When I adopted my first rabbit Thumper five years ago, I thought I'd just need a cage and carrots. Boy was I wrong! Real rabbit care is way more involved – and rewarding. Let me save you the mistakes I made.
Rabbit Housing: More Than Just a Cage
That tiny pet store cage? Throw that idea out. Rabbits need space to binky (those joyful jumps you'll love seeing). Minimum requirements:
| Rabbit Size | Minimum Enclosure Size | Essential Features |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 4 lbs) | 12 sq ft (e.g. 4x3 ft) | Hidey house, litter box, hay rack |
| Medium (4-8 lbs) | 16 sq ft (e.g. 5x3.5 ft) | Platforms, chew toys, digging box |
| Large (8+ lbs) | 20+ sq ft (e.g. 6x4 ft) | Multiple levels, running space |
The setup I use for Thumper: An XXL dog exercise pen (much cheaper than cages) with fleece blankets over foam tiles. His litter box is in one corner with paper pellet litter - avoid clay or clumping types!
Bunny-Proofing Essentials
- Cover electrical cords with split loom tubing ($15/25ft at hardware stores)
- Block baseboards with clear acrylic panels
- Remove toxic plants: Lily of the Valley, Azaleas, Tulips
- Provide approved chew toys: Apple wood sticks, willow balls
Feeding Your Rabbit Right: The 90/10 Rule
I learned the hard way about GI stasis when Thumper stopped eating after too many treats. Vet bill: $380. Now I stick to this diet:
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Top Choices | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay | Unlimited (80-90% of diet) | Timothy, Orchard, Oat | Alfalfa (adults) |
| Fresh Greens | 1 cup per 2 lbs body weight | Romaine, cilantro, spring mix | Iceberg lettuce |
| Pellets | 1/4 cup per 5 lbs | Oxbow Garden Select | Seed/nut mixes |
| Treats | 1-2 tbsp max | Blueberries, apple slices | Yogurt drops, bread |
Must-have tools: Heavy ceramic bowl for water (tip-proof), hay feeder that keeps hay clean, stainless steel veggie dish. Skip those cute plastic sets - they'll get chewed!
Rabbit Health Red Flags
Rabbits hide illness well. These symptoms need immediate vet attention:
- No poop for 12 hours (normal: 200-300 poops/day!)
- Grinding teeth loudly (pain indicator)
- Head tilted to one side (ear infection)
- Wet chin (dental issues)
- Not moving or huddled position
Annual vet costs: $150-250 for checkup. Emergency visits? $500+. Essential: Find an exotics vet BEFORE you need one. Regular cat/dog vets often lack rabbit expertise.
Daily & Weekly Rabbit Care Tasks
Caring for a rabbit isn't just feeding - it's a commitment:
| Frequency | Tasks | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Fresh water/hay, veggie feeding, litter scoop, floortime (3-4 hrs min), check poop/behavior | 60-90 minutes |
| Weekly | Full litter change, cage wipe-down, brush fur (long-haired: daily), nail check, toy rotation | 45-60 minutes |
| Monthly | Deep clean enclosure, weight check, health audit | 90-120 minutes |
My reality check: When work got busy, Thumper's litter habits deteriorated. Rabbit care requires consistent daily attention.
Rabticity: Understanding Bunny Behavior
Rabbits communicate through body language:
- Binkying: Wild jumps = pure joy
- Tooth purring: Soft grinding while pet = contentment
- Thumping: Warning signal for danger
- Nudging: "Pay attention to me!"
- Licking: Bunny kisses = affection
Bonding tip: Sit on the floor during floortime with parsley in your lap. Let bunny approach you. Took Thumper 3 weeks to voluntarily hop on me!
Rabbit Care Q&A: Real Owner Questions
Q: Can rabbits be litter trained?
A: Absolutely! 90% of rabbits take to it quickly. Use paper-based litter, put hay near box. Clean accidents with vinegar.
Q: Do rabbits need companionship?
A: Ideally yes. Bonded pairs are happier. Adopt fixed same-sex pairs or introduce gradually.
Q: How much does rabbit care cost monthly?
A: Basics: $50-80 (hay, pellets, litter). Including vet fund: $100-150. Emergency fund essential!
Q: Are rabbits good pets for kids?
A: Generally no. Most dislike being carried. Supervised interaction only with children 10+.
Q: What temperature is too hot for rabbits?
A: Above 80°F (27°C) is dangerous. Use ceramic tiles, frozen water bottles in summer.
Essential Rabbit Care Supplies
Don't waste money like I did! Here's what actually works:
- Hay feeder: Invest in one that doesn't waste hay (I recommend the Oxbow Hay Manger)
- Litter box: Cat-sized corner box with low entry ($12-20)
- Water bowl: Heavy ceramic, NOT bottle (bowls promote better hydration)
- Brush: Slicker brush for short-hairs, comb for Angoras
- Nail clippers: Small animal scissors-style ($8)
- Playpen: Better than cages ($50-80 for 8-panel)
Cost-Saving Tip
Use IKEA doll beds ($15) as rabbit sofas instead of $50 "bunny furniture". Thumper loves his!
The Vet Visit Reality
Finding a rabbit-savvy vet is critical. Ask:
- How many rabbit patients do you see monthly?
- Do you perform spay/neuter surgery on rabbits? (If not, red flag!)
- What's your protocol for GI stasis?
Spaying females prevents uterine cancer (80% risk by age 5!). Neutered males are less territorial. Expect $250-400 for surgery.
Time Commitment: The Unspoken Truth
Caring for a rabbit properly demands:
- Daily interaction: 3-4 hours outside cage minimum
- 10-12 year commitment (average lifespan with proper care)
- Vacation challenges: Finding qualified rabbit sitters ($25-40/day)
My toughest lesson? Leaving Thumper for a weekend with just pellets and water wasn't enough. He stopped eating from stress. Now I use a sitter who texts daily updates.
Adoption vs. Buying: Ethical Considerations
Shelters overflow with abandoned rabbits (especially post-Easter). Benefits of adopting:
| Shelter Adoption | Pet Store/Breeder | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50-100 (includes spay/neuter) | $40-150+ (surgery extra $300+) |
| Health | Vet-checked | Often unknown |
| Temperament | Assessed by staff | Unpredictable |
I adopted Thumper from a rescue. They'd already addressed his dental issues - something a pet store would never catch.
Rabbit Care Quick Reference
Safe Veggies: Romaine, carrot tops (not carrots!), cilantro, basil, bell peppers
Danger Foods: Avocado, chocolate, iceberg lettuce, onions
Pain Signs: Hunched posture, squinted eyes, loud teeth grinding
Annual Costs: $550-900 (food, litter, vet fund)
Final thoughts? Caring for a rabbit is more work than cats but incredibly rewarding. When Thumper flops beside me after a good grooming session? That trust took two years to build - but it's everything.
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