Bunny Information & Care

Bunny Essentials Checklist

1. Rabbit hutch with preferably a PVC coated wire bottom.  Shop around. These go on sale and prices fluctuate. Check FB marketplace and craigslist! 

2. A water source.Bunnies need unlimited access to water. We have an automatic drip system but either of these options this will work great!

3. Unlimited Timothy hay daily. I use a bail of hay from our local feed store

4. I like to use these hay bags; 

5. Pellets. Please keep in mind if you feed only pellets your rabbit will not have enough opportunity to wear down their constantly growing teeth. Kalmbach pellets are required the first few weeks you can switch them to what you want after that. Your bunny will come with some to start you off with. Mix half and half with the new food if you choose to switch. Then gradually add more of the new food until the old food is gone. 

6. Treats after 3-4 months of age they can have small amounts of dark leafy greens only, no ice-burg lettuce. Kale, spinach, herbs, bananas, strawberry tops, and apples are what they are used to in very tiny amounts. If you are allowing them to have grass outside, dandelions or, garden greens just be sure they do not have any chemicals on them. Be careful not to give them too many treats at once or they can get mushy poop. A bunny has two kinds of poop soft clusters(they eat these for digestion but you will still see some) and hard dry balls. Runny/liquid poop is a sign something is off. Some rusty red/orange and darker pee is fine as long as its not frequent. Orange and red usually means they are protein dumping and are getting to much protein. 

7. A mat to rest on to get off the wire.

8. Pellet feeder. 

9. Scatterless litter pan with wire over it. Needs to be big enough for them to turn around in. To keep any odor away be sure to empty the litter pan frequently. I use white vinegar 1/2 and 1/2 with water to clean my hutches, litter pans and trays. I rinse with hot water then spray them, then rinse again. Or check out this trick from Ellie’s Rabbitry – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piyYphPGc24

10. Equine pine pellets for litter in litter pan to soak up urine and keep odor away-at tractor supply

11. Toys chew kabobs, toss toys whatever you like. My favorites are toilet paper rollers full of hay and cleaned pine cones. They are free and they love them.  

12. An exercise pen for outdoor exercise or indoor cage or habitat. They need time outside their kennel regularly. They love to run and jump!  Never leave your bunny unattended outside of its cage unless the room it’s in is bunny proofed. They will chew on wood and wires. Do not leave them unattended outside either, predators can kill them if they are not protected in their cage. 

13. You can use people nail clippers for their nails. Nails should be trimmed every 6 weeks.  

14. A comb. I comb mine when they are shedding during shedding season when the weather changes. A fine tooth comb is good to have.

 15. A place to hide. A small box for them to sleep in or cat bed is optional if your cage doesn’t have a nesting box/bedroom with solid floor.(no wire) I use small plastic totes and cut a hole in the front. I fill the bottom frequently with fresh straw or straw mats. This way they use it as both a private area and a perch.  

16. If your bunny is outdoors make sure it’s protected from the elements. Heated water bottles are good for winter. Frozen bottles and fans  are great for the summer. Shade is absolutely necessary.

17. A pet carrier to pick up your bunny with and take with you wherever you would like to go. A hard sided one might be best as some bunnies will chew on the soft ones.

18. First Aid Kit. More on this later.

19. Spaying and neutering your bunny will make them a better pet and have less risk of ovarian and testicular cancer. Talk to your vet about setting up an appointment between 4-5 months of age.

20. Time, Love and Tenderness! Give your bunny the time they need to adjust to their new home. They will be so thankful and so will you!

Please always feel free to reach out and ask us questions! It is important to us that both you and your bunny get the support you need!