Taking care of a
rabbit at home requires attention to its diet, living environment,
exercise, health, and social needs. Here's a complete guide to help you
care for your rabbit properly:
1. Housing & Environment
· Space: Rabbits need
space to move. A large indoor enclosure or a bunny-proofed room is ideal.
· Cage/pen size: At least 4-6 times the size of your rabbit when stretched out.
· Flooring: Use solid flooring; avoid wire bottoms that can hurt their
feet.
· Bedding: Use hay, straw, or paper-based bedding. Clean it regularly
(1–2 times a week).
· Litter box: Rabbits can be litter trained. Use paper-based or wood-pellet
litter (never clumping cat litter).
2. Diet
· Hay (80%): Unlimited access to fresh timothy or meadow hay.
· Fresh vegetables (10–15%): Daily servings of leafy greens (e.g., romaine, parsley,
cilantro). Introduce new veggies slowly.
· Pellets (5–10%): Choose high-fiber rabbit pellets (no added seeds or colored
bits).
· Fresh water: Always available in a clean bowl or bottle.
· Avoid: Iceberg lettuce,
sugary fruits (limit), and human snacks.
3. Exercise & Enrichment
· Daily exercise: Let your rabbit roam and hop around safely for at least 3–4
hours a day.
· Toys: Chew toys,
cardboard boxes, tunnels, untreated wood, and DIY foraging toys.
· Mental stimulation: Rotate toys, hide food for them to find, and interact with
them regularly.
4. Grooming & Hygiene
· Brushing: Regularly (especially for long-haired breeds) to prevent
matting and hairballs.
· Nail trimming: Every 4–6 weeks.
· Cleaning: Clean the living area weekly and spot-clean daily.
5. Social & Emotional Needs
· Companionship: Rabbits are social animals. Many thrive with another rabbit
(same sex or neutered pair).
· Bonding: Spend time petting, talking, or just sitting with your rabbit
to build trust.
· Handling: Gently support their hind legs when picking them up. Never
pick a rabbit up by the ears.
6. Health Care
· Spay/neuter: Prevents reproductive cancers and unwanted behaviors.
· Vet visits: Annual checkups with an exotics-savvy vet.
· Watch for signs of illness: Not eating, diarrhea, runny nose, or lethargy are all
red flags.
· Grooming caution: Rabbits can’t vomit—hairballs can be dangerous. Brushing helps
prevent them.
7. Bunny-Proofing Your Home
· Protect electrical cords and furniture.
· Cover or block off areas you don’t want them accessing.
Raising Happy Rabbits: Housing, Feeding, and Care
Instructions for Your Rabbit's First Year
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK ON AMAZON
Let Brittany May and Penny Ausley help you choose the right kind of rabbit for your home, and answer your questions about housing, litter training, proper feeding, exercise, grooming, illnesses, playtime activities, normal/abnormal behavior, and more.
So, you’re thinking about buying or adopting a pet rabbit. Wonderful! Or maybe you’ve already brought a fuzzy bundle of joy home and you’re realizing you could use a little guidance. Rabbits are adorable and soft and fun, but they also require a fair amount of work and knowledge to make sure they’re living a happy, healthy life.
With the right approach, you will soon discover that your new pet rabbit can become your best pet ever. With time, attention, and patience, a deep bond can develop and you will be friends “furever.” Learn all about:
- Finding a vet
- Choosing an appropriate cage
- Pellets, hay, and fresh foods
- Growing herbs and lettuces for your bunny
- Toys to keep your rabbit engaged
- Illnesses to watch for
- And more!
Make your first year with your bunny a fun and fulfilling experience that will bond you and your new rabbit for life.
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