How to Care for a Pet Bunny
It is Bunny Season and while I don’t necessarily think bunnies belong in Easter Baskets they still pop their sweet little faces out of them all over the world. If you are going to get a bunny it is important to know how to care for them. This post is just the basics of what you will need and the care they require.
Bunnies are not dolls and they do require care but they can make really great pets!
Bunnies are not only cute and cuddly, but they make excellent domestic pets as well. If you are considering a bunny for your home, you will want to be sure you have everything you need to take proper care of them. Below you will find some helpful tips on how to care for a pet bunny and make sure it gets all of the care and attention that it needs. Here is what you need to know about caring for bunnies and how to make your home their forever home!
First, let’s take a look at the supplies you will want to have on hand.
How to Care for a Pet Bunny – the necessities:
1. Bunny cage, crate, or pen. It should be large enough for the bunny to stretch out and hop in. The cage should be high enough for the bunny to stand on his back feet. Don’t forget there should also be plenty of room for toys and enrichment activities, an area for sleeping, one for eating / drinking, and a separate area for potty time.
2. Food bowls. Opt for heavy bowls that can’t be flipped over.
3. Water bottle
4. Bunny bedding such as soft wood shavings or prepackaged bunny bedding.
5. Bunny pellet food
6. Fur brush – bunnies benefit greatly from regular grooming in order to keep their fur soft and clean.
7. Chew toys – these toys help keep bunny teeth in check. They help keep them clean and dental disease free.
How to Care for a Pet Bunny – bunny proof your home
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Before bringing your new friend into it it is time to bunny proof your home! Bunny proofing your home will keep not only the bunny safe but your home in good condition as well. It is important to bunny proof because your new bunny will enjoy time out of its crate.They enjoy hoping around the house and spending time with you. They are extremely social animals and have been known to become best friends with dogs and cats. Thought we recommend extreme caution during the introduction.
1. Remove any houseplants that may be toxic. Or, keep them well out of reach of a roaming rabbit.
2. Protect wires (and the bunny!) with PVC tubing. If this isn’t an option, keep all wiring as far off the floor as possible.
3. Provide the bunny plenty of chew toys to encourage her to chew on them as opposed to furniture or cords.
How to Care for a Pet Bunny – Keeping Your Bunny Healthy!
1. Take your bunny to the vet once a year for a basic check up and any vaccinations they may need. Pick a vet who specializes in small breed animals. This might not seem important but many practices do not have a vet that has specialized in the care of your new bunny. Veterinarians generally focus on the care of Dogs and Cats and while you might convince your regular veterinarian to do the basics for your bunny. Your really need a specialist especially in a big city. Don’t worry you can ask your regular vet for a recommendation. If you don’t have a vet you can call your local Animal Hospital to see if they have a specialist. If they don’t the staff that answers the phone should be able to make a recommendation of someone local for you. The larger the practice the more likely they have a Vet ready to care for your bunny!
2. Keep nails trimmed. You may wish to consult a vet for this since over clipping can cause pain and damage. Most veterinarians are happy to work with you on home care for your pet or offer walk in services for things that prove to be beyond your skill set.
3. Keep your bunnies mind stimulated! Give them games and toys that make them think or serve a dual purpose like dental chews. Don’t let your bunny become a bored bunny.
PhotoCredit: © Fotografaw | Dreamstime.com – Eating Rabbit Photo
Thank you for spreading the word,great post,xx Rachel and Speedy
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My in laws had rabbits and I loved to see them when I went over there, but they moved and relocated the rabbits to a new home last year.
Interesting and Informative tips. i would like to know if Rabbits really like Carrots or is that just a myth
I used to raise rabbits for show and these are great tips. Particularly keeping them away from wires. I learned that one the hard way.
The only time I have had a pet bunny in the house was when we were watching one for school, this is when I was a kid. It pooped all over our couch.
