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and a nesting box. If the bottom of the hutch is wire, place something inside the hutch so that your rabbit has a solid place to relax on.

Diet and Nutrition

Rabbits are strict herbivores and should never be given any type of meat. Rabbit pellets are generally preferred by rabbit owners for the convenience. However, hay is an important part of a rabbit's diet due to the fiber needed by a rabbit's digestive system. Timothy hay should be offered at all times and hays such as alfalfa should be limited. A lack of fiber in a rabbit's diet can lead to digestive problems and hairballs.

Along with hay, rabbits can be given fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits should be limited to one teaspoon per day and approximately two cups of fresh vegetables per day. If providing pellets, a rabbit should be given approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets each day depending upon their size and age in addition to their hay.

There are many foods that are unsafe for rabbits to consume. Iceberg lettuce is unsuitable as it has no nutrients and can cause diarrhea if given in large amounts. Vegetables of choice include carrot tops, endive, radicchio, and dandelion greens (not flowers). Carrots, chard, spinach, and beet tops are also appropriate but only in limited amounts.

Owners enjoy giving their rabbits treats but these should be limited as they increase the chances of obesity. Treats can include apples, melon, and strawberries. Do not allow your rabbit to eat the seeds from fruits or vegetables as some (like apple seeds) are toxic.

Vegetables should be thoroughly washed to remove pesticides before being given to your rabbit. To be safe, avoid any commercial foods that contain refined chemicals, preservatives, and food coloring. Refined carbohydrates can lead to toxic levels of bacterial growth and excessive gas in the rabbit's system.

Handling

An un-socialized rabbit doesn't make a good pet. However, rabbits would just prefer to not be handled at all. Rabbits are easily harmed when handled incorrectly. Rabbits should never be picked up by the scruff without supporting the lower body and should never be pulled up by the ears. The safest position to pick a rabbit up is in the "cradle" position. Use your arms and move under the rabbit thus allowing the weight of the rabbit on your arm while pulling the rabbit towards your body.

Grooming

Rabbits do not need baths and doing so can cause unneeded stress to the rabbit. Rabbits are self-groomers and should only

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