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| FAQ Products & Rabbit Care - Hop Along Homes uses Cedar to build the rabbit homes, is this safe?
- What kind of animals were these cages built for?
- Does Hop Along Homes offer a product to meet the size of the animal?
- What if my rabbit is not litter trained, will a Hop Along Home still work for me?
- Why doesn't each design offer flooring?
- What kind of flooring options do I have?
- I'm thinking about litter training my rabbit, what do I do, and what are the advantages?
- Will I need any cleaning supplies?
- What other supplies will I need for my rabbit?
- Is a rabbit the kind of animal that will need routine vetrinarian care?
- Do rabbits like to be held, if so what is the correct way to handle them?
Q: Hop Along Homes uses Cedar to build the rabbit homes, is this safe? A: Absolutely! You may not know this, but Cedar comes in many variations, one of them being #2. Most people think of Cedar as material used in closets to keep moths away due to its strong odor. But there are many different kinds! Hop Along Homes chose #2 cedar, because it is animal friendly, in that it’s an all natural red wood that is chemical-free, and non-aromatic
Q: What kind of animals were these cages built for? A: Hop Along Homes builds small animal homes, that is primarily for rabbits. However the customer will have to use their best judgment on deciding if it is a suitable home for any other kind of living creature. We have had people say, “this would be wonderful for our pet snakes…” which is wonderful to hear, however we are unable to advise on snakes, only domestic rabbits.
Q: Does Hop Along Homes offer a product to meet the size of the animal? A: Yes we offer several designs to meet the small, medium, large, and extra large breeds! We provide “product recommendations” for each design. For instance, we have listed on our website that the Flemish Giant Style home would be perfect for the Belgian Hare, or the Checkered Giant.
Q: What if my rabbit is not litter trained, will a Hop Along Home still work for me? A: Hop Along Homes designs are not meant to house rabbits, or any other animal that is not litter trained. An occasional accident will occur, and will not have any lasting effects, however prolong urination on wood, or on your flooring, will make for an unhappy customer and that is why we discourage non potty-trained animals.
Q: Why doesn't each design offer flooring? A: We do not believe in the kind of cages that offer wire flooring, as this causes soar hocks, hang nails, and is generally uncomfortable for rabbits, or any other kind of living creature. Wire flooring is convenient for the owner, but it is neither safe nor comfortable for the rabbit. We decided not to include flooring, and this means that the rabbit or other animal you decide to purchase our cages for, be potty-trained.
Q: What kind of flooring options do I have? A: The customer has many options! You can assemble the product and conveniently place it over the existing floors you have in your home (hard wood floors, linoleum, carpet, etc) this is just like rabbit owners do with NIC Panels. Or, customers can purchase there own flooring to go over their existing floors or carpet. For instance, one may have carpet, and prefer their rabbit to be on linoleum, or one may have linoleum floors and prefer the rabbit be snuggly warm on carpet. Special Note: Any local carpet store will sell small sheets of linoleum or carpet to you inexpensively.
Q: I'm thinking about litter training my rabbit, what do I do, and what are the advantages? A: - First of all, if your rabbit is not litter trained, this must mean that whatever cage you currently are using, is the rabbits entire litter box. So the goal here is to transition your rabbit to only eliminate in one area of its cage. Hopefully at this point you have a cage large enough for a litter box and your rabbit, if not, this implies your rabbit’s cage is way to small to begin with! So what you will do is clean out your rabbit’s cage thoroughly, but keep some of the old soiled litter and put aside for now. Instead of filling the whole tray back with litter, you will only be placing the litter in a litter box in one of the corners.
- Then, you will place some of the old soiled litter in the litter box, so your rabbit will recognize his/her scent in the cage. 9 times out of 10 your rabbit will hop into the litter box and start using it automatically. This doesn’t mean he is 100% trained, but it is a start. You will have to observe your rabbit, and help him/her through the process. Most rabbits want to eliminate in certain areas, so if your rabbits prefers a certain corner, place the litter box there. I am providing a great link for more information and tips so click here!
