How To Take Care Of A Pet Rabbit: 10 Things You Need To Know

Rabbits can give you and your family lots of love. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each one will have its own personality. They are great for families who don’t have the space or time for larger pets such as dogs.

When bringing a new pet into your life, you will worry that you are not doing the right thing. This can be daunting. However, you shouldn’t worry, as it is common to feel this way. To calm your nerves and point you in the right direction, we have provided you with the 10 things you need to know about how to care for pet rabbits.

1 – Provide Plenty of Fresh Hay

A pet rabbit’s diet should predominantly consist of hay. If you want to give your bunny the best, look for grass hay. This is because grass hay is full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It will also keep your pet rabbit full for longer, helping them maintain a healthy weight, and avoid any issues related to obesity.

You can supplement hay with special food (usually pellets) and green foods, including lettuce, broccoli, and parsley. However, you must ensure that this food supplements plenty of fresh hay, rather than replaces it.

2 – Handle Your Rabbits Often

When you are first introduced to your rabbit it may be nervous and wary of you. If you take the time to regularly handle your rabbits, you will find that they respond to you, and you will have a friendly and loving companion.

It is fairly simple to hold a rabbit correctly. Hold them gently, but firmly enough to have some control. Support their back and hindquarters. Holding their feet against your body will help them feel secure.

3 – Make Sure The Cage Is Big Enough

Your pet rabbit will likely spend most of its life in its cage. Because of this, you should ensure that your beloved pet has enough space to move around freely.

If you use a cage that is too small, your rabbit can get bored, and develop health difficulties. For example, they could develop joint issues from not being able to move freely, or they could become obese through a lack of space to move around.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to build your new pet a palace. If you have a pair of medium-sized rabbits, an exercise area of around three meters by two meters should be enough.

4 – Make Sure The Cage Is Secure

Rabbits are naturally inquisitive animals, and if left to their own devices they will freely explore. To keep them safe, ensure their cage is securely locked to stop them from escaping. This is true for indoor and outdoor rabbits. Outdoor rabbits may explore an area where they injure themselves, cannot find their way back home, or expose themselves to predators. Indoor rabbits could injure themselves by chewing through exposed wires or getting stuck somewhere in your home. Because of this, you should always ensure that your rabbit cage is secure.

It is equally important to ensure that predators cannot make their way into your rabbit cage. Make sure that the cage is secure and in good condition. If you are using an outdoor run, or exercise area, make sure it is secured to the ground to make sure that predators cannot lift it and get to your beloved pet.

5 – Always Provide Fresh Drinking Water

This might sound obvious, but your bunnies will be relying on you for fresh drinking water. You should inspect their water bottle or bowl regularly to see if they have enough water.

You should also inspect their water to make sure it is clean. If you are leaving your rabbit to drink stagnant water, it could develop health problems. Similarly, in cold temperatures, you will need to check that their water hasn’t frozen. If it has, gently warm the frozen water to provide your bunny with some much-needed water.

6 – Visit a Vet At Least Once A Year

Rabbits can be prone to certain diseases and illnesses. They are good at hiding their symptoms. As such, you might need professional help to check on their health.

Being in touch with a suitably qualified vet is essential for all rabbit owners. They can advise on a suitable vaccination program, and any flea and worm treatments for your pet bunny. They are also a reputable source of helpful hints and tips on their health.

Unless you plan on breeding with your pet bunny, your vet can advise on spraying or neutering. Neutered rabbits tend to be less aggressive when compared to their unneutered companions. This can help if you have more than one pet rabbit.

If your bunny isn’t acting like themselves or has any issues, make sure to contact your local vet right away. They are best placed to check your rabbit’s health and can put your mind at ease.

7 – Groom Your Rabbit

You don’t need to go overboard and buy specialist shampoo (unless directed by a vet). But, a groom now and again can help keep your rabbit in good condition.

Some rabbits are more receptive to grooming than others, but you will find that the more often you do it, the more accustomed to it they become.

A simple brush is often all you need to do. However, occasionally, you might need to clean around their genitals, eyes, and ears. Look to inspect your rabbit’s nails regularly, and you will likely need to clip them every 1 – 2 months. You should take care because if you cut them too short, you could cause them injury. If in doubt, contact your local vet.

8 – Find a Mate

Rabbits are surprisingly sociable animals, and if possible, you should always look to keep them in pairs. If you get a pair from the same litter, it is more than likely that they will get on with each other. If you buy rabbits at separate stages, you should seek to bring them together gently.

Neutered rabbits tend to be less aggressive toward each other, and are less likely to fight.

If you only have one rabbit, you might find that they display abnormal behavior, and it may even develop poor health as a result of boredom and isolation.

9 – Give Them Enough Enrichment

Bunnies are intelligent animals. As a result, to have a happy and healthy pet you will need to ensure that it is mentally enriched. There are a variety of toys on the market that can keep your rabbit entertained. However, some homemade toys can often be enough for your bunny. For example, a cardboard box, or the inner tube of toilet/kitchen rolls can give your bunny hours of fun.

10 – Provide a Litter Box

Rabbits naturally go to the toilet in one area. To make life easier for yourself, you should set up a small to medium tray in the corner of their living area, which they can use as a litter tray.

You mustn’t use clay or clumping cat litter or wood shavings, as these are unsuitable for rabbits.