by Irene Preklet

Created on: March 19, 2009

Caring for a disabled rabbit can take a lot of time, patience and practice, but it can also be very rewarding as the bond between you and your rabbit deepens.

Depending on the degree of disability in your rabbit, the care will vary.

If you have a free roaming bunny chances are you have already bunny proofed any rooms he or she is in, you will now have to make further adjustments to make rooms safe for a disabled bunny.

If they are having problems with balance and are sometimes falling be sure to remove any furniture that could cause injury if they fall and hit it. If you have a table bunny keeps bumping into try using old socks to put on the table legs and then stuff some cotton batting inside.

You can also use towels as "bumper guards". Simply roll the towels and use them to surround sharp edges like television stands or fireplaces.

Towels are also great to use as bunny props if your rabbit can't sit up, again just roll the towels and place one on either side.

Another great item that works well as a bunny prop is one of the "u" shaped travel pillows. Bunny's bum is usually a perfect fit in the "u", and then she or he can lean on the sides of the pillow. Many come with cases that can be taken off and washed.

If bunny has been using the couch to prop herself up, try taking the legs off the couch so it is flat with the ground. That way bunny won't get her legs stuck underneath if she needs to lean on the couch to get up.

Another issue with a disabled rabbit is the use of the litter box. If she or he is having a hard time getting into their usual litter box consider getting a low rise litter box or cut down the ones you already have. You can also buy smaller plastic containers at discount stores.

If even a low rise litter box is no longer an option consider using puppy pee pads. To get bunny using them put some of the litter on top to encourage them to go there.

You might also have to adapt bunny's cage. Some of the best cages are made using cubes you put together. Using the cubes and cable ties you can custom make your cage into the size you want.

Underneath the cage put some sort of plastic sheeting to protect the floor, then start building up the layers with things like towels, or blankets and newspaper. A great option for a top layer are woven fabric rag rugs available at discount department stores. They cost less than $3.00 and you can throw them into the washing machine and dryer. What is also great about them is they are made from recycled fabric.

If bunny has very

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