Rabbit aka Bunny

About: Rabbits originally became popular as a source of fur and food. They were highly encouraged during both world wars to have at home as a source of meat and clothes. They became popular to breed as people began experimenting and breeding for certain coat colors and traits (such as floppy ears being a trait caused by domestication).
​Housing: Many don't realize that bunnies should not be housed in cages/hutches. The minimum living space for one bunny is 8 square feet of unbreakable floor space (12 preferred/also dependent on size of rabbit). This living space should have all of their necessary items. In addition to this living space, they should also have access to an exercise space that is at least 32 square feet of unbreakable floor space.
Environment: Rabbits thrive in environments where temperature can be controlled, such as living indoors. If living outdoors, they are exposed to constant changes in temperature. Rabbits also should be safe from predators and have a clean living space that reduces chances of parasites/disease.
Toys/Enrichment: Bunnies love to chew! Providing them with opportunities to act naturally is important. This means having a constant supply of safe chews, even some puzzles or interactive toys, is a great way to keep them healthy and entertained. A dig box is also a great option as rabbits naturally enjoy burrowing.
Diet: Bunnies need unlimited hay (Timothy preferrably, but Orchard Grass can also be fed unlimited). They should also be fed a fortified pellet that is also hay based. Brands we recommend are: Oxbow Essentials, Small Pet Select, and Sherwood.
Grooming: ​Rabbits are self-cleaners. They do their best to groom themselves but sometimes they need help from their hoomin. Every couple months, rabbits go through shedding/molting as needed.
Safe Veggies (*means to limit these foods to 1-2 times a week at most)
  • Romaine lettuce, Green leaf or red leaf lettuce, Arugula, Spinach*, Kale*, Parsley, Cilantro, Butter Lettuce, Dill, Zucchini, Radicchio, Bell peppers, Chinese pea pods, Basil, Broccoli*, Carrots*, Celery, Cabbage (any type), Dandelion greens, Cucumber, Green beans, Summer squash, Brussel sprouts*, Cauliflower leaves, Turnip greens, Bok Choy, Mint, Radish tops, Thyme, Watercress, Mustard greens*, Zucchini squash
Safe Fruits (limit to once a week at most)
  • Cherries, Oranges, Apples, Pears, Strawberries, Grapes, Blueberries, Kiwi, Papaya, Peaches, Cranberries, Plum, Pumpkin, Raspberries, Bananas, Apricots, Mango, Cantaloupe, Passionfruit, Nectarine, Peach, Pineapple
Unsafe Foods (If you’re not sure if it is safe, don’t feed it)
  • Chocolate, Candy, Caffeine, Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms, Iceberg Lettuce, Avocados, Nuts, Potatoes, Seeds, Corn, Peanut Butter, Dairy, Bread, Meat
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