Content

• Steps
• Advice

A pet rabbit in the house can entertain your family. However, this animal needs the same care as dogs and cats. Rabbits typically have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, so they require long-term responsibility. There are a few rules to follow and a few things to prepare before you decide to raise a rabbit. When you're ready, you can learn how to take care of a rabbit in the house.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Buy rabbits supplies

1. 

   Buy a cage that is large enough for your rabbit to move freely. Although the rabbit will stay out of the cage most of the time, it needs a safe shelter. This is where the rabbit sleeps at night, and where it retreats when it feels danger or disturbed.
   • You can buy spacious rabbit pens, and even a canine fence. As long as your rabbit feels safe in it.

2. 

   
   
   Buy bedding material to spread on the bottom of the cage. Housing materials have many types. You can try different varieties to see which one your rabbit likes best. Popular choices are shredded paper, straw and hay. Avoid using shavings as rabbits can be inhaled.
   • If you use shavings, do not use shavings of pine, cedar and other fragrant woods.

3. 

   
   
   Prepare a litter box for the rabbit. Rabbits living in the house need a box to use the toilet. There is no perfect litter box model for every rabbit. Your rabbit may prefer a caned box, and the wall height can also vary, as a box is too high, the box is too low for it. Start with a cat litter box that is large enough for the rabbit to handle comfortably.
   • Consider having a few boxes ready so your rabbit can run around the house without having to go all the way to the other end of the house to handle the needs.
   • The material used in the litter box can also vary depending on your rabbit's preference. You should try a few different types. Common types of materials include: cat silica sand, shredded paper, shavings (other than pine or cedar shavings), straw and hay.
   • Make sure the material used in the litter box is not lumpy and not made of clay. These can harm your rabbit when swallowed or inhaled.

4. 

   
   
   Buy heavy ceramic food bowls. Rabbits also need their own food bowls. Choose a bowl that is heavy in material, such as a ceramic bowl. This will always stand, as rabbits have a habit of overturning the bowl.
   • In addition, the rabbit's feeding bowl should have a wall high enough that the food will not fall out and low enough for the rabbit to stick its head in and eat easily.

5. 

   Prepare a water bottle or bowl of water. Water bottles are usually sold with the barn, but it's a good idea to buy a few more. It is more natural to give your rabbit a drink in a bowl, but the bowl may be overturned rather than fixed like a water bottle.
   • The water bottle can make your rabbit uncomfortable. If you find your rabbit doesn't like water bottles, switch to a heavy ceramic bowl to keep your rabbit's water.

6. 

   Provide plenty of hay for your rabbit to eat. Your rabbit's best food is fresh grass or hay, which is suitable for its gut. Ideally, you should feed your rabbit mostly fresh green hay. It is important to use quality hay. For most rabbit breeds, timothy hay is the best.
   • Hay will provide fiber for the rabbit's digestive system to function properly.
   • You can also use hay to line your rabbit litter.
   • Hay will also give your rabbit room to dig. Rabbits love to dig through hay, especially when you hide your rabbit's favorite food, such as apple chips or Cheerios breakfast cereal. You can also use tearing paper to make a dig for your rabbit.

7. 

   Feed your rabbit with pellets, fruits and vegetables added to the hay. Supplement your rabbit's diet with pellets, fruits, and vegetables. Common vegetables include: broccoli, white cabbage, carrot leaves, turnip leaves, cilantro, whole basket, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and other greens.
   • Avoid leaving pellets to your rabbit all day, as it can make your rabbit overweight and unhealthy. You should also not give your rabbit colorful food, nuts, seeds, and fruits mixed in it. These foods are often high in sugar and carbohydrates.
   • If you are not sure what vegetables to feed your rabbit, ask your veterinarian or breeder for advice.
   • Avoid adding vitamins to your rabbit's diet. Healthy rabbits don't really need a supplemental vitamin.
   • Unlike many people think, feeding rabbits too many carrots can be very harmful to rabbits. Rabbits love to eat carrots as a delicacy, but you should not feed them carrots every day. Weekly feeding is fine.

8. 

   Provide toys and other pastimes for the rabbit. Like any other pet, your rabbit needs toys for fun. Buy a variety of rabbit toys, such as rodent toys or tunnels where the rabbit can enter. You can make your own rabbit toys using a hole punched cardboard box that fits the size of the rabbit.
   • A rodent for a rabbit is an untreated apple tree branch. Make sure the branches are clean and untreated before allowing them to play.
   • If you are using a different type of tree, be sure to choose a non-poisonous plant and dry it for at least 6 months, except that the apple wood does not require drying, just make sure it is clean and untreated.
   • You should choose a toy that has many uses. Each rabbit has a different preference for toys.
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Part 2 of 4: Choosing rabbits to raise

1. 