This is great info! I know a lot of people get bunnies for pets this time of year so this is timely information. 🙂
These are great tips for taking care of a pet bunny. I would never have thought to find a specialist vet, but it makes sense!
We gave up on pet bunnies. Now we have cats
I have never had a bunny, close to it guinea pig. They are cute animals but a lot of cleaning up and maintenance. My kids want a bunny but I do not have time to take care of an animal.
I’ve never had a bunny but I have a friend who is thinking of getting one. I’m sending this to her right now!
I know so many people who get a Bunny and don’t realize how much work they really are. This is a great list. Thanks for sharing.
I have a friend who loves her bunnies but we prefer our larger animals-cats and dogs.
I hope that people read this and see that having a bunny is a big responsibility! I hope they think twice before giving their kids one for Easter!
My daughter wanted to get one of these for a while. This is really useful info!
My childhood babysitter had a bunny that lived in her bathroom! He was litter trained. I’ll never forget him!
Bunnies are really cute! Thanks for the tips on caring for them!
I don’t know much about bunnies. Thanks for giving me some helpful tips.
A few months ago we bought my son his first pet. A bunny was on the list but we went with a turtle since my son has allergies.
I did consider a bunny last summer. We saw one at the fair for sale. I opted out last minute…it would have been cool though. 🙂
I really can use this information. I’ve had rabbits before and didn’t have great luck with them.
My niece has a bunny. Fluffy is part of the family
great advice. Many don’t understand what all it takes to care for a bunny.
I always wanted a bunny. Thank you for the tips.
This is so helpful in knowing what to expect after buying a bunny!
That is really good to know. Especially if I ever get a bunny.
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Awww this brings back memories! We had a bunny when I was little!
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My son has always wanted a bunny. I am not so sure I do, but they are so dang cute!
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Remember to keep your bunnies WARM people!
What adorable little bunny rabbits! I love bunnies, I always had them growing up, I took really good care of my sweet little bunnies! Thanks for spreading the word that bunnies need as much care & commitment as any other pet.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv them
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My kids have recently become fascinated in bunnies, and have been begging me to get one. I don’t know the first thing about taking care of them, however, so I have been resistant to let them get one. I appreciate the tip to take the bunny to the vet who specialized is small breed animals. I didn’t know that there were specialist vets, so making sure that I look into the right kind of doctor for the bunny will make it more likely to live a more healthy life. Thanks for the tips!
My daughter has been asking for a bunny for her birthday, and while I think it would be a wonderful addition to the family, I’ve been a little worried about her being able to care for it. However, after reading this post about caring for them, I think she could handle taking care of a rabbit, especially if we take it to the vet or local animal hospital at least once a year. Do you know what signs I should be aware of that could indicate the bunny is not well?
I didn’t know bunnies needed chew toys! When I was looking at the bunny supply aisle, there was food and enclosure decorations, and different types of cages, books, and some collars. But I did not see any chew toys. Could I use one from the dog aisle, or do they need something special?
I have a good friend who owns two pet bunnies. She has asked me to watch them for her for a few days next month, but I have no idea how to take care of bunnies! I’m glad to see a list like this. I wouldn’t have thought about them flipping over their food bowls!
Hey Felissa
I am thankful to you for sharing this information with everyone.
These are the amazing tips which each and every owner of pup should have.
Really like the way you have explained everything. 🙂
Thanks for the great article. My daughter has been wanting a pet and I think a bunny would be great. They are small, gentle and are cute. I am curious about vaccinations, what kinds do they need?
Hi Felissa,
I would say this is really a cute post because, when I hear of bunny an image comes in my mind of cuteness.
Afcourse as a pet you want a cute, intelligent, active and safe pet. That’s why most of people opt for bunny.
But I did not know so much about bunny before reading this post. Now i can’t stop myself to buy a pair of bunnies for my house.
Thanks a lot for the post.
Care for your pets and Care for your family!
With regards
Saurav
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