Look down below for a guide on what you need for your new family member! Remember to do additional research as there is many different aspects to owning and caring for a bunny!
Housing:
There is a large debate on whether rabbits can be kept in cages. Everybody has a different opinion and all should be respected as long as the bunny is happy and healthy. Not everyone is in the place to be able to free roam. Below are some different ideas for bunny housing. Bunnies do have tons of energy, so weather they are in a cage or not they need plenty of exercise.
3 types of housing options that I recommend for pet bunnies:
- X large Living World Habitat:
This cage is one of the biggest if not the biggest on the pet market and has much more space than the average cage. It is more expensive than an X pen and a bit smaller but if your rabbit is very messy it could be a good option. With exercise this cage would be good for a small bunny.
- Xpen
Not extremely expensive and a an awesome spacious option and xpen is probably the best alternative to free roaming. Not every pet owner is able to free roam their animal, so this is a perfect alternative. I personally have not used an Xpen, but you can create a similar style cage with NIC grids.
- NIC grids
NIC grids are a great DIY option. You can create levels and design the habitat to whatever fits your needs best. These work best for well litter trained rabbits.
- Housing Outdoors
Hutches can be quite messy, dark, and difficult to clean and therefore I don't recommend them. You can custom build your own bunny shed and run with secure locks, but remember that bunnies can dig and you may have to find a way to stop them if they get the idea they might be able to dig out.
3 types of housing options that I recommend for pet bunnies:
- X large Living World Habitat:
This cage is one of the biggest if not the biggest on the pet market and has much more space than the average cage. It is more expensive than an X pen and a bit smaller but if your rabbit is very messy it could be a good option. With exercise this cage would be good for a small bunny.
- Xpen
Not extremely expensive and a an awesome spacious option and xpen is probably the best alternative to free roaming. Not every pet owner is able to free roam their animal, so this is a perfect alternative. I personally have not used an Xpen, but you can create a similar style cage with NIC grids.
- NIC grids
NIC grids are a great DIY option. You can create levels and design the habitat to whatever fits your needs best. These work best for well litter trained rabbits.
- Housing Outdoors
Hutches can be quite messy, dark, and difficult to clean and therefore I don't recommend them. You can custom build your own bunny shed and run with secure locks, but remember that bunnies can dig and you may have to find a way to stop them if they get the idea they might be able to dig out.
Food:
Pellets:
Pellets are a staple in almost all pet bunnies diets. I have seen rabbits be fine without pellets, but they were on a very different diet than most pet bunnies (Erin's Ark, 101 Rabbits). There are tons of different kinds of pellets on the market, but some in my opinion are very unhealthy for the bunnies. Artificial flavourings and other additives are unhealthy for bunnies and can result in them becoming overweight or having other health issues.
Greens & Veggies & Treats:
There are various types of greens that are safe for bunnies as well - but not in large quantities. Netherland Dwarfs and Holland Lops are very small bunnies so a handful of leafy greens is perfect.They are also good as treats to supplement your bunnies regular diet. Many pet store treats such as yogurt drops are very unhealthy and a small slice of banana would be a much safer and healthier option .Below are examples of some healthy foods for them as well as some foods that are harmful. Please note that this list is not extensive.
Harmful Treats & Veggies:
Hay:
Hay should make up the bulk of a bunnies diet. There are several different types of hay, but the recommended for adult bunnies is Timothy Hay or a similar grass hay. Alfalfa is yummy, but very rich and in large quantities not so good for adult bunnies. However it is beneficial to young babies and in small quantities. Hay can be given in unlimited amounts and the bunny will munch on it through out the day. Hay can be placed in the litter-box, in a hay rack, or in some toy!
Pellets are a staple in almost all pet bunnies diets. I have seen rabbits be fine without pellets, but they were on a very different diet than most pet bunnies (Erin's Ark, 101 Rabbits). There are tons of different kinds of pellets on the market, but some in my opinion are very unhealthy for the bunnies. Artificial flavourings and other additives are unhealthy for bunnies and can result in them becoming overweight or having other health issues.