   Make sure you have the time and energy to take care of a rabbit. A pet rabbits are not a few animals that require little care. They require an investment of time, money and effort as much as a dog or a cat. Rabbits need a bowl of water, high-quality food, and a litter box, and they need just as much exercise as dogs. In addition, they also need your attention every day.
   • This animal has a unique personality and needs special care. Consider having a pet that needs less care if you don't have the time and money to raise a pet rabbit.
   • Spend at least 3 hours a day playing with the rabbit outside of the cage, and may also require extra time when it is in the cage. Rabbits will feel lonely and depressed if they do not interact with humans every day.
   • If you cannot give your rabbit that much time each day, consider having one more. Make sure your rabbit is alone before letting them get to know each other properly so that they can befriend. Rabbits dislike share spaces, unless they have a special attachment.

2. 

   Decide which breed of rabbit you want to keep. There are many factors to consider when choosing a rabbit to breed. Think about which particular rabbit you like, or if you want a purebred breed. There are many breeds of rabbits with different sizes and colors and temperaments. You also need to decide both the sex and age of the rabbit you want to raise.
   • Explore all breeds of rabbits if you are not sure which one you want to keep.

3. 

   Go to rescue centers, pet stores, and breeding facilities to choose a rabbit. Depending on the type of rabbit, you may need different locations. If you do not care much about specific factors, you can go to animal rescue centers to choose a rabbit there. The benefit of rabbits in rescue centers is that they have passed the annoying "puberty" age and have often been sterilized.
   • You can also buy rabbits at the pet store. The quality of rabbits in these places can vary, so look for stores that have well-groomed pets and knowledgeable staff.
   • If you are going to buy a particular breed of rabbit, look for rabbit breeders that you want to keep. You should also learn about that breed. These rabbits are usually more friendly when you bring them home because they have been with you since birth.

4. 

   Observe how the baby rabbits interact with the parent and other rabbits. If you are going to buy a baby rabbit, there are specific instructions to follow.
   • If you notice something unusual, ask the parent rabbit owner about their temperament. The mother rabbit may react differently because you are a stranger or because you are around her babies.

5. 

   Choose a friendly bunny if you want to keep a baby rabbit. When choosing a rabbit, observe the parent's size, color, temperament and condition. Watch the little rabbits to see how they react to you. Don't choose a rabbit that snuggles against the mother even if you feel sorry for it, as such rabbits will often become unfriendly as they grow up. Choose the nestling bunny that comes close to you and sniffs at you. In addition, you should also check the baby's health and pay attention to the following features:
   • Eyes clean, bright, free of blisters, discharge or foreign objects in or near eyes.
   • The ear is clean, doesn't get clogged with wax and doesn't smell bad.
   • The coat is clean, not tangled and smelly.
   • There are no ticks, fleas or other parasitic animals on the skin.
   • The hair around the anus is not lumpy or wet, as this could be a sign that the rabbit has a health problem.
   • Be alert, vivacious, but not jumpy or shaky.
   • Do not show signs of illness, such as sneezing, runny nose, hair loss, or dental problems.

6. 

   Have an adult rabbit if you want to be assured of its temperament. Go to the rescue center to find an adult rabbit to raise. Wherever you go to choose a rabbit, you should see all the adult rabbits there. Watch the rabbits to make sure they are happy and alert. Avoid choosing rabbits that look uncomfortable or aggressive. You also need to choose a healthy rabbit.
   • Healthy adult rabbits share the same characteristics as healthy young rabbits. Check for any outward signs of the rabbit's health, including eyes, ears, and fur.
   • The animal shelter is a great place to adopt adult rabbits. Rabbits in these places have often been castrated or spayed. In addition, when you adopt the rabbit at the rescue camp, you also give the rabbit a home.

7. 

   Choose the rabbit you like best. Once you have examined the overall health of the rabbits, you can choose the rabbit you like. Make sure you have a leisurely time to choose. The rabbit will live with you for up to 8 years, so you need to find a rabbit that fits. Try playing with it to see if it suits you. Notice if the rabbit likes you.
   • Remember that the rabbit may be a little shy and frightened at first because it is strange. You just need to check out the general indication of its temperament and friendliness.
   • Once you find a rabbit you like, ask for a few more things to know before you bring it home, including the rabbit's eating habits, the rabbit's cage, and the litter box.
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Part 3 of 4: bonding with rabbits

1. 

   Watch your rabbit carefully after taking it home. When you first bring your rabbit home, be sure to keep an eye on how it interacts with its surroundings. Notice where the rabbit goes to the toilet, its attitude to other members of the house, his reaction to toys, toys he likes and dislikes, and his response to the room.
   • Don't worry if the rabbit just sits in the corner, eats and sleeps when you first bring it back. Don't disturb it. Your rabbit is just adjusting to its new environment.
   • For the first few days, keep the rabbit in the cage. Set aside time each day to sit by the rabbit's cage and talk to it in a gentle voice.

2. 

   Let the rabbit out of the cage for it to explore. When the rabbit seems to have gotten used to you, you can take it outside. Close all doors of the room. If there is a passageway without a door, stop yourself and then let the rabbit out of the cage. Don't remove the rabbit; you just need to open the barn door and wait for it to jump out on its own.
   • Sit in the middle of the room and do something quietly, such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or writing.
   • Have some veggies on hand to feed the rabbit if it gets curious about you.

