Housing

*  Indoors is much healthier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone

*  Roomy cage–six times the size of adult rabbit

• Minimum size is 36” x 36” x 24”
• 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)

• Timothy hay is preferable
• Oat and grass hay can be used
• 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