There’s nothing better than cuddling up with a floppy, fluffy rabbit, but prospective bunny parents should know that these pets are just as complicated as dogs and cats. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to explore six must-know facts about owning and taking care of rabbits as pets. Let’s get started!
1. What are Bunnies Like as Pets?
Rabbits are clean, cozy, sociable, and playful. They love spending time around people and other rabbits, and they’re always up to something, whether that’s breaking apart their cardboard castles or hopping up and down ramps. Like dogs, cats, and other sociable pets, they need plenty of face-to-face playtime and exercise.
They also need to be groomed, since they tend to shed. By removing loose fur, you can make sure they don’t ingest it, which can lead to some health issues. Finally, since rabbits are very timid, they won’t make it obvious if they’re sick or hurting. So, take them for regular checkups at the vet!
2. Rabbits Roam — So Bunny-Proof Your House.
Just like other animals, rabbits aren’t meant to be stuck in a cage all day. They have a lot of complicated feelings and needs, which include exploring the world around them, choosing where they go, and socializing with their rabbit friends and you.
But just as natural to rabbits as their wanderlust is their proclivity to nibble on everything. From laptop chargers and ethernet cables to shoe straps and clothes, anything is fair game. Make sure there are zero wires within their reach (they can electrocute your pet) and that nothing you’d miss is in the bunny danger zone.
3. Are Rabbits Picky Eaters?
They aren’t exactly “picky eaters” — but, just like us, they require a diverse, exciting, and easy diet to be healthy and happy. Make sure your rabbit has an abundance of fresh hay (timothy hay, grass hay, or oat hay) available. This is where they’ll get the majority of their nutrients.
But that’s not all! Your rabbits need fresh greens and fiber-rich pellets to round off their diet. Here are a few things your rabbit would love to snack on: basil, bok choy, carrot tops, celery, collard greens, dill, and broccoli leaves.
4. You’re in Luck — They Poop in One Place.
Not only is rabbit poop extremely easy to clean up (they’re just tiny pellets that are almost odorless), but rabbits also like to go to the bathroom in just one spot. All you have to do is set up a comfy litter box area near their food and water. It sounds counterintuitive to place it near their food, but rabbits tend to go to the bathroom while they eat.
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you should understand that there are some materials you simply cannot use. These common materials are unsafe for rabbits: wood shavings, clay cat litter, and clumping cat litter. Instead, use rabbit-safe litter (like pellet litter made from recycled newspapers) and then place a bunch of hay on top of it.
5. Bunnies Get Bored — Here’s What They Love.
Rabbits are smart and sociable pets with very active mental lives. Trapping them in a cage alone with only one or two visits a day would be a very, very sad life. You should treat them more like dogs than fish — giving them lots of social time, playtime, free time, and even fresh air.
Beyond equipping their cage with the right exercise gear, as we’ll get to next, your rabbits should have plenty of things to stimulate them. This includes other rabbits, logic toys, a variety of chewable things, and plenty of time out of the cage where they can move around freely. If you can safely bring your rabbit outside (something away from predators, like a roofed patio), then they would love the fresh air!
6. Rabbit Homes Should Be Cozy and Fun.
Rabbits are going to spend a lot of time in their cage (but they can live free-reign in a dedicated room too), so you should always err on the side of getting a cage that’s too big rather than too small. There are three main factors to consider: coziness, nutrition, and fun.
For coziness, rabbits love their beds — so much that they eat them! Make sure your rabbit bedding is non-toxic, like aspen shreds, shredded pepper, or hay. As for nutrition, we covered what rabbits need to eat for a varied and healthy diet, but make sure their eating nook is always filled with fresh water and plenty of food.
Now for fun. Keeping in mind the mental stimulation we discussed earlier, your rabbit’s room or cage should include things that encourage thinking and exercise. Ramps and edible things that they can roll, rattle, drag, and chew are perfect. (They also love cardboard castles!)
Help a Rabbit, Help Yourself
Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!