Are you thinking about adopting a rabbit? That’s a great idea! But before diving into this commitment, make sure you can provide adequate rabbit care. Keep reading this rabbit care guide for new owners to learn more.
Your Rabbit’s Enclosure
Caring for rabbits involves setting up a home for your bunny, which should be inside. This will keep your rabbit safe from extreme temperatures and predators.
Most likely, you will be keeping your bunny in a cage. Choose one that is large enough for your rabbit to live comfortably in.
In addition to the cage, good rabbit care requires buying the right rabbit supplies. This includes a water bottle and food bowl. And if you choose a cage with a wire floor, you will definitely want to purchase a mat to cover the floor and protect your bunny’s feet.
Placing a tunnel inside the cage will give your bunny something fun to climb on and run through. A hand-woven tunnel made of grass is a great option because it is safe for your rabbit to chew on.
Your rabbit will also need a place to sleep. Make sure to purchase a comfy rabbit bed that helps your pet feel safe enough to rest.
Feeding Your Rabbit
Providing a healthy diet is an essential aspect of caring for rabbits. Your rabbit will need lots of hay, which will keep his or her teeth from growing too long.
A rabbit’s diet should also include plenty of veggies, such as:
- Romaine lettuce
- Carrot tops
- Endive
- Basil
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Radicchio
- Squash
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsley
- Collard
- Beet greens
It’s okay to give your rabbit a few slices of fruit from time to time. Apples, pears, plums, and peaches all make tasty treats for your bunny.
If you will be supplementing your rabbit’s diet with pellets, don’t let your bunny each too much. Excess pellet consumption can cause diarrhea and obesity, which is why it’s wise to get advice on feeding rabbits from your veterinarian.
Exercising Your Rabbit
Caring for rabbits doesn’t mean you can leave your bunny in a cage 24/7. You will need to let your pet free for a few hours each day. While you shouldn’t let your rabbit roam the entire house alone, you can place your pet in a spacious pen or pet-proofed room.
Responsible rabbit care requires supervising your pet while he or she is out of the cage. If your bunny manages to escape the play area while you aren’t looking, your rabbit could get into trouble.
Giving Your Rabbit Toys
A rabbit’s front and back teeth never stop growing. Eating hay will keep this under control, but you should also give your bunny some pet-safe chew toys.
When caring for rabbits, try to avoid buying chew toys that contain nasty chemicals. Instead, look for organic options, such as our grass chew sticks. These toys even have the added benefit of being good for your pet’s digestion.
Now that you know how to care for a rabbit, you can start searching for your new friend!