOMESTIC rabbits are inquisitive, intelligent and very social by nature. They enjoy being a part of a family comprising responsible children and adults. They thrive on attention, love playing games and relish being groomed and petted. It's important that they not be kept apart and alone.
Dietary recommendations
Bad for bunny
» Bread and starchy foods
» Breakfast cereals
» Chocolate
» Grains, including oatmeal and corn
» Grease or greasy foods
» Light-color leaf lettuce, iceberg lettuce
» Nuts
» Salt or salty foods
» Sugar or sugary foodsGood for bunny
Feed three or more types daily, about 1 heaping cup per 5 pounds body weight:
» Basil and parsley
» Brussels sprouts
» Chinese pea pods
» Clover, dandelion flowers and greens (pesticide-free)
» Collard greens, kale, bok choy
» Green peppers
» Peppermint, raspberry leaves
» Spinach, escarole, romaine, radicchio and endive
» Tops of beets and carrots
» Moderate amounts of carrots
» Occasionally: broccoli and cabbage
"Keep in mind that baby bunnies are friendly to everyone," Chlebecek said. "Once they grow to be adults, the larger rabbit breeds are more laid back and sociable; they often have fewer health problems.
"If they are not sterilized, adult rabbits exhibit other behaviors that may not be welcome. Female rabbits can get moody and aggressive during hormone changes and can get uterine cancer. Males might spray to mark their territory and mount anything in sight. Spay/neuter surgery is recommended for pet rabbits who become better companions.
"Hawaii's weather is almost always too hot for most outdoor rabbits," said Chlebecek. "Rabbits can't sweat or pant. Keep your bunny hutch in the coolest part of the house where the temperature will ideally be about 70 degrees. They enjoy attention and can be trained to use a litter box. Since they like to chew, you'll need to 'bunny-proof' your home before letting your rabbit roam around the room. Hide electrical cords, eliminate any roach traps or rodent poisons and block off small places where he can get wedged in.
"As prey animals, rabbits have thin bones so they can run fast in the wild. Their skeletal structure is more fragile than other pets."
Chlebecek said a bunny can be permanently injured by mishandling or an exuberant hug.
"Pick your rabbit up with both hands -- one grasping the loose skin over the shoulders (never the ears), or scoop under the chest, placing your hand under the back legs -- and then lift both hands together.
"At first the rabbit may kick, and if your hand is not there to kick against, he can break his back. Start with small movements until the rabbit trusts you and does not struggle, and always remember to be gentle."
"Rabbits are wonderful pets," said Chlebecek, "but not as impulse gifts or surprises at Easter." He says prospective owners should bring a bunny home only when they are prepared to provide care over its lifetime.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. Call 946-2187.
Click for online
calendars and events.
