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Bunny Care Guide
Diet
Hay: Hay should be the cornerstone of your bunny's diet, making up about 80% of their daily intake. Provide unlimited access to fresh, high-quality timothy hay, oat hay, and orchard hay, as these are essential for proper digestion and dental health. Avoid hays that contain alfalfa and corn, as it is equivalent to feeding your bunny junk food.
Pellets: Offer a small amount of high-fiber rabbit pellets, making up part of the remaining 20% of your bunny's diet. Choose pellets specifically formulated for rabbits and avoid those with added seeds, nuts, or dried fruit, often labeled as "variety," "gourmet," or "foraging." Once your bunny reaches adulthood, they may ideally be weaned off pellets entirely.
Fresh Water: Ensure your bunny has constant access to clean, fresh water. Change the water daily to keep it fresh and appealing. Adequate water intake is crucial to prevent bladder stones, with a normal consumption being about 30 mL (1 oz) every few hours. Be attentive to any signs of excessive drinking or increased appetite, which could indicate a health issue. For more information, see the "Keeping a Healthy Bunny" section.
Treats: Offer fruits and vegetables in moderation. Fruits like apples and berries should be given as occasional treats due to their high sugar content. Excessive fruit and vegetable intake can reduce water consumption, as your bunny may get hydration from these foods. Consider Oxbow treats or apple and pear sticks, which can help maintain dental health.
Avoid Toxic Foods: Some foods are harmful to rabbits and should be avoided entirely. These include chocolate, caffeine, avocado, yogurt drops, bread, onions, garlic, cauliflower, potatoes, raisins, parsnips, and the stems of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Rabbits are herbivores and should not be given any meat products.
Housing
Cage Size: For a suitable cage size, aim for a minimum that is twice the length of your bunny when fully stretched out. Another guideline is to provide 1 square foot of space per pound of rabbit. Ideally, for a bunny weighing 5 pounds or less, the cage should be at least 4 feet by 2 feet.
Hutches: Outdoor hutches can help reduce odors, as rabbits generally don’t smell unless their cages are not cleaned regularly. Urine can create a strong odor if left unattended. Outdoor spaces often provide more room than indoor setups and allow for easier management of rabbit droppings, which can be valuable as garden fertilizer. With wooden hutches, waste falls through, keeping the bedding cleaner. However, be cautious with wire-bottomed hutches, as large gaps can potentially injure your bunny.
Rabbits are sensitive to temperature extremes. They cannot tolerate temperatures above 75°F, especially in direct sunlight, where heat stroke is a risk. Similarly, they are not comfortable in temperatures below 50°F. Ensure they have adequate shade and heating/cooling options, or consider moving them indoors if necessary.
Playpens: Indoor playpens are excellent for giving your bunny more space to explore and for bonding time. Make sure the area is bunny-proofed to prevent accidents, such as chewing on electrical cords. Indoor playpens offer a safer, controlled environment, protecting your bunny from outdoor predators.
Socialization: Keep in mind that not all bunnies are naturally sociable with other rabbits. Many bunnies bond more readily with humans than with other bunnies. Consider this when introducing a new rabbit or when planning to pair your bunny with another.
Keeping a Healthy Bunny
Veterinary Care:
- Regular veterinary visits are essential for maintaining your bunny’s health. Ideally, find a vet with experience in exotic animals for the best care.
- Discuss necessary vaccinations with your vet to protect your bunny from serious diseases like myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD), which can be life-threatening.
Grooming:
- Brush your bunny regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Long-haired breeds require more frequent grooming.
- Trim your bunny’s nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
Dental Health:
- Rabbits have hypsodontic teeth, meaning their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, about 1 cm per month. It is crucial to provide unlimited access to Timothy hay, which helps naturally trim their teeth and prevents dental issues. A diet lacking in hay can lead to problems such as malocclusion (misaligned teeth).
Gastrointestinal Stasis (GI Stasis):
- GI stasis occurs when a bunny’s digestive system slows down, leading to reduced appetite, lethargy, and abnormal droppings. This condition is often caused by a diet high in carbohydrates (like pellets, treats, carrots, and fruit) and low in fiber. When rabbits stop eating, the pH in their digestive tract changes, promoting the growth of gas-producing bacteria, which can lead to painful gas, toxins, organ failure, and even death. Prompt action is crucial if your bunny stops eating for more than 3-4 hours.
- Keep "HealthyGut Probiotics for Rabbits Dietary Supplement" and "EmerAid Sustain Herbivore" on hand for emergencies.
E. cuniculi:
- Encephalitozoonosis, caused by the parasite E. cuniculi, can affect the kidneys, eyes, and nervous system of rabbits. Transmission occurs through contact with infected urine, feces, or other bodily fluids. It can also spread via contaminated bedding, food, or water.
- Neurological Symptoms: These include head tilt, uncoordinated movement, and seizures. In severe cases, paralysis or abnormal postures may occur.
- Kidney Issues: Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, and lethargy due to kidney inflammation.
- Eye Problems: Infections can lead to eye discharge, inflammation, or vision problems, which can sometimes result in blindness.
- Digestive Issues: Although less common, some rabbits may exhibit signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Most rabbits carry E. cuniculi in a dormant state and may show no symptoms until they experience stress or other health issues. Regular monitoring of your bunny’s feces is important; healthy poop should be dry and pellet-shaped which looks like Coco Puffs. Small, rice-like, or soft droppings can indicate health problems and should be addressed promptly.