Rabbits are sweet pets, and can make a wonderful addition to your family.  They are intelligent creatures who will take over your heart by the end of the first day in your home.  But before you consider purchasing a rabbit, it is important to understand their daily needs and particular dietary requirements. 

First of all, rabbits generally live from 8 to 10 years, but can survive up to 15.  Before you buy a rabbit, imagine where you will be in 8 years.  Will you be able to care for your rabbit for that amount of time?  Remember, this includes litter box changes, feeding every day, water and plenty of attention.

Once you have decided to get a rabbit, call your local SPCA or rabbit rescue.  There are always rabbits available for adoption.  This will help the “homeless” rabbit, and will keep pet store breeders from getting your money.

Your rabbit’s cage should be as large as you can get.  A rabbit enjoys two level cages with ramps.  Do not use a wire covered floor, as a rabbit needs a solid floor that will protect his or her feet.  You do not need any litter on the bottom of the cage.  Simply place a small animal litter box in the cage with either Carefresh, Aspen Fresh or fresh hay bedding. Rabbits will use the litter box, making for an easier cleanup. Never use cedar or corn cob bedding in an animal cage, and many agree that pine should be avoided as well.

Water bottles are best, as a bowl may get spilled or soiled.  Keep fresh water in the bottle, and always check to be sure it is in place and that water can flow out of the dispenser.

Rabbits are prone to digestive problems if not fed correctly.  Too much calcium can cause stones or urinary tract disease.  Symptoms are depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, teeth grinding, thick creamy urine, urine scald on the skin, straining to urinate or urine leakage.  Grass hays are important in your rabbit’s diet, however only rabbits six months or younger should eat alfalfa hay.  Alfalfa is high in calcium, which will build a young rabbit’s bones – but can form urinary disease in older rabbits.

Please review the food pyramid for rabbits.  Keep unlimited grass hays in your rabbit’s cage, as this should be the major part of his diet.  Timothy, orchard grass and oat hay are best. Again, do not feed adult rabbits alfalfa hay. 

Feed fresh vegetables such as parsley, carrot tops, endive, cilantro, escarole, mustard greens, collards and dandelion greens that have not been treated.  One cup of vegetables per four pounds of rabbit is appropriate.  Next, pellets – we recommend Oxbow Bunny Basics if available.  And finally, a special small treat of fruit is fine in limited quantities.

As you know from Bugs Bunny cartoons, rabbits love carrots.  But be sure to limit carrots to about an inch a day.  More than that can cause diarrhea due to the high sugar content.

A rabbit’s digestive system is carefully balanced.  It is key to feed the same type of food every day.  If your rabbit is used to a particular type of vegetable mix, try to stick with that every day.  Introducing new foods while eliminating familiar foods my upset the normal balance of your rabbit’s digestive tract.

If at any time your rabbit stops eating or making normal pellets, it is important to take him or her to the vet.  Also, look for the previously mentioned symptoms indicating a possible urinary tract problems.

Rabbits love to play with toys, which will keep your bunny happy and occupied.  Try toilet paper rolls stuffed with grasses, playing cards or paper.  They also enjoy bags and will happily make a nest with an old shirt.  Baby toys are excellent rabbit toys, including plastic key rings.  They also like bells, or toys purchased in a pet store.  Our rabbit will throw toys we place on the “second floor” off of the edge, and wait for us to put the toys back up again.

Rabbits can develop hairballs.  It is a good idea to pet your rabbit with slightly damp hands every week or so to remove loose fur.  As you pet your rabbit, take some time to gently remove loose fur from the hind quarters as well.

Try to take your rabbit out daily for exercise.  Never let a rabbit wander in an area with electrical cords or other similar dangers.  Be sure there are no animals in the house that may harm the bunny.  Rabbits love attention, but may be shy if you look them in the eye. We like to rest on the floor with a book, pretending we are reading.  Our rabbit will inevitably try to climb on the book or even on us to get our attention back. 

As you can see, there are several particular things you must provide your rabbit to keep him or her healthy and happy.  As long as these needs are met, your rabbit will be a wonderful addition to your family!