Rabbit Care Guide: Everything You Need to Keep Your Bunny Healthy

Rabbits are adorable, gentle, and incredibly loving pets but they need more care than most people realize. If you're planning to bring a bunny home or already have one hopping around your living room, it helps to understand their needs, habits, and daily routines. This Rabbit Care Guide walks you through everything essential to keep your bunny healthy, active, and truly happy.

Rabbits may seem quiet and independent, but they rely on their humans for a safe home, proper nutrition, grooming, mental stimulation, and companionship. With the right approach, your bunny will thrive and form a strong bond with you.

Let’s dive into this beginner-friendly guide built just for rabbit parents.

Understanding Your Rabbit’s Needs

1. Rabbits Aren’t “Easy Pets” — They’re Sensitive Animals

A lot of people assume rabbits require minimal care. In reality, they need attention, space, enrichment, and a consistent routine. They can get lonely, bored, stressed, or sick if not properly cared for.

This Rabbit Care Guide focuses on understanding these needs so you can create a safe, nurturing space for your bunny.

Setting Up a Comfortable Home

1. Provide a Spacious Living Area

Rabbits should never be kept in tiny cages. They need room to stretch, hop, and explore.

What they need:

• A large indoor pen or roomy enclosure

• Enough vertical space to stand on hind legs

• A soft bedding area

• A quiet corner for resting

You can also free-roam your rabbit inside your home once the area is bunny-proofed.

2. Bunny-Proof Your House

Rabbits love chewing, it helps keep their teeth healthy. But this also means they might chew wires, furniture, or harmful objects.

To keep them safe:

• Cover electrical cables

• Keep toxic plants away

• Block small spaces behind appliances

• Remove plastic, rubber, and sharp objects

Bunny-proofing is a huge part of responsible rabbit parenting.

3. Litter Training Your Bunny

Yes, rabbits can be litter trained and they learn fast.

Tips:

• Use a litter box with low sides

• Fill it with rabbit-safe litter (never clumping cat litter)

• Place hay near or above the litter box

• Reward your bunny for using it

Most rabbits naturally pick up this habit once they feel comfortable.

Feeding Your Rabbit the Right Way

1. Hay: The Main Part of Their Diet

About 80% of a rabbit’s diet should be fresh hay. It keeps their digestive system healthy and prevents dental problems.

You can offer:

• Timothy hay

• Orchard grass

• Meadow hay

• Oat hay

Always make sure hay is fresh and available 24/7.

2. Fresh Veggies Are Essential

Greens provide vitamins, hydration, and enrichment.

Safe daily options:

• Romaine lettuce

• Cilantro

• Basil

• Spinach (in moderation)

• Bok choy

• Carrot tops

Introduce new veggies slowly to avoid tummy issues.

3. Limited Pellets

Pellets should be a small part of their daily food, not the main diet.

Choose pellets that are:

• High in fiber

• Low in sugar

• Free from seeds and artificial colors

4. Avoid Sugary Treats

Fruits are fine as occasional treats, but never overdo it.

Safe fruits (in small quantities):

• Apple slices

• Banana pieces

• Berries

• Papaya

This Rabbit Care Guide keeps health first, so moderation is key.

Keeping Your Bunny Healthy

1. Regular Vet Check-Ups

Rabbits are prey animals, so they hide discomfort and illness extremely well.

Regular checks help detect:

• Dental problems

• Stomach issues

• Parasites

• Skin problems

• Ear infections

Visit a rabbit-experienced vet at least once a year.

2. Monitor Their Eating and Pooping

A sudden change in appetite or droppings is a major red flag in rabbits. They can go into GI stasis (a dangerous condition) if they stop eating.

Watch for:

• Small or irregular droppings

• No appetite

• Lethargy

• Hunched posture

If you notice these, seek vet care immediately.

3. Grooming and Nail Trimming

Rabbits groom themselves, but they still need help.

Grooming tips:

• Brush weekly (daily for long-haired breeds)

• Trim nails regularly

• Check ears for wax buildup

• Gently remove loose fur during shedding season

Good grooming prevents health issues and keeps your bunny comfortable.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

1. Daily Playtime

A bored rabbit becomes destructive or anxious. They need daily time outside their enclosure.

Try:

• Tunnels

• Cardboard boxes

• Chew toys

• Puzzle feeders

• Hiding games

• Treat-hunt games

This Rabbit Care Guide recommends at least 2–3 hours of supervised playtime daily.

2. Provide Safe Chew Toys

Chewing is natural and healthy for rabbits. It prevents dental overgrowth.

Good options:

• Wooden blocks

• Hay toys

• Untreated wicker

• Cardboard tubes

Avoid plastic toys that can break and cause injury.

Social Needs and Bonding

1. Rabbits Need Companionship

Rabbits are social animals. They enjoy bonding with humans and, often, other rabbits.

Bonding tips:

• Spend time sitting near your bunny

• Offer treats from your hand

• Pet them gently on the head

• Let them come to you at their own pace

Never force interaction, trust builds slowly.

2. Introducing a Second Rabbit

If you want to adopt a companion rabbit:

Do it slowly:

• Introduce in neutral space

• Supervise all interactions

• Let them bond naturally

A bonded pair becomes happier, calmer, and more confident.

Seasonal Rabbit Care Guide Tips

1. Summer Care

• Keep their area cool

• Offer cool water

• Add ice packs wrapped in cloth

• Avoid direct sunlight

2. Winter Care

• Provide warm bedding

• Keep drafts away

• Ensure indoor housing during cold waves

3. Rainy Season

• Keep their space dry

• Watch for fungal infections

• Avoid damp floor areas

Signs Your Bunny Is Happy

Healthy rabbits show their joy in adorable ways.

Watch for:

• Zoomies

• Binkies (little jumps in the air)

• Flopping on their side

• Purring sounds from teeth grinding

• Following you around

If you see these, your bunny feels safe and loved.

Conclusion

Caring for a rabbit is a rewarding experience filled with affection, trust, and gentle moments. This Rabbit Care Guide helps you understand everything your bunny needs, from diet and grooming to playtime, safety, and emotional care. With the right setup, consistent routines, and lots of love, your rabbit will live a healthy, joyful life by your side. Remember, bunnies may be quiet, but they feel deeply. Every small gesture counts, and every bit of care builds a bond that lasts forever.