by Carrie Savarese

Created on: April 13, 2011

Rabbits are intelligent and sociable animals that make great pets, but not everyone is a great rabbit owner. Thousands of rabbits end up in shelters every year because the owners didn’t know how to properly care for them. Bunnies have been know to bite, chew furniture, and dig at carpet if they are not properly cared for.

Housing

In the past, rabbits were routinely kept in hutches outside. It is now know that this causes unnatural social isolation for a very social creature. Rabbits have been known to die from a heart attack just by the approach of a predator. Domestic bunnies should always be kept indoors.

Look for a cage that will allow a grown rabbit the ability to run around freely. Wire cages can hurt a rabbit’s feet so look for a cage with a solid bottom. Put down plenty of bedding such as shredded paper or recycled newspaper bedding available in pet stores. Do not use cedar or pine shavings. Wash the cage and replace the bedding weekly. Rabbits are prone to chills from drafts, so place your bun’s cage away from heat vents and windows.

A rabbit needs a safe exercise area inside or outside. Bunnies need to room to run and jump around for several hours everyday. If you take your rabbit outside, do not leave him unsupervised. Bunny proof a room in your house by coving all electrical wires for an inside exercise area.

Give your bun plenty of safe chew toys and a digging box. A digging box can be made out of an old card board box filled with dirt or shredded paper. Making sure your rabbit has these things can prevent him from causing destruction in your house with his natural inclination to chew and dig.

Diet

The first ingredient to healthy diet for your rabbit is hay. Hay is very important to keep your bunny’s intestinal tract healthy and unlimited hay should always be available to him. Rabbits can eat timothy or brome hay.

Your bun will also need rabbit pellets. Look for a formula with 15 to 19 percent protein and 18 percent fiber. Pellets should be plain with no seeds, nuts, or colored pieces included. Adult rabbits should be limited to 1/8 to ¼ cup per day.

Fresh leafy greens make up the last ingredient in a healthy diet for your rabbit. Give your bun 1 to 2 cups of leafy green vegetables everyday. Bunnies love lettuce, but avoid iceberg lettuce because it has little nutrition. Good leafy vegetables for rabbits are parley, collard greens, cilantro, and turnip greens.

Rabbits are shameless beggars and love special treats.

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