Rabbit Basics
This information is a summary of what you need to know when you first bring a rabbit home, from their diet, grooming, protecting your home and much more. You can learn more by reading through my website.
- Hay – Good quality hay such as timothy, orchard grass or organic meadow.
- Oxbow carries a variety of hay.
- Small Pet Select also carries a variety of hay.
- Eaton Pet and Pasture also carries great hay for rabbits.
- Standlee Premium Products also carry a line of hay for rabbits.
- Pellets – Limited amounts of pellets should be fed to your rabbit. Take a look at the fiber percentage as it should be, at minimum, 18% and protein should not exceed 14%.
- Freshwater – It’s natural for rabbits to drink from a bowl as in the wild they would drink from any water source from the ground, not a bottle. Make sure to change their water daily!
- Vegetables – your rabbit should eat about 2 cups of fresh vegetables daily. House Rabbit Society has a great list of vegetables suitable for rabbits.
Nails – Your rabbit’s nails should be trimmed monthly. If your rabbit’s nails are light in color you should be able to see the quick inside the nail. If you are not afraid of trimming them you can try the Bunny Burrito method, or you can take your rabbit to the vet to get them trimmed.
Teeth – Rabbit’s teeth never stop growing, so it’s important to check on a regular basis. Check House Rabbit Society’s website to learn all about oral health in rabbits.
Fur – Weekly brushing sessions is always recommended. During shedding season, which seems to be year round, make sure you’re brushing them daily. You want to prevent them from ingesting as much fur as possible. You can also use a lint roller, I’ve always used this. I used it all the time with Cooper and still do with MINI.
Be aware of your rabbit’s eating, drinking, and a bathroom behavior, the slightest change in behavior can be a sign of illness. Please read this article to learn more about your rabbit’s digestive system.
Taking the time and learning your rabbit’s daily behavior can be life-saving. Rabbits don’t show signs of pain, symptoms can sometimes show when it’s too late. Always take the necessary precautions when you notice the slightest change in behavior, especially if you suspect GI Stasis.
Housing & Chew Toys – Large enclosures that allow your rabbit to run and jump with ease is ideal. Our enclosure is 6 feet by 4 feet which allows them to run and jump, in addition they are allowed to roam their bedroom. A small cage or hutch does not provide the sufficient space they need. Some bunnies are extra lucky and roam freely, if they do, make sure you’re rabbit proofing your home, and make sure to keep rabbit chew toys for them to keep them entertained.
The question I mostly get asked is “How do you litter box train a rabbit?” Each rabbit is different, and what worked for me may not work for you. Litter box training is essential if you want to have a free roaming rabbit, so take the time to educate yourself!
Your best source for all your bunny needs is always House Rabbit Society’s website. There you will find everything you need to know about rabbit-proofing your home, housing, chewing and outdoor & indoor dangers. However, I have gathered a lot of information throughout the years and share it on my website.
Training & Obedience – To everyone’s surprise, rabbits are very easy to train, but like with any animal you need to invest time and be patient. A rabbit will not understand your frustration, so never discipline a rabbit by hitting them. They simply will not understand. Rabbits will react to snapping fingers, clapping your hands, stomping on the floor or a mist of water. These are great alternatives when trying to train your rabbit, so never, ever hit them!
At first I kept a spray bottle, just like I do with my cats, if Cooper or MINI chewed something they shouldn’t, I would mist them with water. Not a hard spray, just a mist and they would get the hint. You don’t want to get their fur too damp so keep that in mind. If they continue and spraying isn’t working, try snapping your fingers or something else.
Treats – Never buy yogurt treats and junk food sold at your local pet stores. These “treats” have ingredients that your rabbit’s digestive system cannot process. Try giving your rabbits natural treats like carrots, apples, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, raisins, craisins and dried fruits (with no additive sugars)*. A proper rabbit’s diet is very important for a long, healthy life!
*Fruits should be given sparingly as they contain sugar.
