Lionhead rabbits have hair on their heads.The long fur between and around the ears distinguishes them from other rabbit breeds.The name "lion" is why they have it.This breed has been popular in Europe since the 1980s, but has only been recognized as a distinct breed in the United States.It's similar to caring for other rabbits, but it also requires special attention to its unique coat.
Step 1: Be patient.
If you see a pretty lionhead rabbit in a pet store, don't rush into a purchase, and never buy on impulse.Do you know if you can provide adequate lifelong care for a lionhead?This is a long term commitment because they can live up to ten years.
Step 2: Take into account the costs of looking after your lionhead rabbit.
The initial purchase price of a lionhead can be small compared to the cost of ongoing maintenance.The purchase cost of runs, bedding, and feedstuffs is included.There is also the cost of veterinary treatment, nail clips and teeth filing, and preventative healthcare, such as products to prevent fly strike (when flies breed on the skin) and vaccinations.If your rabbit falls ill, you may have to pay veterinary bills.
Step 3: The animal shelter has a lionhead rabbit.
Shelters are a good option if you want to find a new home for a lionhead.Your new rabbit is likely to have been checked over by a vet and passed as healthy.Many charities get litters of unwanted rabbits when the owners think they have two rabbits of the same gender, so there is every chance of finding the bunny you want at a shelter.
Step 4: Go to a rabbit seller.
You can find a list of breeders in your area by contacting The British Rabbit Council.You can make an appointment to see the rabbits.There is plenty of resources for the rabbits to use, such as clean bedding, food, shelters, and toys.The rabbits should look alert and inquisitive, and have bright eyes that are free from discharges and glossy coats.Take a look at the pellets in the run to make sure they are dry.
Step 5: There is a lionhead rabbit at the store.
Pets store rabbits may be suffering from stress, which can lead to disease and illness.It's hard to know if the conditions in which the rabbit was bred were ethical and kind.Encouraging unscrupulous breeders perpetuates unnecessary distress for the animals.
Step 6: Decide if you will keep the rabbit indoors or outdoors.
rabbits can be forgotten about and neglected more easily if they are kept as indoor pets.One disadvantage of keeping a rabbit indoors is its lack of exposure to grass, sunshine, and fresh air, which are all part of its basic needs.To keep the rabbit safe outside, get a run that is escape-proof.It is possible to build the run yourself.You can either compromise and put your rabbit outside in good weather or train it to wear a harness so you can take it out, but keep control.
Step 7: Before you bring the rabbit home, make sure the cage is set up.
If the cage is in the house, it should be set up in an area where the rabbit will be able to see you, but also have peace and quiet.Your rabbit's cage should have an area for it to sleep in, as well as a dish of food and a bowl of water.Your lionhead should not be in a cage with soft wood bedding because it can cause respiratory problems.You can use a towel that is soft or choose a safe, recycled brand of bedding.The bunny can move around if the cage is large.It should be at least 8x the length of your rabbit.Even better than a cage is a large pen or bedroom, and the best of all is free-range!You can keep the bunny out of the rabbit safe room by putting a gate in the doorway.Rabbits are easy to litterbox.Don't forget about the water if you put a dish for his food in the cage.The cage at left is too small for a rabbit.A shed with an attached 10 foot run is the best for the small run.Make sure the floor is paved so bunnies can't dig around it.Large paving stones work well.If you have more than one lionhead be sure to bond them.It's a good idea to get them neutered before sexual activity begins.
Step 8: If you have a rabbit, make sure your home is rabbit proof.
Rabbits are great house pets, but you need to prepare.rabbits will happily chew on electrical cables, with disastrous consequences.The rabbit can pick up and chew anything.Place cable protectors over electrical wires to make them safe.
Step 9: Bring your pet home.
Give your bunny a few days to get used to him.Don't take it out of the cage, but talk with it frequently.Don't let children touch it until the bunny feels better.The amount of time it takes depends on the individual bunny.
Step 10: Feed your rabbit.
Discuss your rabbit's diet with your vet.If the rabbit is less than seven months old, you should give him unlimited amounts of Timothy hay and fresh greens.The treats can be fed in small amounts.Make sure your rabbit has water.A rule of thumb is that any one food will be high in a particular ingredient.Don't feed the same food two days in a row because it could cause a health problem like excessive oxalate in carrots that can cause bladder stones.This pitfall is avoided by providing variety in their diet.Don't feed your rabbit human foods, such as sweet biscuits.The rabbit's metabolism isn't designed to handle sugar and it will cause diabetes in your rabbit.Make sure your rabbit has plenty of fiber to help prevent against wool block, keep your teeth healthy, and groom your lionhead daily for the same reason.
Step 11: Every day, brush your lionhead rabbit.
If the lionhead grooms and swallows too much soft fur it can lead to obstructions in the colon.To get some time with your bunny, brush your lionhead daily.During the time of year when the lionhead is most shed, it grooms more often.Pay particular attention to the fur between the rabbit's ears.This hair needs to be in order.You should be gentle with the delicate parts of the rabbit's face, especially its eyes.Every day you should check your Lionhead's rear end.Fly strike happens when urine or fecal soiling occurs on the rabbit's rear.Eggs are laid in the fur when flies are attracted.Eggs hatch out and burrow into the rabbit's flesh.To avoid this, check the fur for soiling every day and clean the rabbit's rear with cotton wool if it is dirty.There are small white dots stuck to the fur.Call your vet for an emergency appointment if you see any flies.
Step 12: Get your lionhead rabbit preventative health care.
Your rabbit should be checked by a vet at least once a year.Vaccinations are an important part of protecting your rabbit's health, and do vary from state to state and country to country, so speak to the vet about what is appropriate for your area.HVD and myxomatosis are diseases that your rabbit can be protected against with a vaccine.Even if you have a house rabbit, you should consider getting a vaccine because HVD is caused by a hardy virus, which you can walk in on your shoes.In the UK, vets often give a course of worming treatment against a parasites called Encephalitozoon, which can cause neurological damage and other problems in older rabbits.Around 75% of rabbits carry the parasites, but not all become ill from them.If you live in the UK you should speak to your vet about treatment with a product containing fenbendazole.Female rabbits are at high risk of developing cancer.Vets now recommend routine desexing of female rabbits at a young age, from around 5 months.
Step 13: Be alert for signs of ill health.
There are warning signs of a problem such as a wet chin, watery eyes, or a discharge from the eyes.Check that your rabbit is consuming food.A vicious circle of decline can start if a rabbit doesn't eat for 24 hours.Call your vet if you're worried.Lionheads should be between 2.5 and 3.8 pounds.It is either overweight or pregnant if it weighs more than 4 pounds.The easiest way to tell if your rabbit is over or under is to run your hand over its spine.If you can't feel the spine, your rabbit is overweight.The bumps on the spine should be smooth.The rabbit is too small if the bumps are jagged.