Welcome fellow rabbit lovers! Getting a new bunny? Eager to learn the inside scoop on all the best rabbit products and care tips from litter training to diet? You’ve come to the right place! We’re unveiling everything you need to know to give your long-eared friend the happiest home. From choosing the perfect spacious habitat, to picking brain-stimulating toys, to learning proper handling techniques, we’ll cover it all. You’ll hop away well-informed and ready to stock up on the very best supplies for your bunny. Let’s dive in to the wonderful world of fabulous rabbit care!
Treats
Treats are an important part of a rabbit's diet and can be used for bonding and training. When choosing treats for your rabbit, look for healthy options that are low in sugars and calories. Some good treat options include:
Oxbow Simple Rewards. These are timothy hay based treats that are low in calories. They come in fun shapes that rabbits enjoy chewing.
Fruit and veggie pieces. Small pieces of fruit like bananas, strawberries, apples are usually appreciated by rabbits. Just be sure not to overdo it as rabbits have sensitive digestive systems. Veggies like romaine lettuce, cilantro, kale and broccoli make great low calorie treats.
Herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, mint, and cilantro are rabbit favorites. You can offer a small sprig as an occasional treat. Be sure they are washed thoroughly.
Hay cubes or sticks. Compressed hay products provide rabbits with long-lasting chewing entertainment. Great for keeping their teeth healthy.
Extruded rabbit treats. Extruded rabbit treats like Kaytee Fiesta Yogurt Dipped Strawberries provide crunchy texture and fruit flavor rabbits enjoy.
No added sugar yogurt drops. Unsweetened yogurt drops are loved by most rabbits. Offer in moderation.
When giving treats, small pieces about the size of your fingernail are sufficient. Overfeeding treats can lead to gastrointestinal upset and obesity. Aim to give no more than 1-2 teaspoons of treats daily. Focus more on providing a balanced main diet of hay, pellets, and vegetables. Save treats for occasionally rewarding good behavior and bonding with your rabbit. Monitor your rabbit's weight and health and adjust treats as needed.
Enclosure
Choosing the right enclosure is one of the most important rabbit owner decisions. Rabbits require enough room to stretch and move around as well as hideboxes to feel secure. Some good enclosure options include:
Large dog crates or puppy pens. A good starter option, many rabbit owners begin with a large dog crate or an exercise pen to allow space for a litter box, hide box, and toys. Look for crates at least 4 ft x 2 ft in size or an exercise pen that is 4 ft x 4 ft.
Rabbit condos. Custom multi-level rabbit cages provide ramps, hideouts, scratching posts and elevated sleeping areas. Midwest, Aivituvin and Prevue are quality rabbit cage brands. Make sure to get one large enough to provide at least 4 sq ft of space.
X-pens. Exercise pens that are at least 4 ft x 4 ft can be configured into custom enclosures. They allow versatile layouts with space for litter boxes, toys, and sleeping quarters. Cover the floor with a rug or mat for traction.
Freestanding wire pens. Wire pens by brands like Tespo Pet Playpen provide maximum ventilation and visibility. Look for tall height models to prevent escape. Be sure to include a raised floor or mats for foot comfort.
Baby gates. Baby gates are an affordable way to section off a rabbit-proofed room or rabbit run area. Use extra tall styles that are at least 30 inches high.
Whatever enclosure you choose, make sure to provide toys, hay, litter boxes, and hiding spots. Open enclosures allow the most space but be sure they are fully rabbit proofed to avoid destructive chewing. Monitor your rabbit's adjustment to their home for signs of stress.
Toys
Toys are vital enrichment for rabbits to keep them engaged and entertained. Be sure to provide a variety of toy types including chew toys for teeth and digging toys for instincts. Recommended rabbit toy options:
Willow balls and sticks. One hundred percent natural willow wood satisfies chewing urges safely. Apple sticks and loofah balls are favorites.
Tunnels. Rabbits love running through and hiding in tunnels. Look for soft, smooth interiors without rigid wires.
