Rabbit Accessories
What To Look For In Rabbit Accessories
There are of course no fixed rules when it comes to choosing rabbit accessories. Admittedly, when we purchase something for a pet, we sometimes think about what we want as much or more than what will benefit the pet, who probably cares less about bells and whistles and other extras than we do. If there's to be a "rule", it might simply be to take into account the care and wellbeing of the pet first, and go from there. If we want a shape or color that pleases us, the rabbit probably won't care one way or the other.
The Cage - We have to start someplace in putting together our list of rabbit accessories, so we might as well start with housing. Questions to ask would include, how much time will the rabbit be spending in its cage, pen or hutch? A rabbit needs a little room to move around in, but if it's going to be free to run about much of the day, the cage it stays in at night just needs to be large enough so it isn't cramped. A rabbit can get plenty of movement in a cage or hutch the size of a child's playpen if it's going to be in there much of the time. A small pet carrier is fine of course for transportation or a place to stick the rabbit for short periods of time. A cage or hutch having a wire floor can make cleaning much easier and is worth considering. A wire floor can be hard on the rabbit's feet however. If a wire floor is preferred over a solid floor, a good compromise is to place one or two mats on the floor for the rabbit to rest on. The mats can easily be shaken periodically and can therefore cover a good portion of the floor area.
A Place To Get Away From It All - A wire cage is better than one with solid walls. Rabbits are curious creatures and intelligent creatures and like to see what's going on around them. Like many animals, they also like a place they can hide, or feel safe. If the cage or hutch is large enough, a small box inside for the rabbit to hide or sleep in might be an ideal arrangement. If you want to get fancier, some retailers of rabbit accessories offer rabbit "igloos". Nothing wrong with that as long as the rabbit accepts it, and admittedly an igloo is a little more interesting looking than a wooden box (don't used cardboard, it won't last).
Some Basic Accessories - Rabbit accessories also include feeding and water bowls. What to look for here is something that won't easily tip. A water bottle is probably the best idea. The rabbit will easily take to a water bottle once having figured out what it's for. A litter pan is another handy accessory, especially when the rabbit knows how to use it. The same can be said for a fancy rabbit bed. The rabbit will use it if it has no other place to sleep, and once it becomes accustomed to a small basket or bed, will likely spend a great deal of time in it, not wanting to sleep anywhere else.
Toys and chews are important rabbit accessories. Rabbits like to play with balls and other small toys and it keeps them occupied and mentally sound. And chews are definitely important as they help keep the rabbit's teeth trim and in good health.
A Carrier - Finally, if you go out and about with your pet, consider a rabbit tote. The basic tote is the conventional pet carrier, which is fine for automobile trips or airplane travel, but for walking around with your pet, retailers selling rabbit accessories can offer rabbit carriers or totes with the comfort of the animal first and foremost in mind.
The term rabbit accessories sound a little like a list of things one really doesn't need, but in truth most accessories fill a very real need, and one can spend as much or as little as one chooses.