Hello there!
You just got your bunny and you need a quick and easy introduction to the basics of bunny care? I got you!
Bunnies are docile and beautiful creatures, that take a lot of work. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits aren’t beginner’s pets. They require special care, attention and lots of needs.
But don’t worry! I got you!
In this Beginner’s Guide, you’ll learn the basics: from food, to shelter and health care!
Let’s dive in!
❁ food ❁
When it comes to food, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds are carrots. Well, it couldn’t be more wrong. Even though that bunnies do eat carrots, it is to be avoided. Carrots are supposed to be a treat, since it has quite a lot of sugar.
A rabbit’s diet should consist of hay, water and some vegetables (not all of them, as you’ll see).
hay: the fundamental part of a bunny’s diet
Hay makes up 80 to 90 percent of a rabbit’s diet, so they need to have an unlimited supply of fresh hay daily. Adult bunnies should eat grass, oat and timothy hays. However, young rabbits should be fed alfafa, specially beacuse it has a higher protein content than other hays.
my suggestion:
The brands Arquivet (in the picture) and Bunny are definitely my favorites and the ones my bunny loves the most. You can find them on amazon and other pet websites.
Arquivet: https://amzn.to/3UrS8bA
Bunny: https://amzn.to/3UrSjng
vegetables
Veggies are among bunny’s favorite foods. They should be fed no more than 2 cups per day, with a variety from 2 to 3 vegetables. Since rabbits have sensitive tummies, make sure to check for signals of diarrhea every time you introduce a new vegetable. Remember to pre-wash the vegetables before giving them to your bunny, in case it has pesticides, for example.
veggies that can be fed daily:
- bell peppers
- bok choy
- brussels sprouts
- carrot tops
- cucumber
- escarole
- fennel
- herbs: basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme
- lettuces: romaine, green leaf, red leaf, arugula
- okra leaves
- radicchio
- radish tops
- sprouts: alfalfa, radish, clover
- watercress
- wheatgrass
- zucchini
veggies that can be fed 1 or 2 times a week:
- broccoli (stems and leaves only)
- carrots
- chard
- clover
- collard greens
- dandelion greens (pesticide-free)
- flowers: calendula, chamomile, daylily, dianthus, English daisy, hibiscus, honeysuckle, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, rose
- kale
- spinach
water
Your rabbit should have fresh water on a daily basis. A water bowl is a better choice than a hanging water bottle, even if your bunny lives in a cage. During Summer, dropping 1 or 2 ice cubes in their water bottle is a great help against hotter days.
pellets
Pellets are also an important part of your bunnies’ diet, and they love them! As your bunny ages, you will need to limit the intake, since it can lead to obesity if fed in large quantities. Try to buy pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein.
my suggestion:
Versele-Laga junior and adult pellets: https://amzn.to/3nU0egF
For a more detailed guide on bunny’s diet, you can check my post:
❁ shelter ❁
When it comes to shelter, you can find very different opinions and options. Some people keep their bunnies inside home, others outside.
Here’s my suggestion: if you have the conditions for keeping your bunny indoors, please do. However, if you don’t have that possibility, don’t freak out! Bunnies can live outside too, but they require some special attention.
outdoors: what you’ll need
These are just a few examples of bunny enclosures outdoors. Make sure your bunny has enough space to run and there is enough height for them to stand up.
Since outside they’ll be more vulnerable to weather changes, make sure the place protects them from sunny and hot days, as well as cold and rainy days.
Don’t forget to al so provide them with some free roam activities, so they can exercise.
indoors
If you can keep your bunny inside the comfort of your bunny, now it comes the question: should I free roam my bunny.
The answer is: preferably, yes. However, not everybody has the chance to keep their bunny free roam. If that’s your case, make sure to provide them with a spacious area, with toys and comfortability. And don’t forget to give them some free roam time, at least once a day.
Here are some exemples:
On amazon, you can find similar enclosures: https://amzn.to/3ZQwFKd
❁ health care ❁
Bunnies are very fragile animals, that need lots of care.
There are two things that they require directly from you:
- Regular grooming
- Don’t bathe your bunny. It’s extremely stressful for them and has many potencial dangers. If they are dirty, try to clean them with a wet towel.
Besides this, regular vet check-ups are fundamental. On the first months, make sure to give them the first vaccines. Once they are adults, it is required to go to the vet twice a year (as my bunny’s vets suggest).
However, make sure to ask for your bunny’s vet opinion. Mine is based on the research I’ve done since I adopted my bunny Arctic and on his vets opinions 🙂 There might exist some differences when it comes to health care.
spaying/neutering
I highly recommend you spaying or neutering your bunny. It comes with tons of benefits: a fixed rabbit can live a long and healthier live. It also reduces aggression and territorial behavior.
A fixed rabbit is also easier to litter train, which is fundamental, especially if you have an indoor bunny 🙂
And that’s it! Hope this little introduction has helped you getting to know the basics of bunny care 🙂
Continue your research and don’t forget to always ask for your bunny’s vet opinion!
If you want to find out more on rabbit care, you can check this out:
