So, you just adopted one of our babies. Now we need to trust you to take care of our little guys and girls. I can tell you what you really need to know- and I'll break it down into 4 easy steps.
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A bunny will be a great companion for you for years to come- let's learn how to keep them happy.
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Step 1 - Feeding
When these kids were young, they got everything they needed from their mother. Then at about 4 weeks, mom sends them on their own. But luckily, feeding young rabbits is simple- but they don't eat the same things you do!
4 Things Rabbits Need Every Day
Hay - lots and lots of hay. Bundles bigger than your rabbit. I use timothy hay. You can get it at a pet store, it comes in a bag with a rabbit on it. Or, you can get a big bale from Tractor Supply.
Hay - lots and lots of hay. Bundles bigger than your rabbit. I use timothy hay. You can get it at a pet store, it comes in a bag with a rabbit on it. Or, you can get a big bale from Tractor Supply.
Pellets - My rabbits are currently eating Purina Rabbit Complete. I'll give you a small bag of it, so you have something to feed them right away. Purina comes in big bags at Tractor Supply, but there are lots of other good rabbit food. Avoid the type with lots of other 'treat' things in it...they'll just eat all the treats and leave the pellets.
Water - lots and lots of water! I give them water in heavy ceramic bowls like ramekins. Two bowls is a good idea, in case they knock one over. Change the water often...you wouldn't want to drink warm dirty water...neither would your rabbits!
Veggies - Give them pretty much anything you would grow in the garden. Carrots (especially the tops), broccoli, lettuce (lettuce, yes!) etc. Rabbits also like some fruits (apples and bananas, not so much on the citrus). And for a big treat, my bunnies get uncooked oatmeal- they love it.
Water - lots and lots of water! I give them water in heavy ceramic bowls like ramekins. Two bowls is a good idea, in case they knock one over. Change the water often...you wouldn't want to drink warm dirty water...neither would your rabbits!
Veggies - Give them pretty much anything you would grow in the garden. Carrots (especially the tops), broccoli, lettuce (lettuce, yes!) etc. Rabbits also like some fruits (apples and bananas, not so much on the citrus). And for a big treat, my bunnies get uncooked oatmeal- they love it.
Bunnies having an evening snack.
Step 2: Housing
Take a look at your housing plan- is there enough space? Do you have a place where your rabbit can run? Think about the primary home- there should be enough room for the rabbit to move around, stand up, and stretch. But the rabbit should have lots of space to run at some point in the day. Try to give them a space you would be happy in if you were rabbit sized.
The real killer - heat! If you live in an area that gets hot (we do!) the biggest problem is heat. Do everything you can to keep your rabbit cool. Put their house in a shady spot!
The real killer - heat! If you live in an area that gets hot (we do!) the biggest problem is heat. Do everything you can to keep your rabbit cool. Put their house in a shady spot!
See this nice shady place? Your rabbit would LOVE it here. Being in a cage over hot concrete is not good for rabbits.
Give them a place to hide! Your rabbit will run into their hiding spot any time they get scared (a lot). Make sure they have a place that is covered and hidden.
Give them a place to hide! Your rabbit will run into their hiding spot any time they get scared (a lot). Make sure they have a place that is covered and hidden.
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Their Bathroom/Dining RoomRabbits use boxes. For...stuff.
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Get a box like this one (bottom of a cat litter box works) and do three things with it:
Toilet - Put about 3 inches deep of wood shavings, then some hay on top. Then they will sit and eat while they use the toilet.
Hay box - just fill it with hay, to give the rabbits a good supply of hay throughout the day. Will they use it for a toilet? Yes...
Nesting box - Hay, and maybe a towel. This will give you rabbit a place to sleep- or if your female rabbit is pregnant, she can have her babies here.
My rabbits have three boxes and they use them for different purposes but you don't need that many. But you need at least one, with the wood shavings and hay!
