Rabbit Care

Caring for a rabbit is like caring for any other pet: It needs love, food, water, and a good shelter. It is important that rabbits don't have to sit with empty food bowls or water cups for hours on end, and it's important to make sure they aren't left alone too often. Rabbits don't need attention all the time, but they do like to know you care. Also, the better care you take of your rabbit, the longer it will live. Typically, pet rabbits can live for 8 to 12 years.

Food

Feeding a rabbit pellets, timothy hay (which is especially important for a rabbit’s digestive system—any kind of hay that is safe for rabbits is appropriate for this), and alfalfa is definitely a must for maintaining a proper diet for your pet. But, sometimes, it's good to let them eat other healthy things. Rabbits should eat some fruits and/or vegetables several times a week or even every day. Some such foods to consider feeding them:

• Carrots
• Apple slices
• Grapes
• Kale
• Banana
• Strawberries

Of course, you can try other fruits and vegetables since different rabbits may like different things. Just make sure not to overfeed your rabbit. It can eat a lot, but it's still just a small animal. And, naturally, don't let any leftover pellets, fruits, vegetables, etc. get old. Always make sure to give fresh pellets at least every other day and remove any left over fruits, vegetables, etc. that the rabbit won't eat.

Water

This may seem like an obvious tip, but sometimes, it's easy to forget the little things. If you rabbit's water bottle (which hangs onto the cage) looks like it's getting low, make sure your refresh it. You should always rinse out the bottle with hot water several times a week to keep it clean.

Bathing

Rabbits are like cats in that they often bathe themselves. So, you probably won't need to give your rabbit a bath, especially if it's an indoor one. If you do want to bathe your rabbit for hygiene purposes, you will want to be sure to buy the right kind of shampoo and to be careful not to bathe your rabbit too often because this washes out the natural oil on their fur that keeps it clean and shiny.

Now, if your rabbit seems to hate baths and is very feisty during the process, don't give it any more baths (unless there's an emergency, like it got urine on itself or something similar). I have to emphasize that you should NEVER USE HUMAN SHAMPOO ON A RABBIT. Rabbits have sensitive skin and human shampoo could harm it.

For a detailed description of how to go about bathing a rabbit, see the appropriate link at the bottom of the page.

Litter

Rabbits are like cats in another aspect in that they use a litter box typically for toilet purposes. You can find various types of rabbit litter at your local pet store. I have found that using shredded pine wood litter helps eliminate odors more than other types of litter.

Change the litter as often as you can for the sake of your rabbit's cleanliness and your own time. The longer you wait to clean out the litter box, the longer it will take. You should scrub the actual litter box every so often to prevent stains, smells, and grim from building up. If this happens and scrubbing doesn't seem to work, then you should buy a new litter box.

Rabbits can be litter trained. If you put the litter box inside their cage, they can learn to use it. My rabbits just seemed to take to it without me having to really show them it was their "toilet." When letting your rabbit out into your home, place a litter box outside the cage as well. This way, the rabbit learns that it's supposed to use that instead of your floor as a toilet. Regardless of how well-trained a rabbit is, it may still have an accident on your floor. Either have a pad down on the play area or just be prepared to clean up a messy spot.

Nail Care

Rabbits' nails, like dogs, need to be trimmed every so often so they don't get too long. You can either do it your self or take your rabbit to a Veteranarian. If you choose to do it yourself, do it with caution and care since your rabbit make squirm or kick, or you may accidently cut a nail too short. If you do cut a nail too hort, you should pack on a bit of flour or Kwik Stop or cornstarch after wiping away the blood. This will stop the bleeding.

When trimming your rabbit's nails, someone should hold it while someone else clips the nails. Trying to do both by yourself is probably ridiculous because not only is it a lot of work for one person, you also have less control over the rabbit. If you wrap your rabbit in a towel or blanket, this may help calm it while its nails are trimmed.

If a rabbit kicks, take a break. Rabbits can injury themselves if they kick too hard or kick in the wrong manner. Hold the rabbit firmly by the hind end, but not too tight. Don't drop it, either, since this could cause injury as well.

Toys and Play Time

Rabbits are very active and like to play. Buying them rabbit-safe toys, such as wood chew toys, can help stimulate their brains and keep them healthy. It's good to buy toys safe for chewing since not only do rabbits love to chew, they need to chew in order to keep their teeth from growing too long.

It is also a good idea to let your rabbit out at least once a day to give it some exercise and to keep it from becoming bored. Be careful not to let it chew on cords or house plants or anything else that may be harmful to the rabbit. Keep cords up high or wrapped up in something sturdy. Don't just tuck them under or behind furniture because rabbits are capable of getting into many kinds of spaces.