Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Feeding your rabbit the right food
• Part 2 of 3: Building your rabbit's enclosure
• Part 3 of 3: General care for your rabbit
• Tips
• Warnings

Rabbits, while small, are a lot of work to take good care of. They are specific about their diet, grooming habits and living space. But if you do good research and learn the best ways to raise your rabbit, you will have many years of fun with your rabbit.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Feeding your rabbit the right food

1. Give your rabbit unlimited amounts of hay. Hay is the foundation of a rabbit's diet. This is important not only for the nutrients, but also for the fiber. Because rabbits keep themselves clean, they often swallow a lot of hair. Without the right fiber, these hairballs can block the gastrointestinal tract and can be fatal. Chewing hay also keeps the rabbit's teeth a healthy length by wearing them down and preventing them from growing too long.
   • Feed your rabbit grass hay, such as timothy grass, oats, or wheat. Other hay types such as alfalfa can be too rich in calcium or protein for your rabbit. To choose good quality hay, look for a bit of greenery and a sweet scent. Poor quality hay is completely yellow and can smell musty. Do not feed your rabbit poor quality hay.
   • If you can't find good hay at the pet store, there are mail order companies that can send you the right hay.
   • Rabbits can be fed hay from birth.
2. Give your rabbit plenty of water. As with most animals, water is essential for health and well-being. Without enough water, a rabbit can become dehydrated, its organs can shut down and die. Your rabbit should have fresh drinking water at all times.
   • A water bottle or stone / stainless steel bowl is enough to give your rabbit water. Keep in mind that your rabbit can drink more from a bowl than a bottle, which is good for the rabbit's health. You can start with both to see what your rabbit prefers.
   • Whichever method of watering you choose, make sure to use lead-free products.
   • Change the water every day.
   • Also make sure to clean water bottles and containers with hot water and soap to prevent bacterial growth. Rinse them thoroughly to make sure all soap residue has been washed away.
3. Include fresh vegetables in your rabbit's diet. The best vegetables for your rabbit are romaine lettuce, broccoli, carrots, cilantro, spinach, and celery.
   • Make sure any vegetables you feed your rabbit are fresh. Vegetables just a few days old can make your rabbit sick.
   • Wet the vegetables to increase your rabbit's fluid intake and help the food pass through the gastrointestinal tract more easily.
   • Alternate the vegetables you feed your rabbit every day. Some rabbits, given just one type of vegetable, can form bladder deposits which then become bladder stones. A typical example is carrots that contain a lot of oxalate. Feeding carrots every day can predispose a rabbit to bladder problems. To avoid this, you should never give the same food two days in a row. If your rabbit eats carrots one day, feed broccoli the next day so you're constantly switching.
4. Feed your rabbit fruit as a treat. Fruit should be viewed as a treat and should not be the basis of your rabbit's diet. In general, you should limit fruit servings to no more than two tablespoons per day.
   • All fruits are considered safe to feed to rabbits, as long as they are in controlled quantities.
   • Alternate your rabbit's fruit intake daily, the same way you would with vegetables.
5. Give rabbit pellets in limited quantities. Commercial rabbit pellets are not usually viewed as essential to a rabbit's menu - they don't provide the fiber or tooth movement that hay does. They are also high in calories and can cause obesity if your rabbit eats too much of them. However, in limited quantities, pellets can provide vitamins and minerals that your rabbit needs.
   • Keep in mind that pellets should only complement other foods, and should not form the basis of your rabbit's diet.
   • Prefer to use timothy grass-based pellets rather than alfalfa-based pellets. Alfalfa pellets often contain more calories and can cause obesity.
   • Pellets come in two forms: muesli and extracted. The muesli variety has separate nutrients in each pellet, while extracted varieties in each pellet have all the nutrients. Use extracted strains to provide your rabbit with all the essential nutrients it needs. With muesli types, your rabbit can get the tasty pellets out and neglect the others, leading to shortages.
   • Consult with your vet about the ideal amount per serving for your rabbit. Some recommend adult rabbit servings no greater than a tablespoon per day.
   • If your rabbit starts to neglect his hay, give him fewer pellets. A lack of fiber can cause a fatal blockage in your rabbit's gastrointestinal tract, so you want to make sure this is the primary food in his diet.
6. Avoid feeding rabbits anything not on this list. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and you should not feed them anything unfamiliar. In particular, avoid nuts, seeds, corn or sweet foods such as chocolate. Your rabbit will not be able to digest this type of food and its consumption can be fatal.
   • Also avoid any fancy rabbit treats. These can be harmful.
   • Always check with your vet before feeding your rabbit anything new.

