Bunny Care Sheet

Food & Water

We use Blue Bonnet rabbit food pellets from Chewy.com. I love this food because it has no corn & also includes prebiotics & probiotics. We do not recommend changing pellets. If you do switch, it needs to be done over a one week period MINIMUM. Some appropriate alternate foods are Oxbow, Purina, Blue Seal, & Manna Pro. Steer clear of anything with seeds, pieces of colored food, and fruit.
Your bunny should have timothy and/or meadow hay at all times. Alfalfa hay can be given up to 6 months, but will cause urinary issues after that. Oxbow has the best hay. White, thick urine can indicate urinary issues.
Our babies learn to drink water out of a bowl. If you choose to switch to a water bottle, both options should be available until your bunny learns to use it, Adding 1 tbsp Pedialyte to the water bottle may encourage the bunny to switch more readily & is also good for hydration in summer months.
We also recommend adding 1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar to the water for a variety of health benefits.
No fruits, veggies, or treats until after 4 months of age when their digestive system is more mature. Then, you can introduce slowly & in moderation. Avoid pet store treats with corn, rice, and seeds. Natural and fresh is best, especially herbs like parsley.

Cages

We suggest getting the biggest cage that your space & budget allow. Our favorite cage is the x-large oxbow cage with playpen for its amount of space & easy cleaning. Other options are the living world x-large habitat or a large dog crate with a shelf added can also be made nice!
It's best to let your bunny free roam as much as possible only putting them up to sleep. You will have a better bond with your bunny & they will be so happy.
You do not need any bedding or "fluff" for the bottom of the cage. If it is a wire bottom, then a ceramic tile is a good option to give your bunny's hocks a rest. Beds & towels will usually get soiled because the bunny gets comfortable, doesn't want to move, and potties on it.

Litter Box Training

Start by selecting a suitable tray. We prefer to use cat litter boxes, but plastic containers or other shallow containers work as well. Corner litter trays are fine for babies, but are quickly outgrown.
For litter, equine pine pellets work fantastic. They do not make a mess, cover smell well, and are very absorbent. Recycled paper pellets are also a good alternative. Do NOT use shavings or clay based cat litters. These can be harmful to your bunny's health.
Rabbits love to eat hay & poop at the same time. We litter train them taking advantage of that fact! Hay racks above the litter box or putting hay in the corner of the litter box will encourage your bunny to continue to use the litter box.

Spay & Neuter

We recommend getting male & female bunnies altered at 4-6 months, the earlier the better.
Male & female bunnies will spray & leave territorial poops if not altered making potty training & letting bunny free roam very difficult.
Both genders can become aggressive towards you if not altered and will also fight each other until death if you have two of the same gender.
Your bunny's chance of getting cancer & other health issues is greatly reduced, lengthening life span.
Do not fast your bunny before surgery. Bunnies cannot vomit so there is no need to pull food & water. You actually put your bunny at risk for GI stasis if you do take away food & water which is life threatening.

Other Information

Do not bathe your bunny ever! Only give butt baths in warm water with dawn or baby shampoo if absolutely necessary.
Do not hold your bunny flat on its back. It may seem relaxed, but it is a fear response and cannot move.
Trim your bunny's nails every few weeks with cat nail clippers. We get ours from tractor supply on an end cap for a few dollars.
Always support your bunny's butt when holding. They do prefer to be on the ground since they are prey animals. They are much happier with head scratches.
Your bunny licking you is a sign of love. Zoomies are when they run super fast. Binkies are when they jump & kick out. These mean your bunny is excited & happy. A bunny flops when content & relaxed. They lay stretched out on their side.
Diarrhea, not eating, lethargy, or any other odd behavior is not normal. Do not ever do the "wait & see" approach with your bunny. They can go downhill very fast. I am more than happy to help with concerns anytime, but it is good to have an emergency vet on call.
Bunnies do well in the cold if outside as long as they have protection from the wind. The summer heat is very hard on them. They need shade, fans, cold things like tiles & water bottles to lay on, & misters if possible. It is best to bring them inside during the heat of the day though.