🏡 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Ensuring Safety for Your Free-Roam Rabbit with Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc 🐰

Allowing your rabbit to free roam your home can lead to a happier, healthier pet. However, it's essential to prepare your environment to ensure their safety. Below are expert tips to help you create a safe and enriching space for your free-roam rabbit. 🐾

🐇 Understanding Free-Roam Living

Free-roaming means your rabbit has access to parts or all of your home, similar to a cat or dog. This lifestyle promotes natural behaviors, mental stimulation, and physical health. However, it requires careful planning to prevent accidents and ensure safety. [Source]

🏠 Preparing Your Home

• Electrical Safety: Cover or hide all electrical cords to prevent chewing, which can lead to electrocution. [Source]
• Secure Hazardous Areas: Block access to kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with toxic plants or chemicals.
• Protect Furniture: Use barriers or covers to prevent chewing on furniture legs and baseboards.
• Remove Small Objects: Keep small items off the floor to prevent ingestion.

🧹 Litter Training

Rabbits can be litter trained, which helps maintain cleanliness in your home. Place litter boxes in corners and areas your rabbit frequents. Use rabbit-safe litter and clean boxes regularly. [Source]

🛠️ Enrichment and Exercise

• Provide Toys: Offer chew toys, tunnels, and hideouts to stimulate natural behaviors.
• Create Digging Areas: Designate spots with safe materials for digging to prevent carpet damage.
• Rotate Activities: Change toys and rearrange spaces to keep your rabbit engaged.

🧑‍⚕️ Health Considerations

• Regular Vet Visits: Schedule annual check-ups with an exotics veterinarian.
• Spaying/Neutering: Helps reduce territorial behavior and prevents unwanted litters.
• Monitor Behavior: Watch for signs of illness or distress, such as changes in appetite or activity levels.

📘 Conclusion

Transitioning your rabbit to a free-roam lifestyle requires preparation and ongoing attention. By creating a safe environment and providing proper care, you can enhance your rabbit's quality of life. 🐰

For personalized advice and support, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. 📱🐾