Here’s our list of things any house rabbit owner must know in order to safely keep a bunny. Referenced frequently is our House Rabbit Guide. To get a free guide, please email us.

Housing

• Indoors is much healthier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone
• Roomy cage–six times the size of adult rabbit

1. Minimum size is 36” x 36” x 24”
2. A wire dog crate and/or an exercise pen make an excellent housing setup

• Resting board of carpet, cardboard or wood (needed if case floor is made of wire) to cover part of cage floor not covered by litter box; cover resting board with comfy towel
• Litter box fastened inside cage to reinforce litter box training (never use pine or cedar shavings)
• Heavy pellet bowl (must be heavy enough so rabbit can’t tip over; plastic bowls will not work) or clip-on feeder
• Water bottle or heavy crock (again, to discourage tipping)
• Bird toys (rabbits love to toss things around; don’t use toys with loose parts that can be swallowed)
• Stuffed toy companion (someone for your rabbit to groom)

Running Space

• Indoors is much safer
• Gradually increase freedom to at least 6 hours daily (an exercise pen can be used to introduce rabbits to a larger area)
• Bunny-proof electric cords (cover with protective tubing)
• Place second litter box outside cage (cat litter boxes work well; you can set one up in every room available to your rabbit)

Consumables

• Hay (a must for fiber and nutritional value)

1. Timothy hay is preferable
2. Oat and grass hay can be used
3. Alfalfa hay is acceptable if no other source can be found but should be the last choice

• Fresh vegetables and fruits (feed fruits very sparingly)
• Rabbit pellets
• Fresh water
• Wood for chewing and recreation (pinecones, fruit tree twigs–no pesticides; untreated wood or reed baskets)
• See pages 2-5 of HRC’s Rabbit Care Guide for specific amounts and varieties of hay, vegetables, pellets, and fruit

Grooming

• Nail clippers (most cat and dog clippers will do)
• Brush (flea comb works well)

Handling

VERY important:  learn the proper way to handle a rabbit.  If rabbit is struggling, either restrain against your body or squat down or release immediately.  See pages 16-17 of HRC’s Rabbit Care Guide.

Veterinary Care

• Schedule a check-up with a rabbit-savvy vet at least once a year
• Consult your vet about the benefits of spaying and neutering; see page 42 of HRC’s Rabbit Care Guide.

Companion(s)

Rabbit are very social animals–consider adopting a spayed or neutered companion for your rabbit.