Rabbit Care
Rabbits 
make great pets and do not require a large amount of maintenance. They can be kept indoors or outdoors depending on the season, and when given patience and the proper care they make for enjoyable companions. They are fragile animals that like the quiet and must be handled with care. When choosing which breed of domesticated rabbit would make a proper pet, consider size and personality. Each breed has different characteristics, distinctive types of fur, and varying needs. Also consider if you want to keep your rabbit indoors or outdoors and read the specifics for each choice below.
Outdoor Rabbits
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- When keeping a rabbit outside, a hutch should be big enough so the animal can stand on its hind limbs inside the cage and take a few small hops.
- A solid floor lined with straw, grass hay or unscented wood shavings should be provided underneath the rabbit, as hard wire floors can lead to foot problems.
- A shelter area away from the outdoor elements is also a necessity for an outdoor rabbit's hutch.
- Cages should be cleaned weekly.
- Protection from extreme temperatures in winter and summer is important for the rabbit's health.
- Any cage wires or materials should be chew-proof so the bunny cannot escape.
- Rabbits should be let out of their hutch occasionally to free roam, but make sure they are contained in a lawn pen or fence so they are not left to the mercy of predators.
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Indoor Rabbits
- Rabbits adapt very well to living indoors and are said to be happier in a domesticated environment.
- A loud house is not adequate for a rabbit as they prefer quiet and calm.
- Typically indoor rabbits like to roam around the house, so "rabbit-proofing" all items like electrical wires to protect them from being chewed on is a good idea.
- Provide an indoor sleep area for the rabbit such as a basket, tub or box.
- Indoor rabbits can be trained to use a litter tray.
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Food
Rabbits should be fed grass hay and leafy green vegetables like bok choy, spinach, cabbage, celery, broccoli, and of course, carrots! They can occasionally eat some fruits in small amounts such as apples, pears, oranges and strawberries. Limited quantities of rabbit pellets should be fed to your pet since many rabbit foods available on the market do not contain enough fibre for their diet and can be hard to digest. Tree branches can also be offered for rabbits to chew on.
Toys
Providing toys and entertainment for your rabbit can help to prevent depression and boredom while keeping your pet physically active. Also, keeping your rabbit occupied with with a variety of items will help ensure that your rabbit does not start chewing through household items and scratching the furniture. Many toys used with small animals like parrots and cats can also be used on bunnies, but keep in mind that with any type of toy, your pet must be watched to make sure he or she is not swallowing parts of their play-things. Below, a few suggestions to keep bunny busy.
Grooming
Since rabbits do not clean themselves off like cats, all breeds, especially long-haired pets, require daily brushing. This helps to keep the coat shiny and healthy and detect any latent problems. Also, a bunny's nails can tend to get sharp, so trimming the tip with pet nail trimmers will ensure your safety and avoid any incidents with scratching.
Related Guides
External Links
- Petalia.com: An overview of how to care for rabbits and important information about vaccinating and de-sexing.
- Pet-Rabbit-Care-Information.com: Read up on all types of rabbit breeds to choose which would best suit you in your home.
