do pet rabbits pose a risk during pregnancy?

[belgo]

We have just received a baby rabbit as a present, and I'm wondering what precautions I have to take?

Are they a risk to pregnant women in any way, particularly as I am not immune to toxoplasmosis.

i do not think they carry toxy, though just in case i would just wear gloves when cleaning them out and wash hands after handling and for their own health make sure they are up to date with their innoculations. a cat poses more of a risk as they can carry toxy kin their feaces.

I'm pretty sure there's no problem (we had a house rabbit throughout my pg with ds, & I'm sure I asked about it & was told (beyond sensible precautions as betho says) there were no issues.
Ummm, baby bunny - lucky you!

It's only five weeks old, I assume it hasn't had any innoculations yet. Is it too young to have innoculations?

thanks. It is rather sweet! I just have no idea what I should be doing with it - I know all about human babies I haven't got a clue about bunnies!

get yourself along to a pet shop and buy a little book on rabbit care, very basic, it will tell you all you need to know such as a hutch requiremnt with run, fresh water always available, hwo often to clean, what not to feed (did you know lettuce can be bad?) and when to do boosters. good luck.

thank you bethoo! No, I didn't know about lettuce, but we've just been giving it rabbit food and water from a special rabbit bottle.

Rabbits are built to eat grass, grass and more grass

So ignore all the pretty pellets with maize in, and go for the plain boring-looking grass pellets. You'll be doing bunny's digestion a favour! (think all bran )

If you want it to be free around the house just get a litter tray - they are very clean, but ours used to nibble the speaker cables, so be careful what it can get at!

we have grass in our garden. That's good.

and rabbits definitely don't carry toxoplasmosis then? I suppose I'm particularly worried because I've had two miscarriages in the past and don't want anything to risk this pregnancy.

Belgo - are you going to be able ot take care of bunny and baby? it will be hard as bunnies need daily handling otherwise they become hard to manage and fearful of humans. i felt awful when i had my baby and could not give my attention to my pet rats. i suppose it is different for me as i live alone but if you already have kiddies and a dp/dh to share the responsibility it shoudl be good. not meant to be patronising or anything btw

I'm sure they are not carriers - and toddlers have been eating rabbit poo for centuries... another treat to look forward to

Remember no grass clippings to bunny - they start to ferment much too quickly. Just a nice big handful of grass, and he/she will also keep your dandelions under control v happily!

belgo- bunnies can catch mixy which is transmitted from wild bunnies so make sure it is innoculated. though mixy is not transfered to other species it can be fatal for bunny.

Good luck with the pregnancy

thanks for the tips. Bethoo - I haven't actually thought as far as how I'll cope with three children and a rabbit!

ok thanks. We'll get it to the vet asap.

and thanks tickle, it's been nervewrecking so far!

Hi Belgo,
There is a great yahoo group for bunny owners called UKRL its UK rabbit Lovers, a wealth of enthusiasts there for advice and general bunny chat.

I dont think your bun is any risk to you, as with all pets wash hands after close contact and cleaning cages etc.

thanks babylove. Maybe I'll join 'rabbit lovers' yahoo group

Rabbits pose no threat at all. I even checked with my vet as we have 2 house bunnies. It is important to get them vaccinated for their sakes

Only when you eat them whole.