- The advantages? They are endless, but I will only name a few here! First, and most importantly your rabbit will be able to leave it’s cage and roam free in a room or maybe your whole house and you won’t have to worry! Your rabbit will benefit health wise from all the exercise he/she will get, and all because they are litter trained. Second instead of just seeing your rabbit sitting in his cage like a bump on a log, you will see them exploring your home, showing off for you by hopping through the air, and doing binkies! Third, this truly makes them apart of your home, no more or no less then your dog or cat. Lastly, your costs will go down tremendously! Instead of having to cover an entire area of your cage with litter, you will only be using at max an inch of litter in a litter box at a time. This also means the cleanliness in your rabbits cage is increased.
Q: Will I need any cleaning supplies? A: Decide which days of the week you will be cleaning so you have a consistent routine. Then, you will need the following items: That’s it! You will most likely remove the litter box, food bowls, cozy beds, etc, and of course the rabbit, first. Then proceed to vacuuming out any access dirt, hay, and fur. Always be sure there is fresh food, water, and litter for your furry little friends.
Q: What other supplies will I need for my rabbit? A: - Litter Box (different sizes depending on the size of your rabbit)
- Recycled litter, preferably similar to Yesterdays News (recycled newspaper has worked best for our rabbits, for absorption and odor) Many advise against Cedar or Pine shavings due to its strong aroma, which can interfere with proper respiratory functions.
- Alfalfa Hay for rabbits up to 6 months, and high fiber Timothy Hay 6 months and up.
- Unlimited pellets for rabbits up to 6 months, following with approximately ¼ cup per 5 lbs of rabbit for 6 months and up. (Note: pellets are not necessary for optimal health, as long as free-feed Timothy Hay is provided, however the rabbits love pellets!)
- Veggies! Yes rabbits love and need certain vegetables such as red and green lettuce, leaf lettuce, and parsley. (limited quantities)
- Fresh water daily
- Toys such as cardboard toilet paper rolls, apple sticks, hanging bird toys, cardboard boxes filled with newspaper to dig and shred up, etc.
- Cozy home to sit in and feel secure.
Q: Is a rabbit the kind of animal that will need routine vetrinarian care? A: - Like any other domesticated creature, it is suggested they receive periodic wellness exams. Also, rabbits may fall ill, and will need medical attention. If you notice your rabbit has stopped eating, eliminating, or moving while grinding his/her teeth loudly, these could be signs that your rabbit is ill, and medical attention is needed. To maintain their physical appearance, you must also consider that rabbits need their nails clipped periodically. There is one of two ways to do this. You can clip them yourself, but be sure to have styptic powder on hand incase you cut the quick (vein) or have your small animal vet provide the service for you, usually for a small charge.
- If you do not have a small animal vet already, please check our vet directory on our links page!
Q: Do rabbits like to be held, if so, what is the correct way to handle them? A: - Most rabbits DO NOT appreciate being lifted off the ground. Occasionally there will be a rabbit that is easy going, but this is usually not the case. Rabbits can hyperventilate and be extremely squirmy in the hands of a human. The general rule is pick your rabbit up…only if you have to! We know, it’s hard to resist that twitching nose, those big eyes, and that furry face, but you must try!
- Rabbits prefer to be on the ground, since they are prey animals, so the best way to interact with your rabbit is petting him gently on the ground. Your rabbit will love this, and you may here chatters from there teeth…which is their way of expressing pure enjoyment!
- If you do have to handle your rabbit, such as when you must remove him from his home for cleaning, or to take a trip to the vet, here is how: Place one hand under their chest, and one beneath their hind legs, and hold them securely. If they start to fidget, or thrash their bodies, gently put them down on the ground and start over. You'll want to prevent injuring them, as they have fragile spines. After a couple tries you will get the hang of it! Here is a great instuctional video on how to handle your rabbits...click here!
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