Thinking of welcoming a fluffy little rabbit into your home? Getting a rabbit can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but there’s a lot to consider before hopping in. Rabbits require lots of special care, from housing them properly to feeding them the right diet. They have unique behaviors you’ll need to accommodate as well. But with the proper preparation, your new long-eared companion can bring years of joy. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before bringing home your own Peter Cottontail, from costs to time commitments to health considerations. Read on to learn how to be the best bunny parent possible and set you and Thumper up for success!
Think Carefully First
Getting a pet rabbit can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's important to think carefully before bringing one home. Rabbits require a lot of time, effort and money to properly care for. Here are some things to consider before getting a rabbit:
First, know that rabbits can live 8-12 years, so this is a long commitment. Make sure everyone in your household is on board with having a rabbit for the next decade. Rabbits are also crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This can disrupt human sleep schedules. Consider if you are able to accommodate the rabbit's active periods.
Rabbits are prey animals by nature and tend to be easily frightened. Loud noises, other pets, and rambunctious children can stress them out. Think about your household environment and if it will provide the stable, quiet home a rabbit needs. An anxious rabbit may stop eating or become aggressive.
While rabbits can bond very closely with their owners, they are not necessarily affectionate pets, especially if they have not been socialized properly. Rabbits tend to dislike being held or cuddled. Don't expect your rabbit to act like a dog or cat. Make sure you are getting a rabbit for the right reasons.
Research which rabbit breeds tend to have the temperament and activity level best suited for you. Some rabbits are mellower than others. The rabbit's size will also impact how much space they need. Consider which breeds are right for your situation.
Lastly, rabbits are fragile health-wise and hiding illness is part of their prey instinct. This means they require specialized vet care from an experienced exotics veterinarian. Not all vets treat rabbits. Make sure there is a rabbit-savvy vet in your area before committing.
Taking the time to carefully think through the responsibility is key before hopping into rabbit ownership. The long commitment and unique care rabbits require makes them pets that need extra forethought. Weigh your lifestyle and expectations realistically.
Housing Your Rabbit
Properly housing your rabbit is one of the most important parts of rabbit ownership. Rabbits have specific housing needs in order to stay healthy and happy. Here’s what you need to know about housing your bunny:
The biggest misconception about rabbits is that they can live in a small cage. This is false. Rabbits need lots of room to run and play. The absolute minimum size for a rabbit cage is 4ft x 2ft, but bigger is always better. Giant breeds may need at least 6ft x 2ft. The enclosure should be tall enough for the rabbit to stand on its hind legs without hitting the top.
Rabbits should also have free roam time in rabbit-proofed areas for at least 2-3 hours per day, if not more. Hardwood or tile floors are best for this, carpet should be avoided. Supervise their explorations until you are certain there is nothing they can chew on or any dangerous hiding spots.
Your rabbit's housing should be in a quiet area of the home away from predators, loud noises, and high traffic. Don't isolate them completely though, rabbits are social and want to be where the action is sometimes too. Provide a hiding house or box inside the cage so they can retreat when needed.
Wire cage bottoms should be avoided as rabbits can get sores on their feet. Provide a solid floor with ample lining and litter material. Cages with wire sides still allow for necessary ventilation. Keep the enclosure out of direct sun and drafts.
Getting a large enough cage prevents destructive cage-chewing behaviors stemming from boredom or stress. With proper housing, your bunny will feel comfortable in their home. Be sure to provide lots of enrichment items and interact with your pet daily.
Making Your Home Safe
Before bringing your new rabbit home, you’ll need to rabbit-proof your space. Rabbits are curious creatures that will chew and dig at anything they can get their paws on. Here’s how to make your home safe for a bunny:
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Remove electrical wires and hide any wires you can’t remove. Rabbits love to chew wires which can electrocute them. Use plastic tubing to cover exposed wires.
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Block access behind furniture and appliances where rabbits could chew baseboards or get stuck.
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Remove houseplants or place them out of reach. Many common plants are toxic to rabbits.
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Secure any rickety furniture that could tip over if climbed on.
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Pick up any small objects that could be swallowed, like coins, beads, buttons, etc.
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Use baby gates to block off areas you don’t want accessed, like the kitchen or bedrooms.
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Ensure trash cans have tight, locking lids. Do not leave plastic bags out.
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Inspect for any spaces a determined rabbit could dig or chew their way into. Fill these spots with cardboard or wood.
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Check your backyard for any fertilizers, pesticides, or plants that could make your rabbit sick if eaten. Fence off unsafe areas.
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Provide chew toys so your rabbit will be less tempted to chew your belongings.
Rabbit-proofing takes time but is essential to avoid costly damage or injury. Re-check periodically for any new dangers. With vigilance, your home can be a safe haven for your new furry friend.
Getting Toys For The Rabbit
One key to a happy, healthy rabbit is providing lots of fun and stimulating toys for them to play with. Here are some great toy options to consider for your bunny:
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Hay-filled balls or boxes encourage natural foraging behaviors and provide mental stimulation.
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Tunnels made from cardboard boxes allow buns to pop in and out for endless amusement.
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Untreated willow sticks or balls give rabbits something safe to gnaw and chew on.
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Pinecones and hard rolled up paper make great flinging and tossing toys.
