Rabbit Care Tips matter because rabbits are easy to underestimate. They’re quiet, fluffy, charming—yet they have specific needs that, if ignored, cause real health problems. Whether you’re new to pet rabbits or you’ve had one for years, these tips will help you manage diet, housing, grooming, behavior, and basic health checks. I’ll share what I’ve seen work, common mistakes to avoid, and quick, practical steps you can apply today.
Basic rabbit care overview
Rabbits are prey animals with delicate digestive systems and social needs. Good rabbit care rests on three pillars: proper diet, suitable housing, and regular health checks. Miss one and problems follow—dental trouble, digestive stasis, stress-related behaviors.
Know your rabbit
Different breeds act differently. Dwarf breeds may need closer dental attention; large breeds need more space. What I’ve noticed: temperament varies widely—some rabbits love laps, others prefer to observe from a distance. Learn your rabbit’s signals early.
Feeding and rabbit diet essentials
Diet is the single most important factor for rabbit health. A rabbit’s gut requires constant fiber to keep things moving.
- Hay: Unlimited timothy or grass hay is the foundation. It wears down teeth and supports digestion.
- Pellets: A small daily portion of high-fiber pellet food. Choose plain pellets—no mixes with seeds or dried fruit.
- Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens daily (e.g., romaine, cilantro, parsley). Introduce new veggies slowly.
- Water: Clean, fresh water at all times—bottle or bowl, whichever your rabbit prefers.
For a quick primer on rabbit nutrition, reputable veterinary resources are helpful—see the Merck Veterinary Manual on rabbits for clinical guidance.
Hay comparison table
| Hay type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy | Adult rabbits | High fiber, everyday use |
| Orchard grass | All ages | Soft, palatable alternative |
| Alfalfa | Kits, pregnant/nursing | High calcium/protein—use sparingly in adults |
Rabbit housing and environment
Housing isn’t just a cage. Rabbits need a safe, enriched space to hop, hide, and chew.
Space and layout
Give at least several hours of supervised exercise daily outside a small cage. If you keep a pen, aim for a minimum of 12 sq ft of combined exercise area and change it up regularly.
Bedding and litter
Use paper-based litter or timothy-based litter—avoid clumping clay litters. Add hiding boxes and flat resting platforms. Keep bedding dry; damp bedding leads to sores and infections.
Safety
Rabbit-proof rooms: hide electrical cords, remove toxic plants, and secure gaps where a rabbit could get stuck. Chewing is normal—provide safe chew toys.
Grooming and dental care
Grooming prevents hairballs and keeps fur healthy. Dental care is ongoing; rabbit teeth grow continuously.
- Brush long-haired rabbits daily; short-haired weekly.
- Watch for overgrown teeth: drooling, poor appetite, or droppings that change size/shape are red flags.
- Regular vet dental checks are wise—especially for breeds with short faces or dental history.
Understanding rabbit behavior
Rabbits communicate subtly: flopping is contentment, thumping signals alarm, and grinding teeth softly can mean contentment—or loud grinding means pain.
Bonding and social needs
Many rabbits do best with a bonded partner of the same species. Bonding takes time and patience—supervised introductions and neutral territory help. In my experience, patience pays off—pairs can become wonderfully affectionate.
Enrichment: toys and exercise
Rabbits get bored fast. Toys and play reduce destructive chewing and promote mental health.
- Rotate chew toys and cardboard tunnels weekly.
- Scatter feeds or hide small portions of veggies to encourage natural foraging.
- Provide safe climbing platforms and hideaways.
Quality rabbit toys and ideas are easy to DIY—think untreated wood blocks, toilet-roll puzzles, and paper bags.
Health checks and common problems
Routine observation catches issues early. Check eyes, nose, teeth, weight, and droppings daily.
Common issues
- GI stasis: reduced appetite and small or missing droppings. This is an emergency—see a vet.
- Respiratory infections: sneezing, nasal discharge—veterinary care advised.
- Parasites: fleas or mites—treatments exist but get a vet diagnosis first.
For reliable medical info, check the ASPCA rabbit care pages and consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.
When to see the vet (emergency signs)
- Not eating for 12+ hours
- Labored breathing or blue gums
- Severe lethargy, unsteady movement, or severe pain signs
Fast action matters. Rabbits are prey animals and hide illness—by the time you notice, things can be advanced.
Adoption, choosing a rabbit, and long-term care
Adopt from a rescue when possible. Rescues often provide health histories and temperament notes. If buying from a breeder, ask about parents’ health and early handling.
Rabbits can live 8–12+ years with good care. Plan for long-term commitment: vet access, spaying/neutering to prevent cancer and behavior issues, and daily interaction.
Quick daily and weekly checklist
- Daily: fresh hay, water, portioned pellets, greens, litter spot-clean, health observation
- Weekly: full litter change, grooming, floor time, rotate toys
- Monthly: weigh your rabbit, trim nails if needed, check teeth visually
Resources and further reading
Want to learn more about rabbit biology and behavior? The rabbit Wikipedia overview is a solid starting point for background. For hands-on medical detail, see the Merck Veterinary Manual and ASPCA guidance (ASPCA rabbit care).
Wrap-up and next steps
Take one change at a time: start with unlimited hay and a vet check, then improve housing and enrichment. Rabbits respond well to steady routines and predictable care. If you’re unsure about anything—diet changes, odd behavior, or grooming—ask a rabbit-savvy vet sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rabbits should have unlimited grass hay daily, a small portion of high-fiber pellets, fresh leafy greens, and constant access to clean water.
Rabbits need a safe area for several hours of daily exercise plus a roomy pen or enclosure; aim for at least 12 sq ft of combined exercise space.
Look for loss of appetite, changes in droppings, lethargy, labored breathing, or unusual behavior. These signs warrant prompt veterinary care.
Yes. Annual or biannual check-ups with a rabbit-savvy vet, plus immediate care for worrying signs, help prevent and catch health issues early.
Rabbits are social but shy; many benefit from a bonded rabbit companion. Bonding takes time, careful introductions, and supervised interaction.