
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Choose a cage Step 2: Furnish the cage Step 3: Find your rabbit Step 4: Give it room to run Step 5: Feed it Step 6: Deal with toilet issues Step 7: Care for it








	You can find local associations of rabbit breeders in your phone book, or by typing the words "rabbit breeder" and the name of your town into an Internet search engine.

2torial #0931:
Learn2 Care for a Pet Rabbit (continued)

Find your rabbit

Now that you have rabbit shangri-la established, it's time to bring your bunny home.

Where to get one. Rabbits are not in short supply. You can usually find one at a pet store or through a breeder, at an animal shelter, or from a friend whose rabbit has bred. And although you may wish to do some research about the various breeds so you can choose one whose size, temperament, and appearance suits you (your local library or rabbit breeders' association should have ample information on breeds), you may just meet a bewitching rabbit of obscure birth that is clearly the bunny for you.

Signs of health. Look for the following in any rabbit you're considering:

Eyes should be clear, without any sores or discharge.
Nose should be dry, with pink mucous membranes. A bluish tinge in the membranes accompanied by rapid breathing at room temperature can indicate circulatory or respiratory problems. Repeated sneezing can indicate a contagious disease.
Ear interiors should be clean and free of scabs or scars that can indicate a mite infestation.
Teeth should be short and even, and top and bottom teeth should be perfectly aligned so their edges meet squarely. Rabbit teeth never stop growing, and misaligned teeth are a serious defect. They mean the rabbit can't eat properly, and that its growing teeth may injure it and make it ill if they aren't frequently clipped by its owner or vet.
Belly should be round and firm, but not bloated or tender (a sign of illness, unless the rabbit is pregnant).
Fur should be shiny and smooth, with no rough or bald spots. An unhealthy coat may be a sign of malnutrition, illness, or mite infestation.

Let it settle in. Your new pet will likely be stressed by the trip from its former home to yours. Place it in its cage with plenty of food and water, and let it explore and get used to its new home at its own pace. In a day or so, when you see it digging in its litter box or chewing on a toy, you'll know it feels at home.

Step 4