Rabbits are gentle, curious, and surprisingly social animals, but they are not low-maintenance pets. They have specific needs for diet, space, and attention. If you're thinking about welcoming a rabbit home, or you already have one, this beginner's guide covers the basics of keeping your bunny healthy and happy.
Hay Is the Foundation of Their Diet
Unlimited fresh hay should make up the majority of a rabbit's diet. Timothy hay is a popular choice for adult rabbits. Hay keeps the digestive system moving and helps wear down teeth, which grow continuously throughout a rabbit's life. Always make sure your rabbit has a fresh pile available.
Add Fresh Greens and a Few Pellets
Offer a daily portion of fresh, washed leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, cilantro, or parsley. Introduce new vegetables slowly, one at a time, to avoid stomach upset. Pellets can be given in small, measured amounts as a supplement. Fruits and sugary treats should be rare, because too much sugar can cause digestive problems.
Fresh Water, Always
Rabbits need constant access to clean water. Many rabbits prefer a heavy ceramic bowl over a bottle because it is easier to drink from, but either option works as long as you check and refill it daily.
Give Them Plenty of Space
A small cage is not enough. Choose a large enclosure or an exercise pen that lets your rabbit hop, stretch out fully, and stand up on its hind legs. Rabbits also need several hours of exercise outside the enclosure each day in a safe, rabbit-proofed area.
Choose the Right Flooring
Avoid wire floors, which can hurt a rabbit's feet. Use a solid surface covered with soft bedding, a mat, or a fleece blanket. Add a hiding box or shelter so your rabbit has somewhere to retreat when it feels nervous.
Litter Training Is Possible
Rabbits naturally choose one corner to use as a bathroom, which makes litter training much easier. Place a litter box with paper-based litter and some hay in that corner. Avoid clumping or scented litters, since they can be unsafe if eaten or inhaled.
Provide Safe Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural behavior and keeps teeth healthy. Offer untreated wood blocks, willow balls, cardboard tubes, and woven grass toys. Rabbit-proof your home by covering electrical cords and removing anything you don't want chewed.
Keep Them Cool and Calm
Rabbits are sensitive to heat and do best in a comfortably cool, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. They are also easily startled by loud noises, so choose a quiet spot for their home. When handling your rabbit, support its hindquarters and never lift it by the ears.
Companionship and Daily Interaction
Rabbits are social and can become bored or stressed without attention. Spend time near your rabbit every day, speak softly, and let it approach you. Many rabbits also enjoy the company of another rabbit, but introductions should be done carefully and gradually.
Find a Rabbit-Savvy Veterinarian
Not every vet has experience with rabbits, so look for one who does. Regular checkups, spaying or neutering, and prompt attention to changes in appetite or droppings are key to a long, healthy life. A rabbit that stops eating needs veterinary care right away.
Final Thoughts
With the right food, space, and daily care, a rabbit can be a loving and entertaining companion for many years. Start with the basics above, learn your rabbit's personality, and adjust as you go.
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional veterinary advice.
