Guidelines for Welcoming a New Pet Bunny

Determine whether your bunny will reside indoors or outdoors. Before bringing your new furry friend home, it's important to decide whether you envision your bunny living indoors as a house bunny or enjoying the outdoors within a secure enclosure in your yard. While house bunnies are a popular choice for pets, several considerations come into play. Although maintaining a bunny indoors demands more cleaning and training efforts, it ensures closer interaction. Conversely, outdoor bunnies may have less human contact.

• If opting for indoor living, it's imperative to bunny-proof your living space. Bunnies have a penchant for chewing on various items, from electrical cords to antique furniture legs. Ensure that all cables are safely stowed away, out of the bunny's reach, and any valuable items are shielded from potential damage caused by nibbling.
• For indoor bunnies, litter training is essential. Allowing a bunny to freely roam and relieve itself indoors is unhygienic. The solution lies in litter training your bunny to use a designated litter box. Typically, bunnies tend to concentrate their bathroom activities in one spot, making it easier to place a litter tray in the preferred location. For male bunnies exhibiting urine-spraying behavior, neutering may be necessary.
• For outdoor living arrangements, dedicating time daily to socialize with your bunny is crucial. Incorporate this into your routine to prevent your bunny from feeling anxious or apprehensive in your presence.

Acquire a rabbit enclosure. The enclosure (or rabbit dwelling) should measure at least 2 feet (0.61 m) in width and 4 feet in length, with sufficient height to allow the rabbit to stand upright. Avoid wire flooring, but wire sides are acceptable.

• Outdoor enclosures are typically constructed from wood with a front door made of chicken wire, ensuring adequate ventilation and visibility for the rabbit. Wood provides insulation against the elements and offers protection from predators.
• An outdoor enclosure should include an attached run to allow the rabbit space for exercise. The run should measure a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 m) by 8 feet by 2 feet in height for rabbits under 2kg.
• Many indoor enclosures are crafted from plastic with a wire roof, offering lightweight portability throughout the house.
• If you can't find a suitable enclosure, consider building your own! While it requires effort, a custom-made enclosure can be more beneficial for your rabbit.

Line the bottom of the enclosure with suitable bedding. Choose bedding that is soft, warm, and absorbent, covering the entire base to a depth of at least 3–4 inches (7.6–10 cm). This provides cushioning for the rabbit's hind legs, reducing the risk of pressure sores.

• Popular bedding options include wood chips, hay, or straw. Among these, straw offers the warmest and softest bedding, followed by hay (which is pricier than straw), with sawdust being the third option.

Invest in a litter tray. If you plan to keep your rabbit indoors, litter training is essential. Ensure the litter tray fits inside the enclosure without occupying more than a third of the floor space.

Transition your rabbit from its carrier to its enclosure with care. Rabbits are prey animals and tend to seek hiding spots when stressed. Moving to a new environment is significant for a rabbit, so allow it to settle in quietly upon arrival.

Allow the rabbit to settle undisturbed for a full day. This period helps the rabbit acclimate to its new surroundings without the added stress of unfamiliar human presence.

Commence interaction with your rabbit after 24 hours. Take it slow. Dedicate ample time each day to sit beside the enclosure and engage in conversation with the rabbit. If the rabbit is already tame, gently stroke its back after opening the enclosure door.

• Avoid looming your hand over the rabbit's head, as this mimics predator behavior.

Attempt to lift the rabbit with care.

If the rabbit remains calm when petted, sit on the ground and gently lift it onto your lap. Being at ground level is less intimidating for rabbits, as they are ground-dwelling creatures and being elevated can unsettle them.

• To pick up your rabbit, place one hand on its chest and the other under its bottom, lifting it so that it rests against your chest with one arm supporting it and the other forming a barrier to prevent falls. Then, place it on your lap.
• If the rabbit is apprehensive about being lifted and tries to escape, do not force it. Instead, be patient and entice it with a particularly enticing treat. Once the rabbit becomes accustomed to your presence and realizes you pose no threat, it will eventually approach for the treat. Once the rabbit consistently stays out for treats, you can begin stroking its back. Only then should you attempt to lift it.
• Remember, rabbits are prey animals. Unlike dogs or cats, they are not carried by their mothers, so being picked up can be distressing for them. Some rabbits simply do not enjoy being lifted, and if yours is one of them, respect its boundaries.

Take care of your rabbit's grooming needs. Grooming is another effective way to bond with your rabbit. Use a comb and a soft brush, and once the rabbit is comfortable with being stroked, introduce grooming.

• This can also help establish your presence as a positive influence, particularly if the rabbit is still hesitant about being lifted.

Consult the previous owner about the rabbit's diet. Initially, offer the same food to avoid sudden changes that may upset the rabbit. Consistency in diet is crucial, at least for the first few days.

• As the rabbit becomes more comfortable, consider gradually transitioning to a more suitable diet if necessary.

Understand the dietary requirements of your rabbit. Rabbits are herbivores, and their primary food should be fresh grass. Grass provides essential nutrients and fiber, crucial for dental health and digestion. However, providing high-quality grass year-round, especially for indoor rabbits, may not be feasible, necessitating dietary adjustments.

