Rabbit Care 101 

The Basics 

  • Rabbits live anywhere from 8 to 14 years and, just like a dog or cat, they are a huge commitment
  • Because rabbits are prey animals, they don’t make the best pets for children. They don’t like being picked up, poked, grabbed, etc.
  • Rabbits hate loud noises and sudden movements
  • It can take a long time to gain a rabbit’s trust and form a bond with them. The best way to make them feel comfortable around you is to lay on the ground near them and let them “investigate” you first. The more time you spend with your rabbit, the more trust they will build
  • Rabbits need to be spayed/neutered after six months of age. Unfixed rabbits, same sex or not, cannot be kept together due to sexual and aggressive behaviors caused by hormones. Rabbits are social animals that prefer the company of another fixed rabbit. Altered rabbits also make better companions for humans because they are calmer, more loving, and easier to litter box train. It also prevents behavioral problems such as spraying and mounting. Spaying and neutering also prevents unwanted pregnancies and some cancers
  • Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the morning and at night
  • They can be destructive, therefore, bunny-proofing your home is a must
 

Diet 

  • Grass Hay= 70-80% of a rabbit’s diet
  • It is crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and a healthy gut
  • Orchard grass hay is a great option for people who have allergies
  • High Fiber Pellet= 10-15% of a rabbit’s diet
  • Provides protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids
  • A good rule of thumb is ¼ cup of pellets per 5lbs for an adult rabbit. Young rabbits may require more pellets
  • Green Veggies= 5-15% of a rabbit’s diet
  • Provides moisture, vitamins and minerals
  • Safe veggies include cilantro, parsley, basil, dill, and romaine lettuce
  • Diversity in a rabbit’s diet is good
  • Treats= less than 5% of the diet
  • High sugar fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can be given sparingly as treats
  • Oxbow baked treats
  • Water
  • Should be available at all times
  • Most rabbits prefer a drinking bowl over a drip bottle (Drip bottles can also lead to dehydration)
  • Cecals
  • Rabbits use a cecal fermentation process in their gut
  • Rabbits eat cecals which resemble wet fecal matter in grape-like bundles. Cecals provide essential amino acids and digestive enzymes
  • If you notice your rabbit not eating the majority of their cecals, see a vet immediately. Cecals are incredibly important
  • Diet varies from rabbit to rabbit, so their diet may need to be adjusted depending
  • Rabbit’s fecal matter is a great health indicator. Golden firm waste is ideal. If your rabbit’s fecal matter is dark, they may need less pellets and more hay. If your rabbit has diarrhea, it can be fatal so see a vet as soon as possible.
 

DO NOT feed: Pellet mixes that include seeds, nuts, corn (plain pellets are ideal), extremely high sugar treats such as yogurt drops, dairy, and/or bread 

Housing 

  • There is a huge misconception that rabbits should be kept in small cages or in hutches outside
  • Most cages and hutches are marketed towards rabbits are far too small
  • Rabbits should not be kept in wire-bottom cages as they can cause sores on their feet
  • Ideally, rabbits should have free roam of a bunny-proofed home or room. Unfixed rabbits may need to be kept in an X-pen when not being watched, as they can be destructive
 

Litter Box Training 

  • Rabbits naturally choose areas to go to the bathroom, often in corners
  • Litter box training is typically very easy for spayed or neutered rabbits
  • Putting the hay in or hanging above the litter box will help with litter box training (rabbits poop while they eat)
 

Litter 

  • Kiln-dried pine pellets
  • Recycled paper litter
  • Hemp bedding
 

Cleaning a Rabbit’s Litter Box 

  • It is recommended to only clean rabbit litter boxes and enclosures with diluted white vinegar
  • Other cleaners can contain toxic chemicals that have scents too strong for their sensitive respiratory system
 

Common Rabbit Health Issues that You Need to See a Vet For 

  • Infrequent or small stool
  • Can often be an indicator of GI Stasis, along with lethargy, which can be fatal
  • Sneezing
  • Overgrown teeth
  • Abnormal eating and/or drinking
 

If you think a rabbit is the right pet for you, contact local shelters such as Animal Friends and Rabbit Wranglers to discuss adoption!