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~ Rabbits should live indoors. Rabbits that live indoors with their humans become part of the family. Domestic rabbits that live outside are exposed to harmful parasites and predators. Rabbits that live outside are often "out of sight, out of mind".
~ Rabbits need plenty of space to roam. They need to run, hop, and explore. They are also natural chewers for those ever-growing teeth. You'll need to create a safe, bunny-proofed area for your furry friend to play. A cage is not suitable housing for a rabbit, but they can be contained in an exercise pen (like a puppy pen) or with creatively constructed cube grid enclosures as long as they are getting plenty of time each day to roam.
~ Rabbits are not starter pets or good pets for small children. Rabbits are high-maintenance, delicate creatures that thrive on routine. Children (and many adults) want a pet they can hold and cuddle, but rabbits prefer to keep all four paws on the ground. Most children are also not capable of providing the necessary maintenance (feeding, cleaning, brushing) that a rabbit requires everyday.
- Rabbits need a specialized diet. 80% of a rabbit's diet should be high-quality grass hay like Timothy. Fresh water and leafy greens are needed every day and to round off their diet, the remainder should consist of a quality pellet without any extra "bits" and an occasional treat.
~ Rabbits are great house pets. Your rabbit may be curious or shy, outgoing or timid, or anything in between. By living in the house with you, you will get to see your rabbit's personality develop and will form a closer bond with your bun. And remember that bunny-proofing!
~ Rabbits can be litter trained. Rabbit by nature generally choose one or two areas to use as their bathroom. Litter training often involves putting a litter box where bunny is choosing to go, putting hay in (or in a safe hay rack above) the litter box, and rewarding your rabbit for using the box. There are many resources available online for additional litter training methods.
~ Rabbits are crepuscular, prey animals. Being a prey animal means they are fundamentally different than cats or dogs (or us humans!) They do not like to be picked up or held and are usually reserved until you gain their trust. They like quiet, calm interactions and enjoy having you sit with them on the floor for petting. Crepuscular means they are most active at dawn and dusk, so they sleep during the middle of the day. This means they will like to visit with their humans first thing in the morning and in the evenings.
- Rabbits usually do better with a buddy. Rabbits are social and enjoy having a member of their own species to cuddle and speak their language.
- Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered. Altered rabbits live longer, healthier lives. Fixed rabbits are also calmer, make better companions and are less prone to destructive behaviors.
- Rabbits need toys and a stimulating environment. Toys help provide mental stimulation and physical exercise. Bunnies can figure out how to find treats in a logic board. They can run through tunnels and jump on boxes (or your couch!) Rabbits need safe activities to keep their minds and bodies happy and healthy.
- Rabbits have their own language. Rabbits don't have a voice like cats or dogs and communicate with their ears, noses, feet, and mouths. It's important that you learn their language to better understand their behavior and form a deeper bond with your rabbit.
- Rabbits need specially trained veterinarians that are well-versed in rabbit care. Most general vets are not rabbit-savvy and you'll need to find a good vet before an emergency arises.
~ Rabbits need plenty of space to roam. They need to run, hop, and explore. They are also natural chewers for those ever-growing teeth. You'll need to create a safe, bunny-proofed area for your furry friend to play. A cage is not suitable housing for a rabbit, but they can be contained in an exercise pen (like a puppy pen) or with creatively constructed cube grid enclosures as long as they are getting plenty of time each day to roam.
~ Rabbits are not starter pets or good pets for small children. Rabbits are high-maintenance, delicate creatures that thrive on routine. Children (and many adults) want a pet they can hold and cuddle, but rabbits prefer to keep all four paws on the ground. Most children are also not capable of providing the necessary maintenance (feeding, cleaning, brushing) that a rabbit requires everyday.
- Rabbits need a specialized diet. 80% of a rabbit's diet should be high-quality grass hay like Timothy. Fresh water and leafy greens are needed every day and to round off their diet, the remainder should consist of a quality pellet without any extra "bits" and an occasional treat.
~ Rabbits are great house pets. Your rabbit may be curious or shy, outgoing or timid, or anything in between. By living in the house with you, you will get to see your rabbit's personality develop and will form a closer bond with your bun. And remember that bunny-proofing!
~ Rabbits can be litter trained. Rabbit by nature generally choose one or two areas to use as their bathroom. Litter training often involves putting a litter box where bunny is choosing to go, putting hay in (or in a safe hay rack above) the litter box, and rewarding your rabbit for using the box. There are many resources available online for additional litter training methods.
~ Rabbits are crepuscular, prey animals. Being a prey animal means they are fundamentally different than cats or dogs (or us humans!) They do not like to be picked up or held and are usually reserved until you gain their trust. They like quiet, calm interactions and enjoy having you sit with them on the floor for petting. Crepuscular means they are most active at dawn and dusk, so they sleep during the middle of the day. This means they will like to visit with their humans first thing in the morning and in the evenings.
- Rabbits usually do better with a buddy. Rabbits are social and enjoy having a member of their own species to cuddle and speak their language.
- Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered. Altered rabbits live longer, healthier lives. Fixed rabbits are also calmer, make better companions and are less prone to destructive behaviors.
- Rabbits need toys and a stimulating environment. Toys help provide mental stimulation and physical exercise. Bunnies can figure out how to find treats in a logic board. They can run through tunnels and jump on boxes (or your couch!) Rabbits need safe activities to keep their minds and bodies happy and healthy.
- Rabbits have their own language. Rabbits don't have a voice like cats or dogs and communicate with their ears, noses, feet, and mouths. It's important that you learn their language to better understand their behavior and form a deeper bond with your rabbit.
- Rabbits need specially trained veterinarians that are well-versed in rabbit care. Most general vets are not rabbit-savvy and you'll need to find a good vet before an emergency arises.