Rabbits

Caring for a Rabbit

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals. They make affectionate and rewarding family pets when they receive plenty of attention. They can be trained to use a litter box and are enjoyable, responsive pets when they live indoors as house rabbits.

General Care

Rabbits can be taught to share your home, though hazards such as electrical cords and toxic plants should be removed or made inaccessible to prevent accidents. Rabbits will chew and dig, so provide acceptable items such as wood toys and a safe digging box filled with straw to avoid damage to your furnishings. Positive reinforcement training using plenty of praise and treats will teach your rabbit to live as one of the family.

Housing

It is important to choose as large a cage as possible, at least three ‘hops’ from end to end for your rabbit. When purchasing a cage with a wire or open bottom, make sure to have a solid area for the rabbit to rest its feet. Give your rabbit a litter box filled with safe litter such as Carefresh to help litter box train. A hiding box will also be appreciated. Hard wooden chew toys are necessary. They will keep your rabbit busy and happy and will help keep its teeth healthy.

Diet

A healthy diet is based on high quality Timothy or other grass hay (Alfalfa hay is too high in protein & minerals for adult rabbits) and an age-appropriate fortified pellet diet. You can slowly introduce vegetables to your rabbit’s diet after 12 weeks old. Too much too fast will lead to digestive upset. Start with offering a small piece of one vegetable each day and gradually increasing the amount as their digestive system adjusts. Good choices are herbs, dark green leafy vegetables, and root vegetables. Fresh water in a sipper bottle should always be available. A mineral chew or salt lick should also be available for your rabbit.

Cleaning

Remove soiled litter daily and wash food dishes, water bottles and the cage bottom weekly with a safe small animal cage cleaner. Always rinse and dry the cage well before returning your pet to its home.

Fertility

All pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered by an experienced rabbit veterinarian to avoid unwanted babies. Males should be neutered by 3 1/2 to 4 months old and females should be spayed by 4 to 6 months old. Spayed or neutered rabbits also live longer, healthier lives and make better companions.

Health

Rabbits are prone to intestinal blockages, due to swallowing hair while grooming. Regular grooming can help minimize this problem. A sudden increase in the amount of fresh vegetable or fruit in a rabbit’s diet can cause life threatening diarrhea. Be alert and consult an exotic animal veterinarian if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: lack of appetite, change in droppings, bloated abdomen, runny nose, labored breathing, head tilt, urinary problems, lumps, or bumps.

Vaccination

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, often deadly disease caused by a calicivirus that affects both wild and domestic rabbits. It is not contagious to people or other animals. Since early 2020, RHDV2 has been causing deaths in rabbits and hares native to North America and has been spreading rapidly in western states.

Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans.

Warnings

Antibiotics of the Penicillin family, such as Amoxicillin, are toxic to rabbits and should NEVER be used. 

Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:

  • Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or habitat contents
  • Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
  • Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
  • Keep your companion’s habitat, water & food bowls, décor, and other surfaces as clean as possible and remove droppings daily

Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/. The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal. In the event of serious health concerns please consult your veterinarian.

Recommended Supplies

  • Kahoots, Oxbow or KT Hay
  • Kahoots Rabbit Food
  • Novalek Oasis Rabbit Vitamin Drop
  • Carefresh Bedding
  • Aspen Pellets
  • Treats
  • Wood chews
  • 32 oz. Water Bottle
  • Ceramic food bowl
  • Ware Litter Box
  • Rabbit hideout
  • Rabbit hutch
  • Exercise Pen
  • Kahoots Organic Stain and Odor Remover