Rabbit Care

Taking care of a rabbit is easier than one would think. With their ability to be litterbox trained, rabbits make the perfect house pets. They don’t make noise, eat fruits and vegetables, and self-groom (controlling odor). The main things you would need to care for a rabbit are:

Timothy Hay

Hay makes up 80-90% of a rabbit’s diet. The high fiber and thickness of the meal help rabbits burn calories and ensure constant bowel movement. Without hay, rabbits are prone to getting lazy and obese due to the high sugar in other fruits, vegetables, and rabbit food pellets. Timothy hay is the best for adult rabbits because it is balanced in protein, calcium, and other nutrients while having the coarseness they need to burn the calories. There are other options for baby and elderly rabbits that can accommodate their size better.

A Covered Litter Box

Rabbits can be litterbox trained in the same week you get them. When they have accidents, you spray diluted vinegar where they used the bathroom and sweep up any of their poop into the litterbox. This lets them know exactly where they should relieve themselves. A covered litterbox gives your rabbit privacy while they do their business.

To set up your litterbox, you will need litter pellets, paper or pine (like the ones used for cats), to line the bottom.

Then, follow up with a thick layer of hay for your rabbit to eat while doing their business.

I know it sounds weird but rabbits prefer to eat and use the bathroom at the same time. It helps them replenish what is being lost.

Water and Food Bowls

Keep a bowl of water for your rabbit always. They are very active and get dehydrated easily. Food bowls make it easier to feed your rabbit fruits, veggies, and pellets to eat on occasion. It minimizes the mess and your rabbit appreciates everything in one place.

Optional Cage

Rabbits are very active animals. They do not have a linear sleep cycle, so they sleep in increments and then spend the rest of their night running around. Cages are not recommended for keeping a rabbit, but sometimes they can be needed if space is limited in your home (or your rabbit is very destructive). Just be sure the cage is about 3-4 times the size of your rabbit.