Greens & Veggies & Treats:
There are various types of greens that are safe for bunnies as well - but not in large quantities. Netherland Dwarfs and Holland Lops are very small bunnies so a handful of leafy greens is perfect.They are also good as treats to supplement your bunnies regular diet. Many pet store treats such as yogurt drops are very unhealthy and a small slice of banana would be a much safer and healthier option .Below are examples of some healthy foods for them as well as some foods that are harmful. Please note that this list is not extensive.
- Romaine Lettuce (NOT iceberg)
- Red or Green Leaf Lettuce
- Carrots*
- Carrot tops
- Dandelion (make sure it isn’t sprayed/treated)
- Kale
- Apples*
- Bananas*
- Bell peppers (without seeds)
- Parsley
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Oxbow treats
Harmful Treats & Veggies:
- Iceberg lettuce
- Corn
- Dairy
- Yogurt drops
- Any highly processed pet store treats
- Avocado
- Chard
- Cauliflower
Hay:
Hay should make up the bulk of a bunnies diet. There are several different types of hay, but the recommended for adult bunnies is Timothy Hay or a similar grass hay. Alfalfa is yummy, but very rich and in large quantities not so good for adult bunnies. However it is beneficial to young babies and in small quantities. Hay can be given in unlimited amounts and the bunny will munch on it through out the day. Hay can be placed in the litter-box, in a hay rack, or in some toy!
Toys:
Pet store toys (plastic, artificial ingredients):
Pet stores offer a wide range of bunny/small animal toys. While some of the newer toys are safe and made out of natural materials there are still some options that are not safe. If your bunny is a big chewer I would stay away from plastic such as balls, baby toys, and even plastic food bowls. They can be replaced with balls made out of hay or other natural materials.
Cost:
Bunny toys can sometimes be quite expensive and your bunny can rip them apart in minutes. Cardboard tubes, boxes and untreated apple branches make fantastic toys and are budget friendly.
Importance:
Regardless of where you get your toys from rabbits need them to stimulate their brain and keep them from getting bored. Healthy, natural toys will keep them from getting bored and possibly damaging things they are not supposed to touch.
Pet stores offer a wide range of bunny/small animal toys. While some of the newer toys are safe and made out of natural materials there are still some options that are not safe. If your bunny is a big chewer I would stay away from plastic such as balls, baby toys, and even plastic food bowls. They can be replaced with balls made out of hay or other natural materials.
Cost:
Bunny toys can sometimes be quite expensive and your bunny can rip them apart in minutes. Cardboard tubes, boxes and untreated apple branches make fantastic toys and are budget friendly.
Importance:
Regardless of where you get your toys from rabbits need them to stimulate their brain and keep them from getting bored. Healthy, natural toys will keep them from getting bored and possibly damaging things they are not supposed to touch.
Health Care:
Nail Clipping and Brushing:
Nail clipping and brushing are the two most regular health care aspects that bunnies need. Nail clipping is essential so that the bunnies nails don't overgrow and become unhealthy and uncomfortable. Nail clipping once or twice a month is recommended. Outdoor bunnies that have constant access to rocks or digging areas may not need their nails (especially their front ones) trimmed as often but it is always good to check. There are various ways of clipping nails - and many different videos saying the "right" way to do it. Do what your bunny and you feel most comfortable with. Try different ways but always make sure your bunny is in the least stress possible.
Brushing helps the bunnies to keep a healthy coat - especially during molting times. If bunnies ingest too much fur it can cause tummy upsets and unhappy bunnies. Bunnies are good at keeping themselves clean, but brushing helps you bond and makes sure they don't have a ton of loose hair on them.
GI Stasis:
COMING SOON
Nail clipping and brushing are the two most regular health care aspects that bunnies need. Nail clipping is essential so that the bunnies nails don't overgrow and become unhealthy and uncomfortable. Nail clipping once or twice a month is recommended. Outdoor bunnies that have constant access to rocks or digging areas may not need their nails (especially their front ones) trimmed as often but it is always good to check. There are various ways of clipping nails - and many different videos saying the "right" way to do it. Do what your bunny and you feel most comfortable with. Try different ways but always make sure your bunny is in the least stress possible.
Brushing helps the bunnies to keep a healthy coat - especially during molting times. If bunnies ingest too much fur it can cause tummy upsets and unhappy bunnies. Bunnies are good at keeping themselves clean, but brushing helps you bond and makes sure they don't have a ton of loose hair on them.
GI Stasis:
COMING SOON