3. 

   Allow the rabbit to interact with you. When the rabbit jumps out of the cage, let it run and jump around on its own.Don't try to call it in and don't move too much. Finally the rabbit will jump to you, curious to see who you are and what you are doing. When the rabbit approaches, let it inhale you, then give the rabbit a small nail-size piece of vegetables.
   • If your rabbit seems alert, sit still and talk softly to it. Do not move suddenly lest it fear.

4. 

   Wait for the rabbit to come to you. If the rabbit hesitates a little and slowly approaches, wait for it. If it comes close but doesn't pick up the veggies, simply put the vegetables on the floor and continue your work. Just ignore it until it comes to get food. Leave your rabbit alone to enjoy the vegetables you brought him.
   • After the rabbit has finished eating the first piece of vegetables, add another small piece. If it comes to eat again, just sit still and talk gently to it.

5. 

   Pet the rabbit when it is finished eating. When the rabbit comes to you and eats, you can slowly stroke its head after it has finished eating. If the rabbit stays stationary or lowers its head, continue petting it. If it pulls back or runs away, stop and go back to your work. You have to wait for it to come close again and try again.
   • If you get bitten by a rabbit, shout out loud. This way your rabbit will know it hurts you.

6. 

   Keep trying, even if the rabbit doesn't at first refuse. If you have trouble getting along with your rabbit, don't give up! Continue to alternate feeding the rabbit a small piece of vegetable, petting it and ignoring it. If it comes near you, try feeding it again. If a rabbit shoves its head on you, it wants you to care. Cuddle the rabbit when it does.
   • Do this over and over every few days until you bond with your new bunny.
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Part 4 of 4: Keeping rabbits healthy and safe

1. 

   Find a veterinarian with experience in caring for rabbits. When keeping your rabbits, you need a veterinarian who meets the care your rabbit may need. Look for a doctor who has experience with rabbits and small animals, as caring for rabbits is different from caring for or cats. When you bring your rabbit back, you should take it to the vet to make sure it is healthy.
   • Get your rabbit for regular check-ups, like any other pet.
   • This will make things easier if you need to get your rabbit to the emergency room, as the doctor already knows your rabbit.

2. 

   Carry the rabbit properly. Make sure everyone in the house knows how to properly lift the rabbit. To lift the rabbit, use one arm around the rabbit, one hand under the rabbit's rump. When you pick up the rabbit, let it rest firmly against your side.
   • Rabbits may struggle when they are scared. They may try to get out of things they find intimidating. Rabbits can fracture their back and often lead to life-threatening paralysis if picked up incorrectly.

3. 

   Clean the house for the rabbit's safety. Before you bring your rabbit home, make sure to remove any things that could harm your rabbit when it runs around the house. Rabbits can nibble on electric wires if they see them. Make sure the power cord, computer cables, and any other cables are covered or inaccessible. Buy plastic cables or plastic pipes to wrap the wires neatly.
   • You can also thread wires or cables behind the furniture or attach them along the wall out of the rabbit's reach.
   • Never thread wires or cables under floor mats. This may cause a fire.

4. 

   Avoid petting the rabbit too much. Although they appear to look like cute flowers, rabbits do not like being cuddled or cuddled too much. In fact, rabbits are often afraid of being hugged, especially when you bend over and try to lift it. Rabbits are naturally prey, so your movements evoke your rabbit's instinctive fear of being hunted by hawks or other birds.
   • A few rabbits will also tolerate petting for a long time, but most prefer to be petted only a little. There are times when the rabbit will nibble on your hand when you stop.
   • Each individual has a different response. Rely on your rabbit's personality and find the best way to approach and pick up the rabbit.

5. 

   Teach your children how to interact with rabbits. Children can scare rabbits, especially naughty ones. Rabbits will feel like they are attacked by predators if there are noisy children around. Never let your child chase a rabbit around the house or try to lift a rabbit after you have been chasing it. Rabbits will panic and will probably thrash.
   • Many children are not gentle and can hurt your rabbit by cuddling it. Teach your child to be gentle with the rabbit and to speak in a low voice when around the rabbit. Do not buy rabbits for children under 5 years old.
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Advice

• If you are going to have a female and a male rabbit at the same time, you will need to sterilize them. Remember that even rabbits born of the same age can mate. In addition, female rabbits can become sexually mature by 5 months of age. If you do not castrate the male rabbit, he will spray his urine everywhere and will try to mate with all other rabbits.
• Check your rabbit's teeth once a month. Rabbits teeth may be out of alignment and need to be removed.
• Keep the rabbit from getting too hot. Rabbits always carry fur, so they will be more comfortable in a cool place.
• Never threaten rabbits, as they can have a fatal heart attack.
• Make sure your home is safe for your rabbit before you bring it back.
• Only give your rabbit 1 tablespoon of treats per day; otherwise, they can become sick due to too much sugar in the body.