Treat balls. Rolling treat balls allow rabbits to paw and nose them to access hidden treats inside. Great for encouraging exercise.
Digging boxes. Fill boxes with soil, sand, or shredded paper for curious rabbits to dig and burrow in. Supervise to prevent ingestion.
Tossing toys. Lightweight plush or plastic balls in fun shapes can be tossed for chasing and nudging. Popular options include crinkle balls, rattles and keys.
Activity mats. Interlocking foam mats with ramps, tubes and lookout perches build activity centers. Better than flat floors.
Slumber balls. Plush faux fur mounds or doughnut shaped cushions become nesting spots for sleep and security.
Rotate toys weekly to keep things interesting. Provide at least three toys at a time for enrichment. Be sure to monitor all toys for safety and discontinue use if signs of destruction, chewing or consumption are seen.
Other Accessories
Beyond the basics of food, housing and toys, there are other rabbit accessories that are helpful to have on hand including:
Litter boxes. Essential for any home with a house rabbit. Corner style boxes with low entry work best. Need at least one box per rabbit.
Litter box liners. Disposable puppy pads or reusable cloth liners for quick cleaning. Absorb messes and cut down odor.
Litter. Use paper based litters like Carefresh or Yesterday's News. Avoid softwood or scented varieties.
Hay rack. Mounted hay racks keep hay clean and off the floor. Minimize waste.
Water bowl or bottle. Durable ceramic bowls or stainless steel bottles provide clean drinking water. Bottles help limit messes.
Nail clippers. Blunt tip clippers for quick, painless claw trims. Helps prevent painful sores from scratches.
Brush. A soft brush keeps their coat tidy and helps reduce shedding. Look for ones made for sensitive skin.
Pet carrier. For transport and vet visits, an airline approved carrier with multiple exits is essential.
Exercise pen. For playtime away from home base. Set up temp pens for roaming when supervised.
Baby monitor. Keep an eye on bunny remotely with video monitors and two way talk features.
Investing in the right supplies will help make rabbit care easy and enjoyable. Focus on items that keep them healthy, engaged, and simplify cleaning. Quality products designed specifically for rabbits will go a long way.
Rabbit Proofing
Before setting your rabbit loose at home, be sure to fully rabbit proof any area they will have access to. Rabbits are notorious chewers and love investigating every nook. Take these steps to create a safe space:
Block cords and wires. Protect all electric cords and smaller wires with plastic tubing. Rabbits can easily chew through and get electrocuted.
Remove houseplants. Houseplants should be kept well out of reach, as many common varieties are toxic to rabbits if ingested.
Clear clutter. Remove piles of paper, small objects, and anything else that can be turned into a nest or chew toy.
Protect furniture. Cover the corners of couches, chairs and shelving units with split wire tubing to deter nibbling.
Anchor carpets. Use carpet runners or double sided tape to keep area rugs firmly in place so they can't be bunched or chewed.
Pick up small items. Be diligent about never leaving hair ties, bread bag clips, jewelry or other choke hazards lying around.
Block access. Use baby gates to block off rooms and spaces not suitable for rabbit roaming such as kitchens, bathrooms or utility rooms.
Supervise playtime. When first allowing access to new areas of home, supervise directly to identify problem areas that need improvement. Limit access until fully rabbit proofed.
Bunny proofing your home takes time and diligence but is crucial for safe playtime out of their enclosure. Be sure to re-check proofing periodically as chewing urges and abilities evolve. Limit access if you will be away to prevent unsafe chewing. Take steps to protect your belongings and secure potential hazards to allow safe, supervised home roaming.
Litter Box
A proper litter box setup is essential for maintaining rabbit health and cleanliness at home. Follow these tips:
Corner style box – Low entry corner litter boxes work best. They allow easy entry access for rabbits. Look for sturdy plastic models. Avoid small cat pans.
