Please note!
Just like cats and dogs, rabbits can have all different sorts of temperments, likes and dislikes.
Some will want to run around all the time
Others will be happy to hunker down in your lap
Lots of love and attention is how you bring out the best in any pet
Below are video examples of just how wide a range there is!
Rabbits can be amazing pets!
No doubt, if you’ve found your way to our little corner of the web, you’re interested in adopting a pet bunny.
It's critically important for you, as a potential bunny parent, to understand what to expect.
However, there are many differences between rabbits and keeping cats and dogs.
Things to know
Most pet stores do not give good rabbit advice!
What is good for cats and dogs has been long established. However, as house rabbits rise in popularity, best practices have been emerging that are drastically different from even just five years ago. As it has always been with the big name pet stores, they are very slow to catch up to what we now understand to be best for our bunnies.
rabbits are prey animals
Unlike dogs and cats which are natural predators, rabbits are at the bottom of the food chain. This means that they are easily scared, and it takes time to earn their trust and show them that your home is safe and secure. For the same reason, rabbits have very little natural smell, and do not show when they are sick. To reiterate, this means that the entirety of your relationship with a rabbit is founded on trust and security.
pet rabbits should not live outside
Rabbits are prey animals, and having an open sky above them leaves them vulnerable to predation. This also causes them a lot of undue stress, often leaving them nervous, skittish and generally unhappy.
pet rabbits require a large living space at all times
Not everybody can free roam their rabbits, but at minimum, they need the same accommodations you would give to a large dog: either a large pen, or a very large cage. The typical “rabbit cage” you see in a store is not large enough, even at night while you are asleep, or while you are at work.
rabbits are easily litter trained
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are fairly easy to litter train.
rabbits prefer to eat where they poop
Unlike cats, which tend to be particular about their food and water being away from their litter box, it is recommended to provide hay inside the litter box. If you prefer, you can provide a large hay rack, made of wire or with very large holes. This is because rabbits use hay to move their digestive system along - failing to provide this can lead to gastrointestinal stasis, killing them very quickly.
rabbits are messy
Despite being easy to litter train, there will be accidents. There will be hay strewn about their pen. And you will find rabbit poop where you least expect it - this is simply a part of being a rabbit owner.
rabbits love to chew on things
Rabbit teeth have open roots, allowing them to grow for the entirety of their lifetime. This means that if they do not wear them down by chewing on things, they will get too long and become unusable. You can help them with this by providing many things to chew on, including toys and cardboard boxes.
What to expect
Note: This page is actively under construction, new and updated information will be added.
Supplies
A pet carrier to transport your rabbit. Hard-sided carrier highly preferred with the opening on the top is ideal.
A large water bowl/heavy crock, similar to what you would give a large dog.
A large exercise pen (x-pen) is preferred. A cage/hutch is not recommended unless left open with an x-pen attached around it.
Cat sized litter box. High-sided is recommended. A hooded litter box is not recommended. A triangle litter box is too small and not recommended.
Litter (wood stove pellets from hardware store or equine bedding from feed store $6-$8 for 40-pound bag).
Food
Timothy hay for adult rabbits. Orchard hay acceptable too.
Plain pellets (not colorful or over-processed - important for gut health).
Water (filtered or bottled recommended).
Fresh, leafy dark greens (a large pre-washed container from the store will do).
Fruit (given as an occasional treat only)