Bunny Care Guide

Indoor Bunny Care Guide

1. Housing & Space

Your rabbit needs room to hop, stretch, and explore.

Space: Provide a minimum of 4x4 feet of play area, plus free-roam time daily.

Cage/Pen: Choose an exercise pen or bunny-proofed room instead of a small cage.

Flooring: Use rugs, mats, or fleece to prevent slipping and protect paws.

Hiding spots: Include boxes or tunnels for comfort and security.

Bunny-proofing tips:

Cover or block access to electrical cords.

Keep toxic plants out of reach.

Prevent chewing on furniture with deterrent sprays or chew toys.

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2. Diet & Nutrition

Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, so diet is crucial.

Daily essentials:

Hay: 80–90% of their diet (timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay).

Fresh veggies: 1–2 cups per 5 lbs of body weight daily. Favorites include:

Romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, dandelion greens, basil.

Pellets: About ¼ cup of high-quality pellets per 5 lbs of body weight.

Fresh water: Always available, changed daily (bowl preferred over bottle).

Treats (sparingly): Fruits like apples, bananas, or berries—no more than 1–2 tablespoons a day.

Avoid: iceberg lettuce, beans, onions, chocolate, and processed foods.

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3. Litter Training

Rabbits are naturally tidy!

Use a large litter box with paper-based litter (no clumping cat litter).

Place it in a corner where your bunny tends to go.

Add hay on one side—rabbits like to eat and potty at the same time.

Clean daily to reduce odor and keep your bunny happy.

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4. Enrichment & Exercise

Bunnies need both mental and physical stimulation.

Provide safe toys: untreated wood blocks, cardboard, tunnels, willow balls.

Allow 3–5 hours of playtime daily outside their enclosure.

Create digging spots (a box filled with shredded paper or hay).

Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom.

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5. Socialization & Companionship

Rabbits are social animals—spend time petting, talking, and playing.

Many do best with a bonded pair, but ensure proper introduction.

Handle gently: support their hind legs and avoid sudden grabs.

Let them come to you—patience builds trust.

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6. Health & Grooming

Regular care keeps your rabbit comfortable and healthy.

Brushing: Weekly for short-haired breeds; daily for long-haired.

Nail trims: Every 4–6 weeks.

Checkups: Annual vet visits with a rabbit-savvy vet.

Spay/neuter: Helps prevent cancer and aggression; makes litter training easier.

Warning signs: Loss of appetite, small or no droppings, lethargy, drooling, or odd posture—these are emergencies. Contact a vet immediately.

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7. Comfort & Environment

Keep indoors between 60–75°F (15–24°C).

Avoid drafts and direct sunlight.

Maintain a quiet, calm environment—loud noises stress rabbits easily.

Offer cozy resting spots with soft bedding or fleece.

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8. Bonding & Communication

Rabbits communicate subtly:

Purring (tooth grinding): Contentment.

Thumping: Warning or fear.

Flopping over: Complete relaxation.

Nudging: Asking for pets or attention.

Learn your bunny’s body language—they’ll teach you how to care best for them.

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9. Daily Care Routine Example

Time Task

Morning Refill hay & water, spot clean litter box

Afternoon Playtime, enrichment toys, fresh veggies

Evening More hay, light grooming, cuddle time

Weekly Deep clean area, wash bedding, rotate toys

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10. Quick Checklist

Plenty of hay

Fresh veggies daily

Clean litter box

Safe play area

Regular vet care

Gentle social time