It can be fun to own a rabbit.Getting the right kind of housing is one of the most important aspects of owning a rabbit.You can compare different housing options after you decide if you want your rabbit to live inside or outside.You can create a healthy environment for your bunny with the right planning and care.
Step 1: Purchase a bunny house.
The average size for a bunny is 6 feet tall by 2 feet wide.The bunny should be able to stretch out in the large enclosure.Purchase a pet store or build your own.There is a bunny hutch that matches your decor.
Step 2: Purchase a rabbit cage for temporary housing.
If you get a rabbit cage, make sure it's the largest one you can find.While in the cage, the rabbit should be able to stretch and move.If you keep your bunny in a smaller enclosure, it's important that you let it out of the cage for a couple of hours a day so that it gets some exercise.If the cage has a wire floor, make sure to put some hay or newspaper down because the wire can hurt your bunny's paws.
Step 3: You should keep your rabbit in a puppy pen.
An affordable alternative to a bunny hutch is a large puppy pen.If you don't want to ruin the floor under the pen, you can lay down a plastic mat.The bunny cannot hop out of the puppy pen if it is large enough.The pen needs to be secured so that your bunny can't lift it up to escape.
Step 4: Provide a structure for your rabbit.
A nest box filled with straw or hay is a good place to keep your bunny warm.You can put the bed in the enclosure that you chose.Pets can be purchased at a pet store or online.You can use towels, baskets, or a grass mat for your rabbit's bed.Make sure that the bedding you choose is not toxic to rabbits and that it isn't something like sawdust or wood shavings.
Step 5: If your house is bunny proofed, you can let the rabbit roam free.
If you have created a safe environment for your bunny, it can be left to roam around in a single room or the entire house.When you're away, keep your bunny in an enclosure and let it go free.The bunny may burrow, hide, or hurt itself if you let it roam around the house while you are gone.
Step 6: Plastic or flex tubing can be used to cover exposed wires.
There are exposed wiring that bunnies are prone to chewing on.This could hurt your rabbit.Wrap the wires in plastic or flex tubing to stop it from chewing on them.You can buy plastic or flex tubing at a hardware store.If you have a rabbit that chews through plastic or flex tubing, insulate your wires with hard PVC pipe to keep them away from the wires.
Step 7: If you have indoor plants, keep them away from rabbits.
Plants are poisonous to rabbits.Make sure the plants you have aren't poisonous by searching online.If they are, hang them from the ceiling, where the rabbits can't reach them.The lilies are poisonous to rabbits.There is a list of toxic plants for rabbits atmedirabbit.com.
Step 8: Corner protectors are needed to prevent damage from chewing.
If your rabbits are prone to chewing on the bottoms of door frames, you can purchase plastic or wood corner protectors from a hardware store to keep them from damaging your home.The protectors should be placed in areas where the rabbit is prone to chewing.
Step 9: Wrap furniture legs with cardboard.
Wrap cardboard around the legs of your furniture.rabbits try to burrow into the bottoms of sofas and chairsYou can keep rabbits out of your furniture by taping a piece of cardboard over it.
Step 10: If you want to keep your other rabbit company, consider getting a second rabbit.
Rabbits need to interact with either a human or another rabbit on a regular basis.Getting another bunny will keep your rabbit happy.rabbits can keep each other warmBoth of your bunnies should be neutered or spayed.It's best to have a male and female together.
Step 11: Keep your rabbits indoors.
One side protects your rabbits from the elements and the other lets air and light in.If you have rabbits, make sure you get one that is big enough for them.The rabbits should be able to move around in the large enclosure.The average size for a bunny is 6 feet tall by 2 feet wide.If you keep your rabbits indoors, you need to let them out for a few hours a day to get exercise.It can get too hot in the summer.Get a piece of furniture made of wood.
Step 12: There is a wooden shed where you can house your rabbits.
A 10 feet x 6 feet garden shed is big enough for your rabbits to hop around and provides additional protection from predators and the weather.Screened windows or doors should be used for the proper air flow in the shed.You can drill holes into the shed if there are no windows or doors.It's a great idea to put wire mesh over a doorway or window.
Step 13: There is a nest box in the rabbits' house.
A nest box will keep your bunnies warm during cooler temperatures.Put the nest box inside of the rabbits' housing and fill it with hay or straw so that your rabbits have something to gnaw on.
Step 14: Animals should be brought inside during extreme temperatures.
The best weather for rabbits to live in is 50 F (10C) - 75 Emphasizes the fact that rabbits are greatly affected by the elements.If the weather dips below or rises above those temperatures, you should move your bunnies inside.You can purchase a rabbit enclosure at a pet store.During the summer, keep your rabbit housing in the shade.
Step 15: Purchase a hay feed for your rabbit.
Grass hay is the main food source for most rabbits, so it's important that you get a bunny hay feeder that will provide a constant stream of hay to your bunny throughout the day.There are rabbit hay feeders available from a pet store or online.Adult rabbits prefer timothy, grass, and oat hays, while younger rabbits should be fed alfalfa grass.
Step 16: Add vegetables to your rabbit's diet.
The rabbit needs vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.You can give it vegetables like basil, lettuce, and bok choy.If you want to see how your rabbit reacts to fresh vegetables, introduce them slowly.A rabbit should be fed 1 cup of greens each day.Don't feed your rabbit too many carrots because they are high in sugar.
Step 17: Get your rabbit a water bottle or bowl.
A medium sized bunny should have at least 50 liters of water per day.A water bottle can be used to attach the inside of your bunny cage.Water bowls should be washed once a week.
Step 18: Purchase a litter box for your pet.
rabbits use a litter box to go to the bathroomThe rabbit can easily get in and out of the litter box.rabbits like to eat hay while they go to the bathroom or you can place the litter box near a corner that the rabbit already uses.When filling the litter box, make sure that you use paper-based litters because clumping and scented litter can be toxic to rabbits, who tend to eat litter from time to time.
Step 19: Train your rabbit to use the litter box.
Some rabbits will use the litter box due to its smell, while others will need to be given a treat after they use it.If your rabbit isn't using its litter box, move it to the area where it usually goes and see if it uses it.Negative reinforcement is never used to train a rabbit.It can become frightened of you.
Step 20: Take your rabbit to the vet.
Take your rabbit to the vet if you notice that it is sick or weak.The US doesn't recommend vaccinations for rabbits, but the UK does.
Step 21: Allow your rabbit to run for a while.
Make sure you have enough space for your rabbit to exercise.You can give the rabbit toys to play with so that they can spend some of their energy.This is important if you've kept it in a cage for a long time.If you allow your rabbit to exercise outside, make sure it is inside an enclosure or it will run away.