To take care of a rabbit properly, you need to focus on several key aspects including housing, diet, exercise, grooming, social interaction, and veterinary care:
Housing and Environment
- Provide a safe, clean, and spacious enclosure with solid flooring and thick bedding to prevent foot injuries and skin infections.
- Keep the environment at a stable temperature between 60–70°F (room temperature).
- Rabbit-proof your home by protecting electrical wires, covering baseboards, removing toxic plants, and providing safe chew toys, as rabbits love to chew and dig
Diet
- Offer unlimited fresh hay daily, which is essential for dental health and digestion.
- Provide fresh clean water at all times, checked twice daily.
- Supplement with a small amount of high-fiber, low-protein pellets (about a quarter cup per day for adults).
- Give 2 cups of fresh leafy greens daily, such as romaine, cilantro, beet tops, and carrot tops.
- Treat fruits and carrots as occasional snacks, not daily staples
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- Allow daily supervised exercise outside the enclosure to enable natural behaviors like hopping, playing, and stretching.
- Provide mental enrichment with chew toys, tunnels, and cardboard dig boxes to prevent boredom and obesity
Grooming
- Rabbits groom themselves but should be brushed regularly, especially long-haired breeds, to prevent matting and hair ingestion.
- Trim nails at least once a month to avoid injuries.
- Spot clean with mild soap or baby wipes if necessary, but avoid full baths as rabbits rarely need them
Social Interaction
- Spend daily time interacting with your rabbit through play, grooming, and exploration.
- Rabbits are social animals and often benefit from companionship, but introductions should be done carefully
Veterinary Care
- Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian for annual wellness exams.
- Rabbits should be spayed or neutered around 4-6 months to prevent cancers and reduce undesirable behaviors.
- Monitor your rabbit’s behavior daily for subtle signs of illness and seek prompt veterinary care if needed
Additional Tips
- Use rabbit-safe litter in uncovered, large litter boxes, placing hay nearby to encourage use.
- Clean the enclosure regularly to maintain hygiene.
- Always support your rabbit’s hind end when handling to prevent injury
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your rabbit lives a healthy, happy life, potentially up to 10-12 years or more with proper care
