Husbandry for your bunny

🐰 Best Husbandry Practices for a Rabbit

1. Housing & Space

Minimum space:

• Free-roam is ideal if your home/room is bunny proofed.

• If caged, the enclosure must be at least 3–4 times the rabbit’s stretched-out body length (never smaller than 4’ x 2’ x 2’ for dwarf breeds; larger for big breeds).

• Use an exercise pen or a safe room for daily roaming.

Flooring:

• Soft, non-slip surfaces (rugs, foam mats).

• Avoid wire flooring — it causes sore hocks.

• Anything soft bunnies like to pee on

Environment:

• Temperature 60–70°F (15–21°C).

• Keep away from drafts, predators, loud noises, and extreme temperatures.

• Our baby bunnies should be kept indoors

2. Diet

Rabbits have extremely sensitive digestive systems. The correct diet is essential.

Hay (80–90% of diet)

• Unlimited grass hay (Timothy, orchard, meadow). Alfalfa hay for bunnies under 6-8 months.

• Encourages gut movement and good dental health.

Fresh Greens (10–15%)

Offer 2–4 cups daily (depending on size):

• Romaine

• Spring mix

• Cilantro

• Parsley

• Basil

• Dill

• Kale (in moderation)

Avoid iceberg lettuce and toxic plants.

Pellets (5% or less)

• High-fiber (≥18%), timothy-based.

• 1–2 tbsp per day for most rabbits. Unlimited pellets can be given to babies under 6 months.

Treats after 4.5-5 months of age

• Very small amounts of fruit (1–2 tsp): apple, berries, banana.

• Avoid sugary, store “yogurt drops,” or overly processed, colored, store treats.

• Start introducing 1 item at a time in moderation when they are just starting out trying fruits for the first time to see if they have any allergies or stomach upset.

3. Litter Training & Sanitation

Litter box:

• Use paper-based litter (Yesterday’s News, Carefresh).

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

Cleaning:

• Scoop daily

• Deep clean 1–2× weekly

• Avoid pine/cedar shavings (toxic)

4. Enrichment & Mental Health

Rabbits need stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors.

Daily enrichment:

• Boxes and tunnels

• Willow chew toys

• Dig boxes (shredded paper or soil)

• Foraging toys and hay puzzles

• Safe branches (apple, willow)

Social needs:

• Rabbits are social — consider bonding a pair (after spay/neuter).

• Spend time interacting: grooming, gentle play, exploring.

5. Health Care

Spay/Neuter:

• Essential for health and behavior

• Prevents cancer (especially in females), territorial aggression, spraying.

Vet care:

• Annual wellness exam with an exotics-trained vet

• Monitor teeth — rabbits’ teeth never stop growing

• Watch for GI stasis (emergency): no poop, no eating, lethargy

Grooming:

• Regular brushing (especially long-haired breeds)

• Nail trims every 1–2 months

6. Safety

Bunny-proofing:

• Cover wires

• Remove toxic plants

• Keep floors free of ingestible objects

• Ensure no access to chemicals, medications, or predators

Handling:

• Never pick up by the scruff or ears

• Support hind legs

• Many rabbits prefer staying on the ground

7. Companionship & Behavior

Understanding rabbit body language is key:

• Tooth purring = content

• Thumping = warning

• Binkies = excitement

• Flattening = fear

• Growling or hissing = warning (bite comes next)

• Biting = angry

Rabbits thrive on routine and gentle interaction. An upset in a bunnies routine

can cause stress. Stress causes GI Stasis. Always monitor for any changes in

your bunnies behavior