Caring For Your Bunny

Below are resource pages that we recommend to get the BEST information on caring for your beloved bunny!

Bringing home your bunny:

When bringing home a new bunny (or bunnies), we typically go by rules of 3:

Any of these signs can indicate a potential illness, infection, parasite, or disease, and you should consult a veterinary clinic as soon as possible:

Appetite loss - this is often the first warning sign of GI Stasis and can be fatal if not addressed quickly.
Diarrhea - rabbit poop should always be solid and round (can occasionally occur when a rabbit is stressed).
Cloudy eyes or discharge from eyes - can be a sign of illness or infection.
Head tilt - this needs to be treated and addressed immediately.
Lethargic or refusing to move - unless the rabbit is stressed, this is usually a sign of GI Stasis or another illness or disease.
Fast, slow, or noisy breathing - can be a sign of respiratory illness or disease.
Open sores, foul smell, worms, fleas, ticks, or other parasites.

1. Housing

Space Needs: A 4’x4’ space is the minimum recommended for a small bunny - the bigger the better and the happier the bunny!
- Bunnies are highly active animals and need space to run, jump, and explore to stay physically and mentally healthy.
- Limited space can lead to boredom, depression, and physical issues such as muscle atrophy.
- Providing enough space allows them to express natural behaviors like binkying (joyful jumps and twists in the air) and zooming around, which helps keep their muscles toned and their minds engaged.
Flooring: Bunnies need carpeted or soft flooring with traction, to protect their feet and prevent sore hocks.
X-Pen:s X-pens (at least 3 feet tall), or something similar can be used to make an excellent space for your bunny, ensuring they have enough room to hop around without jumping out.
Free Roam Option: Bunnies can also be free-roam if your home, or a space in your home, if the area is properly bunny-proofed.

2. Litter Box Setup

Litter Box: Use a large cat litter box with a low entry for easy access. A hooded box is optional but can help contain messes.
Litter Type: Paper bedding or paper pellets like Carefresh or Kaytee are recommended.
Hay Placement: Bunnies like to eat while they poop! Keep the hay in or directly above the litter box, using a large hay holder or hay bag to keep it contained and fresh.
Cleaning Routine: Scoop soiled litter daily and replace with fresh litter. Replace all bedding and clean the entire litter box weekly, or as needed, to prevent odors and respiratory issues.

3. Hay, Food, & Treats

Hay: Provide unlimited fresh Timothy or Orchard Hay. Unlimited access to quality hay is essential for proper digestion and dental health.
Pellets: Choose a high-quality brand like Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food. Follow the feeding guidelines on the bag.
Fresh Greens: Offer fresh greens daily. Spring mix is convenient - ensure any wilted leaves are removed to avoid digestive issues. Avoid providing too much spinach or kale, as it can cause gas and upset stomach.
Treats: Avoid store bought treats with added sugar, nuts, or seeds - Oxbow is always a good choice! Safe fruits or veggies in small amounts can make a healthy treat in small amounts (2”-3” pieces).

4. Water & Bowls

Use a large heavy ceramic or glass water bowl that won't tip over easily. Bunnies can drink as much water as a small dog. Avoid using water bottles, as they don’t allow for them to drink enough water and can lead to neck issues.
Use a food bowl that is heavy enough to stay put during mealtime. You can also sprinkle it on to the ground for foraging, use a puzzle toy, baby stacking cups, or snuffle mat for pellets.

5. Enrichment & Toys

Without enough mental and physical stimulation, bunnies can become stressed or destructive.

Engaging toys and hideouts encourage play and exploration, which helps prevent boredom and keeps their minds sharp.

Toys made from untreated, safe materials such as willow, hay, palm leaf, and wood.
Tunnels, hideaways, and cardboard boxes are great for hiding and resting spaces.
Paper towel or toilet paper tubes as DIY toys.

6. Health & Emergency Supplies

Critical Care: Critical Care is essential to have on hand in case of GI stasis or other health emergencies. It has essential nutrients and helps support digestion. Infant Gas Drops: Relieves gas pain.
What is GI stasis? GI stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition where a rabbit's digestive system slows down to the point that it stops functioning completely. This can occur for various reasons, such as stress, pain, dehydration, a poor diet (low in fiber), or an underlying illness. Signs to watch for include loss of appetite (especially refusing treats), reduced or no droppings, lethargy, hiding or hunching up more than usual, grinding teeth, and a bloated or tender belly. Early intervention is crucial, as GI stasis can worsen quickly and become fatal if left untreated. In the case of an emergency, contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately. Learn more about GI stasis here: rabbit.org/care/gi-stasis.

Bunny Supplies Checklist:

Additional resources:

Below are some links to websites and videos we recommend for rabbit care.

Websites we recommend for rabbit care:

YouTube videos (they also have TONS more videos on rabbit care and education):

All bunnies adopted from Bunanza come with lifetime support. Reach out to us at Bunanzarabbit@gmail.com!