Rabbit Care Guide
More info coming!
Housing
Cage: Almost all of my rabbits are kept on wire. I prefer these cages because it helps keep the bunny clean and therefore reducing the likelyhood of flystrike(esp. with the wool on the lionheads) Plus they are easier to keep clean. It is a myth that wire will necessarily cause sore hocks in rabbits! I have never had a case a sore hocks since I started breeding. Larger breeds and certain breeds (like mini rex) are just more prone to sore hocks than other breeds. It is my belief that if sore hocks is present in a smaller rabbit it is the result of poor breeding. Anyways if you are concerned you can definitely provide a resting board to allow your bunny a place to sit that isn't on wire. I actually offer some of my bunnies these and all of my outside hutches have a wooden self and box so that aren't always on wire. :)
The other type of cage with a drop in pan that are normally sold in pet stores as indoor cages are perfectly fine too. You just need to use more bedding and it may require more grooming if you have a lionhead because bedding is more likely to get stuck in their hair.
Keeping bunnies outdoors or inside?:
Your bunny can definitely be kept either inside or out. My bunnies are either housed in a unheated shed or in outdoor hutches under the shade of trees. If you buy a baby in the winter I recommend either bringing it inside or keeping it in a the garage or shed since it would be used to being in a shed at my place which is more protected than most outdoor cages.
Rabbits actually tolerate the cold especially well, just be sure they have a house that you can stuff with straw and allows them to avoid drafts. The major problem is winter is frozen water so plan on changing water at least 2x a day when it is freezing. Heat is actually more of a health problem for rabbits. Never house a rabbit in the direct sun. I prefer if hutches are kept under the shade of a tree. Make sure they always have water in the summer. For the rabbits in my shed I have a fan running constantly and the 2 doors are kept open. For extremely hot days, I like to provide frozen water bottles that they can play with or sleep against.
A lot of pet bunnies are kept inside. Just realize that you will need to clean the cage at least once a week. It helps to litter train the rabbit so you can just change the litter pan more frequently. Also I recommend the liquid supplement that can be bought at pet stores to keep down odors. It really helps!
Playtime:
If letting your bunny out inside, make sure there are no wires or harmful stuff he can chew on. Also if you have dogs or cats always monitor their time together! A dog or cat can seriously injure or kill a small animal even if they were just playing.
If you let a bunny outside to play in the grass, always be there to supervise. If the pen doesn't have a bottom, your bunny can dig himself out. Also be aware that if a pen doesn't have a top, a hawk or owl have been known to swoop down and take a small animal.
The other type of cage with a drop in pan that are normally sold in pet stores as indoor cages are perfectly fine too. You just need to use more bedding and it may require more grooming if you have a lionhead because bedding is more likely to get stuck in their hair.
Keeping bunnies outdoors or inside?:
Your bunny can definitely be kept either inside or out. My bunnies are either housed in a unheated shed or in outdoor hutches under the shade of trees. If you buy a baby in the winter I recommend either bringing it inside or keeping it in a the garage or shed since it would be used to being in a shed at my place which is more protected than most outdoor cages.
Rabbits actually tolerate the cold especially well, just be sure they have a house that you can stuff with straw and allows them to avoid drafts. The major problem is winter is frozen water so plan on changing water at least 2x a day when it is freezing. Heat is actually more of a health problem for rabbits. Never house a rabbit in the direct sun. I prefer if hutches are kept under the shade of a tree. Make sure they always have water in the summer. For the rabbits in my shed I have a fan running constantly and the 2 doors are kept open. For extremely hot days, I like to provide frozen water bottles that they can play with or sleep against.
A lot of pet bunnies are kept inside. Just realize that you will need to clean the cage at least once a week. It helps to litter train the rabbit so you can just change the litter pan more frequently. Also I recommend the liquid supplement that can be bought at pet stores to keep down odors. It really helps!
Playtime:
If letting your bunny out inside, make sure there are no wires or harmful stuff he can chew on. Also if you have dogs or cats always monitor their time together! A dog or cat can seriously injure or kill a small animal even if they were just playing.
If you let a bunny outside to play in the grass, always be there to supervise. If the pen doesn't have a bottom, your bunny can dig himself out. Also be aware that if a pen doesn't have a top, a hawk or owl have been known to swoop down and take a small animal.
Food
Dishes:
Water can be provided by either a heavy crock or a water bottle. Rabbits usually can figure out water containers pretty quickly.
Food should be offered in a cup that is attached to cage or a heavy ceramic crock.
Pellets:
I feed Manna Pro (the one in the red bag). They are sold at Tractor Supply and feed stores in 25 & 50 lb bags. I will give you a bag of pellets to start your bunny out and to transition to another feed. Any pellets sold in stores should be fine just avoid any pellets that contain any 'treats' like seeds, nuts or dried fruit. I free fed the babies but once your bunny is an adult you may have to cut back the pellets to 1/4 to 1/3 cup a day.
Hay:
You should offer your bunnies hay! I feed mine a timothy mix hay. I generally avoid alfalfa for the rabbits because it is too rich for the adults.
Water can be provided by either a heavy crock or a water bottle. Rabbits usually can figure out water containers pretty quickly.
Food should be offered in a cup that is attached to cage or a heavy ceramic crock.
Pellets:
I feed Manna Pro (the one in the red bag). They are sold at Tractor Supply and feed stores in 25 & 50 lb bags. I will give you a bag of pellets to start your bunny out and to transition to another feed. Any pellets sold in stores should be fine just avoid any pellets that contain any 'treats' like seeds, nuts or dried fruit. I free fed the babies but once your bunny is an adult you may have to cut back the pellets to 1/4 to 1/3 cup a day.
Hay:
You should offer your bunnies hay! I feed mine a timothy mix hay. I generally avoid alfalfa for the rabbits because it is too rich for the adults.
Health
Trimming nails:
Your bunny's nails will need to be cut about once every 1 - 2 months. I find its easiest to trim nails by hold a bunny on its back on my lap. If your rabbit is relaxed it makes it really easy to do. I recommend practicing with your new bunny so he is used to being held on his back.
Your bunny's nails will need to be cut about once every 1 - 2 months. I find its easiest to trim nails by hold a bunny on its back on my lap. If your rabbit is relaxed it makes it really easy to do. I recommend practicing with your new bunny so he is used to being held on his back.