Rabbit nails should be trimmed as required. This can vary between individual rabbits, but basically, if they are getting too long they can be trimmed. Your vet can trim the nails and show you how to do it safely and what length is suitable. It's important not to trim too short as this can cause bleeding and pain.
If you don't trim or cut your pet rabbit's nails the blood supply in their nails, the quick, will continue to grow out with the nail. This will make it harder for you to trim it in the future when the length becomes too long. Long nails will make your rabbit prone to nail injuries and overall discomfort.
Pet rabbits don't dig, cover large distances or do many other activities that wear their nails down naturally. This means that their nails grow quicker than they would in the wild. If a rabbit's nails grow too long, they'll curl inwards towards the underside of the foot and can cause damage.
They should be happy to show you how it's done safely so you will be able to do it in future. There is a vein and a nerve running up each nail that has to be avoided. It's known as the 'quick' and if it gets cut it will be painful for the rabbit and there will be a lot of blood.
Most rabbit nails will need to be trimmed every 1 to 2 months. Rabbits that are given areas with rough flooring or places they can dig into will be able to wear down their nails a little bit in their daily life. Therefore they might not need their nails trimmed as often.
Digging and Nail Trimming
They spend much of their time digging -- and living in -- elaborate communities of burrows, which are called warrens. By doing all of this digging around in the dirt, these wild rabbits essentially erode their nails. This keeps them from ever growing overly long.
You can use treats to reward your rabbit and entice them to be swaddled in the towel. Once your rabbit is wrapped in the towel and has calmed down, trim only the tip of the nails. It is far better to trim just a small amount frequently than to try and trim off a lot once the nails get too long.
Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle. It is best to let your rabbit initiate this i.e. sit on the ground and let them approach you.
Do rabbits need their teeth trimmed? A rabbit with healthy teeth does not need to have them trimmed. Usually they will be able to maintain healthy teeth on their own with ample hay and chew toys. However, sometimes rabbit teeth do overgrow and will need to be trimmed by a trained professional.
You need to clip approximately 2mm past the end of this – if you clip the nail too short you will make the quick bleed. This can be painful for the rabbit, so try to avoid it.
Always handle your rabbits gently and carefully. Always use a pair of special rabbit nail clippers. Don't use scissors or human nail clippers, as they will damage rabbit claws.
You want to make sure your rabbit can't squirm or kick too much during the trimming process. Gently wrap your rabbit in an old towel before you begin trimming its nails. Go slowly as you wrap your rabbit in the towel. Your rabbit may be frightened or squirm slightly.
Reality: carrots shouldn't be a main source of food. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables or fruit. Carrots and fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.
Although many rabbit bites are defensive, some rabbits may bite aggressively for a variety of reasons. Rabbit bites can be painful and serious. If a bite bleeds excessively, shows symptoms of infection, or concerns you in any way, it's best to seek medical attention.
Rabbits do not belong to the Rodentia order, they are lagomorphs (Lagomorpha order). This is because a rabbit has four incisors in the upper jaw (including two non-functional teeth), while rodents only have two.
The nose, face, cheeks, and ears seem like safe areas to try. Under the chin might or might not be a problem area, depending on the rabbit. The back is likely safe. The belly, feet, and rear end seem like no-go areas.
Conventional wisdom suggests that rabbits sleep in a hutch at night. But small animals, such as rabbits, like to sleep next to their owners. They enjoy the soft bedding, warm, and companionship.
Likewise buttercups, foxgloves, primrose, delphiniums/larkspur, columbine (aquilegia) hellebore, comfrey, poppy, periwinkle, monkshood, rhubarb, nightshade, ivy, privet, holly and yew are all reasonably common garden plants and all are toxic.
Do not give broccoli to rabbits. It will give them painful gas. Never give your rabbit kale or spinach. Kale and spinach can cause health problems over time, due to the high amount of oxalates and goitrogens.
Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat cucumber! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste. Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves. Before feeding cucumber to your rabbit, wash it in cold water to remove pesticides.
A torn or bleeding rabbit nail can be treated by applying pressure to the toe. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 30-60 seconds, use cornstarch or styptic powder to help stem the flow. Once the bleeding stops, you can allow your rabbit to lick their toe and take care of themselves.
If your rabbit's teeth are overgrown, it might be possible to trim them. Because their teeth are structured differently to yours, this is a completely painless process. Often, sedation isn't even necessary.
Caring for your pet rabbit
It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years.