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Baby stacking cups can be tossed around and nested for play. Look for bite-proof kinds.
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Hard plastic baby keys on a ring create noise and movement to pique curiosity.
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Untreated grass mats or seagrass woven balls appeal to nibbling urges and are safely digestible.
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A pegboard with wood pieces allows interactive play. Rabbits love moving items around.
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Mirrors invoke reactions from buns who will run and play with their reflection. Supervise use.
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Cardboard boxes of all sizes to climb into, hide under, and shred up.
Rotate toys weekly to keep things new and exciting. Try introducing toys with treats or scents to spark instant interest. Providing a variety of safe toys will keep your rabbit active, satisfied, and out of trouble!
Don’t Expect Them To Follow Your Schedule
Caring for a pet rabbit means adapting to their natural rhythms, not expecting them to conform to human schedules. Here's what to know:
Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning most active at dawn and dusk. Don't expect an energetic bunny who wants playtime at noon or midnight. Plan engagement for morning and evenings.
Feed them breakfast greens and dinner pellets/hay accordingly. Don't be surprised if they sleep throughout much of the day and night. Rabbits need about 8-12 hours of sleep per day.
Litter training requires persistence, but don't expect perfection. Rabbits may always leave some droppings around due to territorial marking. Limit access until a space is fully trained.
Grooming help may be needed if bunny is shedding their coat. Don't force too much hands-on brushing if they dislike it though. Patience is required.
Nail trims should happen every 6-8 weeks but it's difficult. Vet visits for clipping are often needed. Take it slow and use positive reinforcement.
Socialization takes time and effort. Timid rabbits may never enjoy being held. Let their comfort level guide your interactions and bonding.
Monitor their engagements for signs of stress like tense muscles, rapid breathing, hiding, etc. End an activity if they reach their limit.
In summary, caring for a rabbit requires adjusting your schedule around their natural rhythms, not vice versa. Maintain realistic expectations by learning rabbit behaviors versus imposing your own. With time and trust, you'll understand your unique bunny's routine.
Learn About Their Food
Feeding your rabbit a proper diet is crucial for their health. Here's an overview of their dietary needs:
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Hay should make up 80% of diet. Unlimited timothy or orchard grass hay aid digestion and wear down teeth.
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Leafy greens like romaine, parsley, cilantro, kale, etc provide nutrition. Introduce variety slowly watching for diarrhea.
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Pellets with alfalfa are great for bunnies, timothy for adults. Limit pellets to 1/4 cup per day for weight control.
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Vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, berries offer vitamins but limit to 1-2 tablespoons daily.
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Treats like fruit, crackers and nuts should only be occasional. Stick to rabbit-safe options only.
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Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Change water daily. Use heavy bowls.
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Do not feed iceberg lettuce, seeds, or sugary foods. These can cause serious health issues.
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Introduce new foods slowly over weeks watching for any diarrhea or weight loss.
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Hay consumption is essential to avoid tooth overgrowth and GI stasis, an deadly issue for rabbits.
Do diligent research into proper rabbit nutrition. An improper diet can lead to painful dental disease, gastrointestinal problems, and obesity if not carefully managed. Work closely with your vet and stick to healthy feeding routines.
Get A Litter Box
House-training your rabbit successfully depends on providing the right litter box setup. Here's how to do it:
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Get a large cat litter box and fill with paper-based, unscented litter. Do not use clay, clumping, or scented varieties as these can harm buns when ingested.
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Place box in the corner of their enclosure or a private, low-traffic area of the home to encourage use. Avoid loud or busy spots.
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Put a handful of hay in box to motivate bunny to enter and munch. Rabbits like to eat and poop simultaneously.
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If they urinate or poop outside the box, clean spots with vinegar and place droppings into litter box. This reinforces location.
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Clean box every 1-2 days removing soiled litter and replacing with fresh. Frequent cleaning prevents avoidance.
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Add a second box if necessary for multi-level enclosures. Rabbits dislike climbing floors to toilet. Offer one box per level.
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Spayed/neutered rabbits have better litter box habits. Altered buns are calmer and less prone to marking.
Be patient and consistent using positive reinforcement like treats when they use the box. With time most rabbits can be litter trained, keeping their living space clean!
Think Finances
Owning a pet rabbit has ongoing costs. Make sure you are financially prepared for rabbit care with these budget considerations:
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Adoption fee if adopting through a shelter, typically $50-$100
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Upfront purchases like enclosure, litter box, dishes, rabbit-proofing supplies
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Vet wellness visits annually cost $75-$200 per year
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Spay/neuter surgery around $200-$500
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Ongoing costs for food, litter, toys – budget $20-$50 monthly
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Medical emergency fund – GI stasis, broken bones, etc cost $500+
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Dental cleanings under anesthesia every 1-2 years, $200-$800
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Replacing enclosure, dishes, toys as bunny ages/grows
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Pet insurance available for $10-$25 monthly, assess risks and coverage
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Boarding if traveling, $15-$35 daily
Do your research into bunny-savvy vets and care costs in your area. First year expenses tend to be highest. Be financially prepared to properly care for your rabbit's needs for their full lifespan of 8-12 years. With realistic planning, your new long-eared friend will be worth every penny!