Part 2 of 3: Building your rabbit's enclosure

1. Decide whether your rabbit will be an indoor pet or an outdoor pet. There are unique advantages and disadvantages for each, so weigh both options before making a final decision.
   • If you want to house your rabbit outside, make sure he has a safe living area that will protect him from predators and the elements. Even urban areas have threats such as martens and cats that can injure or kill your rabbit, so you need to make sure it's protected. Also, make sure to provide your rabbit with plenty of company and social interaction. It may also be helpful to give your rabbit an outdoor run to play in during the day.
   • If your rabbit will become an indoor pet, remember that rabbits like to gnaw. You will have to adequately protect your furniture and valuables against damage. He will also need daily sunlight to help with his vitamin D production, so take him outside regularly to make sure he stays healthy.
2. Determine the area that your rabbit will be allowed into. Will you allow your rabbit to roam around the house, or is there a specific room you want to keep him in?
   • Your rabbit will need several hours of exercise outside of its cage every day. When choosing a space, remember that it needs enough space to explore and roam to make sure it gets enough exercise. An entire room should suffice as a minimum.
   • Keep in mind that the larger the area you allow your rabbit to roam in, the more work you will have to make the rabbit proof.
3. Make your rabbit's area safe for him. Rabbits love to gnaw, which can not only damage your home and furniture, but can also be fatal to your rabbit. You will need to remove or protect certain items within your rabbit's area.
   • Remove or wrap electrical wires out of reach of the rabbit to prevent your rabbit from chewing through them. Get plastic pipes from the hardware store for packaging. Use scissors or a pocket knife to carefully cut the tube lengthwise and push the wire in.
   • Cover outlets with child protection.
   • Remove any plants from the area. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems and eating unfamiliar plants can make them sick.
   • Continue to supervise your rabbit while it is wandering around the house. Even if you think you've put everything out of reach, rabbits can easily slip through small gaps and get into places they shouldn't be. This is especially the case with younger rabbits.
   • Rabbits usually get along fine with other pets, such as dogs and cats, as long as they are well-mannered. Puppies, in particular, should be properly trained before allowing them to handle your rabbit as they can injure him when trying to play.
4. Get a cage for your rabbit. Your rabbit will need a place to sleep, eat, drink and rest. Choosing the right cage is very important to keeping your rabbit healthy and happy.
   • As a general rule, your rabbit should be able to fully extend and stand on its hind legs without touching the top of the cage. To make the dimensions a bit more concrete, the minimum recommended dimensions are 61 cm x 92 cm x 61 cm.
   • Choose a cage without a bottom of bars. These can hurt the rabbit's legs. Instead, find a dense plastic bottom.
   • If you can only find a cage with a wire bottom, put a piece of wood or plastic on it to make sure it is comfortable for your rabbit.
   • You can also use a dog or cat kennel in place of a special rabbit cage, as long as it is large enough.
   • Put a small rug or mat and some hay in it for your rabbit to lie on.
   • When your rabbit goes back into its cage, let it stay there and don't force it out. Rabbits often use their cages as a safe place to rest and relax.
   • Make sure the rabbit has a place to hide in the cage. Rabbits are burrowing animals and need the security of a small, dark place. A simple shoebox will suffice as a hiding place, but be prepared to replace it regularly as it is likely to chew on it.
5. House train your rabbit. As with cats, rabbits can be trained to use a litter box.
   • First, see which corner your rabbit chooses to use as his toilet. Put a toilet there.
   • When he consistently uses the toilet in his cage, you can let him roam outside his cage more often. Place several toilets in his room to encourage him to use them.
   • Always use positive reinforcement when potty training your rabbit, never punish. A reward is, for example, offering your rabbit's favorite snack. If the rabbit is well socialized and loves people, reward it with praise or by petting it.
   • Avoid using clumping litter as your rabbit may eat the clumps and cause an intestinal blockage. Use wood pulp, paper, or lemon litter. You can also use newspaper as an alternative, although this may not be as absorbent.