• The optimal diet includes fresh green hay supplemented with a minimal amount of pellets, with hay comprising the majority of the diet.

Be aware of foods that should be avoided in your rabbit's diet. Despite being herbivores, rabbits should not consume just any plant-based diet.

• Avoid muesli-type feeds as they are suboptimal and can lead to selective eating, resulting in nutritional deficiencies, weak bones, and obesity.
• Contrary to popular belief, young rabbits can consume fresh greens and vegetables in moderation. Introduce new foods gradually, and limit sugary fruits due to their high sugar content.
• In case of digestive issues, provide unlimited water, hay, and plain oats for three days. Slowly reintroduce other foods one at a time.
• Exercise caution with foods like carrots, which contain oxalate and can contribute to bladder stones if overconsumed.
• Vary vegetables daily to prevent overconsumption of any single type.

Avoid overfeeding your rabbit. Determine the appropriate amount of food based on your rabbit's weight and breed. While daily feeding is essential, avoid overfeeding based on weight.

• For larger rabbits, ensure they receive sufficient calories throughout the day, either through grazing on grass or pellet consumption.
• Establish consistent feeding times to regulate your rabbit's eating habits.

Ensure access to fresh water at all times. Provide clean water in an algae-free container, optionally mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar for added health benefits such as improved coat shine and immune system support.

• Rabbit sipper bottles prevent water contamination and spillage, ideal for maintaining a clean water supply.
• Alternatively, use a heavy bowl to prevent tipping.
• In cold weather, consider using a heated water bottle to prevent freezing.

Allow your indoor rabbit freedom while you're at home. Giving your house rabbit opportunities to roam provides both physical activity and mental stimulation, especially when you're present. Let your rabbit explore and even join you for activities like watching TV!

Take your rabbit outdoors. Whether your rabbit lives indoors or outdoors, occasional outdoor excursions are beneficial. Ensure safety measures to prevent escape for indoor rabbits and provide a secure yard for outdoor ones.

• An outdoor enclosure with a run allows your rabbit to exercise freely, but interacting with it in the yard enhances bonding and provides training opportunities.
• Never leave your rabbit unsupervised outside to prevent potential risks like bird attacks.
• Consider using a rabbit harness and leash for supervised walks around the neighborhood.

Devote quality time to your rabbit. Engage in grooming sessions, training exercises, or simply enjoy playtime together. While rabbits may learn at a slower pace, they can grasp basic tricks and respond well to clicker training.

Offer a variety of toys for your rabbit's entertainment. Rabbits thrive on play and exploration. Provide an assortment of toys to keep them engaged and prevent boredom and mischief.

• A simple yet effective toy is a toilet paper roll stuffed with hay, offering both entertainment and a snack. It's an eco-friendly way to recycle!
• Certain cat toys, like plastic balls with bells or rattling keyrings, can also entertain rabbits. Ensure toys are safe and regularly inspect for any potential hazards.
• While rabbits enjoy gnawing, ensure toys are made from rabbit-safe materials, avoiding items with harmful substances like paint or glue.

Maintain cleanliness of the litter box by frequent bedding changes. Rabbit feces are easily manageable due to their dry, round nature. Adding some hay to the litter box encourages rabbits to use it while providing a natural behavior outlet.

• Regular cage cleaning is essential to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain your rabbit's health.

Consider neutering your rabbit. Neutered rabbits generally exhibit improved behavior and are less territorial and aggressive. Neutering can be done as early as 12 weeks old, especially recommended for multi-rabbit households to avoid unplanned breeding.

Ensure your rabbit receives necessary vaccinations. Vaccinations against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease are crucial from 12 weeks of age. Additionally, discuss fenbendazole treatment with your vet to safeguard against Encephalitozoon Cuniculi, a common rabbit parasite causing severe health issues.

• Regular vaccination and parasite control are vital for your rabbit's well-being.

Avoid bathing your rabbit. Rabbits groom themselves effectively, and bathing can cause stress and potential health issues, including ear infections. Address any hygiene issues carefully, and seek veterinary advice if necessary.

• Rabbits typically stay clean without baths, but messy bottoms may indicate health concerns.
• Watery stool requires immediate veterinary attention, while clumpy feces on the rabbit's bottom may signal dietary issues or obesity, necessitating gentle cleaning. Address underlying causes promptly.
• Provide adequate shelter for outdoor rabbits to protect them from adverse weather conditions.

• To keep rabbits cool during summer, place ice bottles in their outdoor hutch. They enjoy rubbing against them for relief from the heat.
• In winter, ensure rabbits have a dry box filled with straw for warmth and a windbreak to shield them from cold winds.
• When selecting a cage, opt for one with a floor featuring raised edges to prevent litter from being kicked out onto the floor.

• Research the appropriate foods for your rabbit, as some unexpected foods can be toxic.
• Avoid feeding grass clippings to rabbits if they don't have access to fresh grass, as these can ferment and cause bloating.
• Consider the time and financial commitment required to care for a rabbit; they demand significant attention.