Toilet - Put about 3 inches deep of wood shavings, then some hay on top. Then they will sit and eat while they use the toilet.
Hay box - just fill it with hay, to give the rabbits a good supply of hay throughout the day. Will they use it for a toilet? Yes...
Nesting box - Hay, and maybe a towel. This will give you rabbit a place to sleep- or if your female rabbit is pregnant, she can have her babies here.
My rabbits have three boxes and they use them for different purposes but you don't need that many. But you need at least one, with the wood shavings and hay!
Hey! Why are you laughing, I don't laugh about you being on the toilet with your phone!
Step 3: Medical Care
Bob and Becky are 'Standard Rex' rabbits. A breed known for their beautiful soft fur. (You really need to feel it!) These are hearty rabbits who should remain healthy given a good environment. Most rabbits can be fairly trouble-free animals.
When the time comes that you want to get your rabbit 'fixed' you will notice it is far more expensive than a dog or cat! Bob was fixed (finally!) at the Woodland Veterinary Hospital. The complete procedure cost about $240. They were awesome, but it's just expensive no matter where you go. (Just a warning before you get involved!)
Male rabbits will 'spray' if they don't get neutered. And some male rabbits will get mean or aggressive. I recommend getting the boys fixed. Girls are perfect, all sugar and spice...so you don't need to fix those, but it costs about the same if you do.
When the time comes that you want to get your rabbit 'fixed' you will notice it is far more expensive than a dog or cat! Bob was fixed (finally!) at the Woodland Veterinary Hospital. The complete procedure cost about $240. They were awesome, but it's just expensive no matter where you go. (Just a warning before you get involved!)
Male rabbits will 'spray' if they don't get neutered. And some male rabbits will get mean or aggressive. I recommend getting the boys fixed. Girls are perfect, all sugar and spice...so you don't need to fix those, but it costs about the same if you do.
That's it Bobby Junior! Run boy! Do your daddy proud!
Exercise!
Just like people- rabbits need exercise to stay healthy! Make sure your bunnies get a chance to run and play!
Step 4: Socialization
Rabbits are social animals. They are very friendly and expect the same thing in return!
Make sure your rabbit gets to spend time with friends, whether they are furry, or not. Your bunny will look forward to the time they spend with you.
Make sure your rabbit gets to spend time with friends, whether they are furry, or not. Your bunny will look forward to the time they spend with you.
Friendly Rabbits
The best way to make your rabbit friendly, is to spend time with them! Learn what your rabbit likes, and how to hold him or her. Find out what treats they like...I know that Bob goes nuts for bananas and he will follow me around if he can smell it on my hands. Becky is more reserved, and really doesn't like to be picked up, so I don't bother her too much, but she is always the first to run over to me just to give me a lick on the hand.
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It's Saturday night, do you know where your friends are? If your friends are rabbits, you'll always know where they are! Rabbits are great pets, and I would say their social behavior is somewhere between a dog and a cat. Obviously each rabbit has it's own personality, but you can expect to play with them- some rabbits will even play simple games of fetch! My rabbits like me more than my cats do. |
The more time you put into your rabbit, the more you'll get back from them.
They are friendly little creatures and great pets.
They are friendly little creatures and great pets.
So that's it folks- that's what you need to know to start your life as a Rabbitteer. It's a noble pursuit to take care of rabbits and- we're counting on you. Now get out there and play with you bunny!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this! Now meet my babies. |
Meet The Kits
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VanillaThe most photogenic of the group. She's beautiful and she knows it.
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MochaMocha is the runner of the group. Mocha's got a big belly and fast legs.
Adopted by Atcher |
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BlueSweetest bunny every. Silver/blue color. Adopted by David and Sarah on May 11.
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PoppyThe 'little Becky'. Such pretty eyelashes!
Poppy and her twin sister adopted by Ahmed and Jana. |
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Bobby Jr.A chip off the old block- Bobby Junior eats a lot, and is very friendly.
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