RABBIT

  • Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate and social animals that need daily interaction with their owners or other rabbits.
  • Chewing is a rabbit's favorite hobby, so be aware - they have been known to chew through electrical wires!
  • Rabbits are best housed alone.  If you want two rabbits, females are best housed together.  
  • Rabbits should be spayed or neutered by a veterinarian.  This will help them live longer and become better companions.
  • A rabbit's average life expectancy is 8-12 years.

DIET

The most important thing to feed your rabbit is grass hay.  Unlimited amounts of timothy, oat or orchard hay should be supplied 24 hours per day.  Rabbits over 6 months are also fed a pelleted diet plus a variety of vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, celery and broccoli.  Generally, 1 cup of veggies per 5 lb of bodyweight can be fed per day.  A tablespoon of treats such as apple, pear, raisins, or bananas can also be fed.  Your rabbit's teeth are constantly growing; chew sticks are great treats which also help keep their front teeth trimmed.  A fresh supply of water should be provided every day.  

HOUSING

Rabbits should be kept in a cool, low humidity, draft-free area out of direct sun.  The cage should be at least 4 times as large as the rabbit.  Well ventilated metal or glass cages with a solid floor are preferrable as they can readily chew through wood, light plastic and soft metal.  Provide at least 2" of good soft absorbent bedding that is non-toxic and relatively dust-free.  Recycled newspaper, processed corn cob, wood shavings (aspen is best) are preferred bedding.  Do not use cedar or pine shavings which can lead to respiratory problems - or blankets, which quickly become wet and dirty.  Change the bedding every week.  Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box.  Provide a heavy ceramic food dish (ideally fastened to the cage), a water bottle and plenty of toys to keep them stimulated.  

HANDLING & CARE

Rabbits are social animals but also very territorial.  It is important to give them lots of attention.  Taming rabbits is simply a matter of gaining their confidence.  Always be patient, gentle, and move slowly.  Offer treats such as a peanut, raisin or sunflower seed.  Rabbits will respond to their owners and enjoy being petted.  Handle them carefully as they are delicate.  The best way to pick up a rabbit is to slide one hand underneath the chest, place the other hand firmly on the rump, and scoop toward your body.  Hold firmly when picking up to not allow the rabbit's body to twist as this can cause back injury.  Once a relationship is formed, some rabbits enjoy being walked with a harness and leash.

GROOMING

Rabbits do not need to be groomed or bathed since they are very clean animals and will do their own grooming.  However, brushing with a soft wire brush will help with any tangle and help with bonding.

HEALTH

Rabbits are healthy when they have bright eyes, soft fur, has well0formed dropping and are active.  Contact our veterinarian if you notice weight loss or any of these symptoms:  

  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Overgrown teeth
  • Labored breathing, wheezing, sneezing
  • Diarrhea or blood in urine
  • Dull and/or receding eyes
  • Inactive/Lethargic
  • Limping/Loss of balance
  • Head tilt
  • Excessive hair loss / scratching
  • Rough hair coat