Rabbits & Small Animals
They are cute, fluffy, and complex. Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs require specific care that is often misunderstood.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs are popular pets in urban India, but they often suffer from poor diet and small cages. They are exotic pets that need specialized vet care, not low-maintenance toys for children.
The Rabbit Diet Pyramid
The biggest killer of pet rabbits is gut stasis caused by improper diet.
-
80% Hay/Grass
Timonthy hay or fresh antibiotic-free Duban grass. Essential for digestion and wearing down teeth. -
15% Fresh Greens
Coriander, methi, mint, and romaine lettuce. -
5% Pellets & Treats
High-fiber pellets only. Carrots and fruits are sugar-treats, not meals!
Housing Myths
The Cage
Keeping a rabbit in a small wire cage 24/7 is cruel. It leads to:
- Muscle atrophy (weak legs)
- Sore hocks (feet infections)
- Deep depression
Free Roaming
Rabbits can be litter-trained like cats! The best setup is:
- A large exercise pen (x-pen) as a base
- Free run of a bunny-proofed room
- Soft rugs for traction
Spay & Neuter
Essential for health: Female rabbits have an 80% chance of developing uterine cancer by age 4 if not spayed. Neutering also stops aggressive behavior and spraying.
Other Small Pets
Guinea Pigs
- Social: Must be kept in pairs (same sex).
- Vitamin C: Cannot produce it; need daily supplements (capsicum/tablets).
- Vocal: They "wheek" loudly when hungry!
Hamsters
- Solitary: Syrian hamsters will fight to death if kept together.
- Nocturnal: Active at night; let them sleep during day.
- Space: Need large, continuous floor space, not tall cages.