Rabbit Supply List

Welcome to the world of rabbit ownership! Bringing one of these endearing, long-eared companions into your home is an exciting adventure. But before hopping down the bunny trail, it’s important to get fully prepared with all the right supplies. Raising a healthy, happy rabbit requires more than just a quick trip to the pet store. You need to rabbit-proof your home, stock up on nutritious foods, create a safe habitat, and bunny-ify your lifestyle. This comprehensive rabbit supply guide will walk you through all the do’s and don’ts – from must-have gear to things to avoid. Get ready to learn everything you need to know to give your new fuzzy friend the best possible care!

Food and Nutrition Supplies

Proper nutrition is extremely important for keeping pet rabbits healthy and happy. There are some key supplies you'll need to make sure your bunny's dietary needs are met.

First, select a high-quality pellet feed that is specially formulated for rabbits. Look for pellets that contain at least 18% fiber, limited calcium, and between 14-19% protein. Popular trusted brands include Oxbow and Sherwood Pet Health. Choose an adult formula pellet unless you have a baby or juvenile rabbit. Provide pellets in limited quantities as just one component of a balanced diet.

You'll also need a steady supply of fresh timothy hay, which should make up the bulk of your rabbit's diet. Select a fresher, greener hay rather than one with more yellow and brown hues. Store hay properly in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. Provide hay in a rack or dispenser to prevent waste.

To add variety to your rabbit's diet, stock up on leafy greens and vegetables. Some good veggie choices include romaine lettuce, kale, parsley, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, and small amounts of fruits like blueberries and bananas. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for digestive issues. Wash all produce thoroughly before feeding.

Supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps. Consider a multivitamin or probiotic formulated for rabbits. Calcium and fiber supplements may also be beneficial. Always check with your vet before providing supplements.

You'll want bowls, bottles, and other supplies to provide food and water. Ceramic crocks or heavy bowls work well and are hard to tip over. Choose appropriately sized bottles and change water daily. Scatter feeding is also an option. Having the proper supplies will make your rabbit's meals much easier.

Trusted Brands for Rabbit Food

When it comes to feeding your bunny, you want to choose high-quality foods from brands you can trust. Here are some top recommended brands for rabbit owners:

• Oxbow: This brand is a longtime favorite of rabbit owners and vets. They offer a wide variety of hays and healthy pelleted formulas made from timothy grass. Oxbow pellets have guarantees for fiber and protein content.

• Sherwood Pet Health: Known for their all-natural pellets and treats, Sherwood offers certified organic formulas. Their pellets are extruded for optimal nutrient absorption.

• Small Pet Select: This company specializes in premium hays for small animals. They hand-select and cut each batch of hay. Their timothy and orchard grass hays are must-haves.

• American Pet Diner: They offer various meadow hays and forage mixes that add variety and mimic a natural rabbit diet. Their Fresh 'n Comfy line features vegetarian formulas.

• Standlee: For high-quality grass and legume hays, Standlee is a top choice. Their hays go through strict wash processes to remove mold and dust.

• Supreme Petfoods: Select from their Science Selective pellets scientifically formulated to meet all nutritional needs. They also have organic pellets and hays.

When browsing rabbit food brands, always read the ingredients and guarantees. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, sugars, and high fat/protein amounts. Top brands pride themselves on natural, high-fiber formulas tailored specifically to rabbits.

Housing and Habitat Supplies

To keep your rabbit comfortable and safe, you need to prepare their housing area and habitat supplies:

Start with an appropriately sized cage or habitat. The best options are large dog crates or multi-level rabbit hutches. Make sure your rabbit has enough room to stretch, stand on hind legs, and move around freely.

Inside the habitat, provide substrates like aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, or grass hay. Avoid cedar and pine shavings. Spot clean daily and fully change out the substrate 1-2 times per week.

You'll need food and water dishes that attach securely to the cage walls. Weighted crocks work well. Provide a hay rack to hold a fresh supply inside the cage.

Consider enrichment items like tunnels, boxes, willow balls, and untreated wood chews. These stimulate natural behaviors. Rotating toys keeps things interesting.

For floor time and exercise, bunny-proof your space. Protect cords with plastic tubing and block access to unsafe areas. Get an exercise pen to corral your hopper.

Cleaning supplies like vinegar, diluted bleach, and enzyme cleaners remove odors and bacteria from your rabbit's habitat. Disinfect between new rabbits.

To handle temperature fluctuations, have fans for summer and soft blankets or heating pads for the winter. Keeping the environment comfortable promotes health.

Proper housing and habitat items encourage natural rabbit behaviors and prevent boredom and illness. Update accessories as your rabbit grows.

Miscellaneous Supplies

Beyond housing and nutrition necessities, there are some other must-have supplies for new rabbit owners:

• Grooming tools: A soft bristle brush removes loose hair and encourages bonding. Nail clippers are vital for trimming overgrown claws.

• Litter box and litter: Rabbits can be litter trained. A covered box with non-clumping, unscented litter works best. Place in their typical bathroom corner.

• Exercise pen: Let your rabbit roam while keeping them safely confined with a spacious pen. Look for tall panels that are not easily scaled or chewed through.

• Carrier: For vet visits and travel, invest in a well-ventilated, sturdy carrier. Introduce your rabbit to it slowly to reduce stress.

• Pet first aid kit: Have Styptic powder, gauze, vet wrap, disinfectant, and emergency contact info ready to go. Know bunny CPR techniques.

• Grooming table: Optional but useful for clipping nails and brushing. Look for a padded tabletop and adjustable leash.

• Baby gate: Safely block off areas and contain messy litter habits. Expand space access gradually as training progresses.

• Rabbit-savvy vet list: Establish a relationship with vets experienced in rabbit care before emergencies strike.

Always research to see what items are essentials or non-essentials for your situation. Preparation makes care easier!

What NOT to Get for Pet Rabbits

While getting your rabbit supplies together, there are some things you'll want to avoid:

• Plastic cages or aquariums: Wire cages provide optimal ventilation. Plastic enclosures trap odors, ammonia and heat.

• Wire-bottom cages: Wire floors can damage feet and lead to sores and infection. Provide solid flooring.

• Sunflower seeds or other sugary treats: Steer clear of yogurt drops, nuts, seeds and fruits high in sugar. Stick to healthy greens.

• Cedar or pine shavings: The phenols released from these woods can cause respiratory and liver damage in rabbits.

• Collars: Rabbits should never wear collars, which can strangle them as they hop through cages. Use harnesses only when supervised.

• Retractable leashes: A flexi leash does not provide enough control over a prey animal like a rabbit outside. Use a standard leash and harness.

• Litter with baking soda: Baking soda reacts with urine to form ammonia gas, which irritates rabbit lungs.

• Wire exercise pens: Opt for sturdy plastic panels. Rabbits will chew through and escape wire pens.

• Rodent exercise balls: Unstable and risky for rabbits, exercise balls can overheat and cause spinal injury.

While impulse buys may seem fun, do your research before bringing home inappropriate supplies. Stick to bunny-approved essentials.