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Rabbit Care Basics: A Guide for First-Time Owners

Before you bring a rabbit home, here's what's worth knowing about the basics of care.

Plenty of Cage and Play Space

Rabbits need enough room to stretch out fully and hop around. Set up the cage with a litter tray, water bottle, and a hideaway spot, and if possible, let them roam a fenced, rabbit-proofed area of the house for part of the day.

A Hay-Based Diet Is the Foundation

Grass hay, such as timothy, should make up most of a rabbit's diet β€” it wears down their continuously growing teeth and supports healthy digestion. Add a small amount of rabbit-specific pellets and fresh vegetables on top of that.

Managing Teeth That Never Stop Growing

A rabbit's teeth grow throughout its life, so it needs to chew enough hay to wear them down naturally. If the teeth overgrow and cause loss of appetite or drooling, a vet may need to correct them.

Support the Spine When Picking One Up

Rabbits have fragile spines and can be seriously injured if handled incorrectly. Support the whole body by cradling the chest with one hand and the hindquarters and back legs with the other.

Especially Vulnerable to Heat

Rabbits have almost no sweat glands, which makes it hard for them to regulate body temperature and leaves them very vulnerable to heat. In warm weather, keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool, well-ventilated space.

Loss of Appetite Can Be an Emergency

If a rabbit goes without eating for more than a day, it can develop GI stasis, a dangerous slowdown of gut movement. If it suddenly stops eating normally or its droppings drop off noticeably, get it to a vet quickly.

Spay/Neuter Is Worth Considering

Spaying or neutering a rabbit can lower the risk of certain reproductive-organ diseases and reduce aggression or territorial marking in some cases. Talk to a vet about timing and whether it's right for your rabbit.

Rabbits Need More Space and Structure Than People Expect

A common mistake with first-time rabbit owners is underestimating how much room and daily out-of-cage time a healthy rabbit actually needs. A cramped setup with no exercise time can lead to both physical and behavioral problems over time.

This Is General Information, Not Veterinary Advice

Every rabbit's needs vary somewhat by breed, age, and health status. This guide covers general care basics; for anything specific to your rabbit's health or behavior, consult a veterinarian experienced with rabbits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hay does a rabbit actually need per day?

As a general rule, a rabbit should have unlimited access to fresh hay at all times β€” it should make up the majority of their daily food intake, far more than pellets or vegetables.

Why shouldn't I pick a rabbit up by its ears or scruff alone?

Because rabbits have relatively fragile spines and powerful hind legs, an unsupported lift or a sudden kick while being held that way can cause serious spinal injury. Always support the full body with both hands.