Liner – Line the box with pellet litter, yesterday's news or puppy pads. Absorbent, non-tracking materials make cleanup easier. Replace frequently.
Litter – Use paper based litters only. Avoid softwood, scented or clumping varieties which can be unsafe if ingested. Dump litter completely each week.
Quantity – Provide at least one box per rabbit, plus one extra. Place boxes in spots they frequent like corners, near play areas and sleeping quarters.
Size – The box should be large enough for your adult rabbit to enter, turn around and exit comfortably. Standard corner boxes work for small to medium size rabbits.
Cleanliness – Scoop solid wastes at least once per day. Empty litter completely every 1-2 weeks to control ammonia odors. Wash with vinegar, rinse and dry completely between litter changes.
Spay/neuter – Fixed rabbits have better litter habits and behaviors. Spaying or neutering is recommended at around 6 months old.
Add hay – Adding a small pile of hay encourages natural grazing behaviors. Just avoid placing right on soiled areas.
Monitor use – If rabbits stop using their boxes, reassess sizes, litter material, number of boxes and placement. Add more boxes in preferred poop spots.
Proper litter habits make owning a house rabbit much more pleasant. Set your rabbit up for success by providing ample large boxes, preferred litters and frequent cleaning. Adjust as needed until you find a routine that works.
Grooming
Grooming is important for rabbits' health and comfort. Here are some tips for easy at home rabbit grooming:
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Brush regularly – Brush several times per week to remove excess fur and help reduce shedding. Use a soft brush made for sensitive skin.
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Check feet – Examine feet and trim long toenails. Blunt tip clippers designed for rabbits help prevent injury.
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Sanitary trim – Keep the fur around rear ends trimmed short to avoid soiling. Carefully trim with rounded tip scissors or electric clippers.
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Ear care – Gently wipe inside ears weekly with unscented baby wipes to remove dirt and wax buildup. Do not insert anything into the canal.
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Shedding aid – During heavy sheds, use a shedding blade, glove or wet hands to help loosen and remove excess coat.
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Hygiene – Spot clean soiled fur as needed with a damp, soap free cloth. Dry thoroughly after to prevent chilling.
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Parasites – Check for any signs of fleas, mites or ringworm which require veterinary treatment. Look for hair loss, Scaling and itching.
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Wet baths – Limit full wet baths only when truly needed. Use lukewarm water and rabbit shampoo sparingly from neck down only. Dry thoroughly.
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Stress – Go slowly, work in short sessions and offer treats. Stop if they struggle excessively or seem agitated.
Daily brushing, weekly ear checks and regular nail trims will keep your rabbit looking and feeling their best. Enlist veterinary help for any signs of skin irritation or parasites. Proper grooming promotes health and bonding with your rabbit.
Training
Like many pets, rabbits can be litter trained, taught to come when called, walk on leash and perform fun tricks with time and consistency. Follow these tips for rabbit training success:
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Clicker – Use a clicker paired with treats to mark desired behaviors precisely. Click the moment they perform the target action.
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Reward based – Stick to positive reinforcement. Use highly motivating treats like pellets or herbs to reward good behavior immediately.
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Patience – Rabbits learn more slowly than dogs. Training happens in small increments over many short sessions. Be patient and persistent.
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Capture behaviors – Catch naturally occurring desirable behaviors like going in the litter box and click/reward to reinforce it.
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Lure and shape – Guide rabbits into position with treats, then reward. Fade the lure over time by delaying giving the treat.
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Target stick – Teach them to touch their nose to a stick on cue. Makes luring for positioning easier.
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Clear cues – Use clear verbal cues like "Come" and visual cues like presenting treats. Be consistent.
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Molding – For behaviors like standing on hind legs, gently mold them into position then click and reward. Fade hands-on guidance over time.
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Pace them – Short, 5 minute sessions are best to maintain interest and prevent frustration.
With dedication, rabbits can master litter habits, come when called, walk on leash and do fun tricks. Training is a great way to engage with your rabbit and strengthen your bond together.