Part 3 of 3: General care for your rabbit

1. Spay or neuter your rabbit. Go to your vet and let your rabbit help. Regardless of gender, there are a number of health benefits of having your rabbit spayed or neutered.
   • Rescued rabbits will be less likely to leave droppings and puddles all over the house, as neutering decreases the urge to mark their territory.
   • Your rabbit will be much less aggressive.
   • Rabbits' reproductive organs are susceptible to cancer as they age. By removing them you eliminate this risk.
   • Skip this step if you plan to breed your rabbits. This is safe as long as you have enough space for several rabbits and you are well informed about safe breeding methods. If so, visit the vet regularly to have your rabbit's reproductive health checked.
2. Provide plenty of toys for your rabbit. Rabbits naturally gnaw, so giving them toys can keep them from being gnawed on your furniture. You don't need expensive rabbit toys - pieces of cardboard, rolls of toilet paper and untreated wood with no chemicals will entertain and keep your bunny entertained.
   • Avoid rubber toys. If a rabbit swallows a piece of rubber, it can block its gastrointestinal tract.
3. Play with your rabbit. Rabbits are active creatures and love to play. There are some great games you can play with your rabbit to keep both of you entertained and keep him in shape.
   • Set out some small toy bowling pins and let your rabbit knock them over. Active rabbits will love this game.
   • Some rabbits like to throw toys around and have you bring them back, sort of like a reverse fetch game.
   • Create an obstacle course for your rabbit. Rabbits love to explore, so take advantage of this tendency with an obstacle course. Make sure to use materials such as newspaper or cardboard so that your rabbit does not get hurt.
   • Always let your rabbit rest if he wants to. When he's lost interest in a game, don't force him to continue.
4. Treat your rabbit gently. Rabbits have fragile bones that can break easily if handled roughly. You should always be careful with your rabbit to avoid getting hurt.
   • If your rabbit is struggling when you try to pick it up, don't force it. Struggling rabbits can break their own bones or stretch muscles, and you can drop him when he's struggling, too. Leave your rabbit alone if it doesn't want to be picked up.
   • Let him get used to being picked up slowly. Rabbits are ground-dwelling animals and easily panic if they take to high in the air. Get him used to being petted first. When he becomes more accustomed to human company, try lifting his front legs an inch off the ground. Then stay seated when you lift it the first few times and keep it in your lap. Finally, try to pick him up and stand.
   • To properly pick up your rabbit, hold one hand under its chest and one under its backside. For more details on how to safely pick up a rabbit, you can find an article on how to pick up a rabbit on WikiHow.
   • If you are concerned that the rabbit may scratch you, use a towel to wrap it up. You can accidentally drop it if you get scratched.
   • Make sure all pets are properly trained before making contact with the rabbit.
   • Make sure all young children in the house know the rules when playing with the rabbit. Supervise them while they are handling the rabbit and stop them if they do anything that could injure the rabbit.
5. Groom your rabbit regularly. Rabbits are furry creatures that like to clean themselves. Unfortunately, swallowing too much hair can cause serious intestinal blockage. You will need to groom your rabbit regularly to prevent this.
   • Brush your rabbit at least once a week. Use a fine-toothed comb, such as a flea comb, to thoroughly comb your rabbit. This will remove any loose hair that your rabbit could otherwise swallow while grooming itself.
   • Rabbits are naturally sensitive to water and can easily become hypothermic or shock when submerged. If necessary, you can clean your rabbit locally with a damp towel, but never submerge it.For more details on how to safely clean and care for a rabbit, you can find an article on washing your rabbit on WikiHow.
   • Trim your rabbit's nails every few weeks. Look at your rabbit's nails and find where the blood vessel ends in them. This should be visible even if your rabbit has dark colored nails. Use nail clippers to cut shortly after the end of the blood vessel. If you are worried about hurting your rabbit, the vet can do this at his checkup.
   • If you notice dry or flaky skin when brushing your rabbit, contact your vet. This could be a sign of mites or fleas.
6. Take your rabbit to the vet annually. Like all pets, your rabbit will need regular medical attention to stay healthy. Have annual checkups and don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if you think something is wrong with your rabbit.
   • Look for a veterinarian experienced with rabbits. These are sometimes thought of as exotic vets specializing in non-traditional pets.
7. Watch for signs of pain or illness in your rabbit. Because rabbits are sensitive creatures, they are prone to a number of conditions that range from mild to fatal. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
   • Sudden loss of appetite, combined with gurgles in the lower abdomen.
   • Breathing heavily
   • A tilted head.
   • Incontinence.
   • Lumps or abscesses anywhere on your rabbit's body.

Tips

• If a rabbit licks you, it means he likes you!
• Do not give your rabbit too many watery snacks as this is bad for their digestive system.
• Never let your rabbit live on bars like the picture above! Not only does it hurt their paws, but it can also cause painful heels that heal poorly and can become infected. They will appreciate a soft dry surface.
• As long as you are in the room with your rabbit, you can just leave the cage open. It comes out by itself, even if you are not looking. They get sad if you don't let them out.
• Make sure the rabbit's cage is large enough for him / her to cross in four jumps, and high enough to stand on its hind legs.
• Rabbits are very social creatures, and most will want a mate for companionship (rabbits that are not from the same litter often get along better with rabbits of the opposite sex). Again, make sure they are spayed and neutered!
• Don't try to catch a rabbit. Doing so will cause the rabbit to become homesick, which can result in a very mean rabbit!
• Carrots are not very healthy for them. It has to be fed to them every now and then; not every day.
• Rabbits are incredibly easy to house train - even easier when they are young and spayed or neutered. They naturally urinate and defecate while they eat, so give them a large litter box lined with newspaper and filled with timothy grass or orchard grass and they will pretty much train themselves. You may find raisins spread over their free space; they mark the territory. As they become more comfortable (and have everything thoroughly scented with their chin) this will fade and stop.
• Rabbits don't like a lot of noise, so avoid loud noises. Sounds such as barking dogs, bands playing or other loud / distracting noises.
• Don't just put your rabbit in the cage. Wait for him / she to come to you.
• Do not keep your rabbit in a cage, it is bad for him and will lead to digestive problems.
• If you are petting a rabbit and his nose is moving faster than normal, stop petting for a moment - if his nose is moving quickly he may be uncomfortable.

Warnings

• Do your research before (and after) you buy a rabbit!
• If rabbits are in an area where electrical cables are connected, unplug them or remove the rabbits from there. Rabbits love to chew on cables, and one bite can kill them. Another option is to cover the wire with PVC pipe or a flexible plastic coil, available at electronics and pet stores.
• Don't let your rabbit get fat! Think about how bad it is for humans to get fat - it's much worse for rabbits. Proper diet and exercise are important factors in keeping your rabbit lean and fit.