Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular as house pets, but many new owners fail to research proper care before bringing them home.
As a result, they often face health issues that could have been easily prevented.
Here’s everything you need to know to properly care for a pet bunny and ensure they thrive in your home.
Diet
Rabbits are herbivores and thrive on a plant-based diet, primarily consisting of grass, leaves, and some fruits and flowers.
Grass hay is the most important part of their diet and should be available at all times. Varieties like timothy, meadow, oat, rye, barley, and Bermuda grass are excellent options.
Legume hay, such as alfalfa and clover, should be avoided due to its higher calorie, calcium, and protein content, which may lead to obesity or gastrointestinal issues. It’s also important not to feed straw, as it is nutritionally inadequate and can cause deficiencies.
Green foods like dandelion greens, kale, romaine lettuce, broccoli, and parsley are another essential part of a rabbit’s diet. They provide additional nutrients and hydration, crucial since rabbits sometimes don’t drink enough water.
Fruits and vegetables can be used as healthy treats or rewards. Examples include apples, berries, carrots, mango, and squash.
Commercial pellets should only account for about 10% of a rabbit’s diet. While convenient, pellets can contribute to obesity and poor dental health if overfed, as they lack the fiber needed for chewing and proper digestion. Always limit their quantity.
Water should be provided at all times, either in a bottle or a bowl. It should be changed daily to prevent bacteria growth.
Avoid feeding rabbits foods high in starch or sugar, such as beans, bread, chocolate, corn, nuts, oats, and processed seeds. These can lead to serious health issues. Additionally, rabbits do not need supplements if they are fed a proper diet.
Environment
A rabbit’s cage should be large enough to allow them to stand fully upright on their hind legs, with space for a litter box and resting area. It should be easy to clean and made of durable material, like metal. Keep the cage in a cool, well-ventilated space, as rabbits can easily overheat or suffer from respiratory issues in damp or hot environments.
Rabbits should not be kept in a cage all the time. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and prevent behavioral problems. Set up an exercise area or a pen where they can hop, jump, and explore safely for a few hours each day. The pen should be at least 3 feet tall to prevent escapes and protect them from hazards. If you let them roam freely indoors, you must rabbit-proof the space by covering cords, removing toxic plants, and securing any escape routes.
Litter box training is easy to implement. Place a litter box in a corner, especially where the rabbit tends to go, and add hay to encourage use. Ensure the box has low sides for easy access, and provide at least one more litter box than the number of rabbits. Provide your rabbit with a resting or hiding area where they can feel secure.
Lastly, offer a variety of toys for mental stimulation and to help wear down their teeth. Chew toys made of untreated wood, wicker baskets, or toilet paper rolls are ideal. Hiding treats in toys encourages foraging behavior and keeps them entertained.
Handling
Rabbits have fragile backbones that can easily be injured by a strong kick, so it’s important to handle them with care. Never pick up a rabbit by the ears, as this can cause pain. Instead, grasp the loose skin over the shoulders and scoop the rabbit up from under the chest. Practice handling your rabbit close to the floor to prevent injury if they jump out of your arms. With time, you’ll learn how to lift and hold them safely.
Spaying and Neutering Your Rabbit
Spaying and neutering your pet rabbit is a crucial decision that offers several health benefits, just like it does for cats and dogs. The ideal time to spay or neuter a rabbit is between 4 to 6 months of age, before they reach maturity. Before surgery, it’s important to have your rabbit thoroughly examined by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia.
Beginner's Guide to Care for a Pet Rabbit!
Video by Learn about Animals
