The Happy Bunny: Essentials to Owning a Rabbit

First and foremost, rabbits are not the easy pets most people mistake them for. Becoming familiar with any pet's needs before purchasing, especially a bunny, is essential. The really awesome part about rabbits is that they are social beings, and if cared for properly, you will have a great family member hopping about your home, giving you love and endless entertainment.  

That said, here are the most basic MUST DO'S and DON'TS for any rabbit: 

1.) Never cage a rabbit: Contrary to popular belief, rabbits become depressed and unhappy in cages and can suffer muscle wastage and long-term health problems from being caged. Instead, opt for a playpen-style enclosure, such as a puppy pen. This will ensure your rabbit is properly exercised when left on their own.  

2.) Give your rabbit daily roam time: Let them out in the living room with a litter box and watch them play and zoomie until they flop over exhausted. This is an excellent opportunity to get on the floor with your bunny and work on trust by giving them a healthy treat or some pets.

3.) Proper diet is a 100% MUST:  80-90% of a rabbit's diet is hay; without hay, their digestive tracts cannot continuously keep moving, they can become obese, and suffer a myriad of health problems. Hay is messy but essential.  

• Fresh greens (except iceberg): Romaine, Boston, red leaf, cilantro, bok choy, and many others are all rabbit approved and safe. A small amount of these should be fed daily to maintain optimum health. The recommended amount is six ounces daily for rabbits under three pounds and twelve ounces daily for rabbits over three pounds.

• A healthy pellet: Any variety of Oxbow, as this is a safe and nutritious brand. NEVER feed the colorful varieties with fruit and seeds. I don't know who came up with that ridiculous unhealthy food for them except that it is appealing to the eye and seems fun to the consumer. The recommended amount is 1/4 cup for rabbits under three pounds and 1/2 cup daily for rabbits over three pounds.

• Treats: Oxbow has a large variety of treats as well. Anything with sugar, including carrots and fresh fruit, is considered a treat and can quickly throw off a rabbit's delicate digestion (never yogurt drops, seeds, candy, etc.). Treats should be fed in moderation (1 per day). 

4.) Equally important is to provide your rabbit with enrichment: This can be done with many everyday household supplies such as a toilet paper roll, cardboard boxes for hiding, a ball, etc. There are also many options for purchase, and more importantly, whatever your budget is, this is an easy thing to provide your bunny.  

Lastly, here are some supplies you will need and will save you from high commercial propaganda prices:

● Puppy Exercise Pen over the rabbit cages or hutches sold at pet stores. Rabbits should never be kept in a cage, NOT even the large ones, which cost $100-200.

● A few cheap or old blankets for flooring. Rabbits have no padding on their feet except fur and should never be on hard or wire-bottomed surfaces or be in a cage full of wood or paper shavings.

● Ceramic water bowl, never a water bottle.

● Plastic litter box big enough that it's 2 or 3 times the size of your bunny, over the triangle "rabbit sold ones."

● Compressed wood/paper pellets for litter. Never use cat litter or the fluffy stuff sold for rabbits. You can buy compressed wood pellets at your local Home Depot or Menards by the wood-burning stove feature but make sure there are no additives. 

● At least one hiding house with two exits to simulate their natural habitat. Fun fact rabbits are prey animals; therefore, they always have more than one escape route from their tunnels in the wild for safety. This will help your rabbit feel safe.

We hope this is helpful and gives many bunnies a proper habitat to grow in. You will be so happy seeing the difference in rabbit behavior when they have their essentials and needs met. 

Most importantly, have fun with your bunny. After all, why would you adopt a pet just to let it wither away in a cage... if that's your idea of a family pet, then a stuffed rabbit is right for you!