Bunny Care Guide

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 Food and Water

We use Kalmbach 16% rabbit food pellets from a local feed mill. With every bunny we sell we provide a bag of our food that you can use to transition from our food to whatever food you choose to buy.  (1 bag of ours to 2 bags of yours until gone then 100% of your feed.) Some appropriate alternate foods are Oxbow, Purina, and Manna Pro. Do not use anything with seeds, pieces of colored food, and fruit. 

Your bunny should have unlimited amounts timothy and/or meadow hay at all times. Alfalfa hay can be given up to 6 months of age but will cause urinary issues after that. We get our hay at the local feed mill also. White, thick urine can indicate urinary issues. 

Our babies learn to drink water out of a bowl but also have bottles available. You can choose to switch to a water bottle. Adding 1 tablespoon of Pedialyte to the water bottle may encourage the bunny to switch more readily and is also good for hydration in the hot summer months. We also recommend adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water for the health benefit it provides. 

No fruits, veggies, or treats until after 6 months of age.  They have very sensitive digestive systems, and their bellies are more mature after 6 months. Then, you can introduce treats slowly, in moderation, and very small amounts. Do not feed them pet store treats that contain corn, rice, and seeds. Fresh is always best, especially herbs or vegetables like kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro, or mint. Never feed them iceberg lettuce.

Cages

We suggest getting the biggest cage that your space and budget allow. It's best to let your bunny free roam, if possible, only putting them up to sleep. You will have a better bond with your bunny, and they will be very happy. We realize this is not possible for every situation so do what works best for you and your family.

Litter Box Training

Start by selecting a suitable container such as cat litter boxes, plastic containers or other shallow containers. Corner litter trays are quickly outgrown. For litter, equine pine pellets work the best and are inexpensive, they do not make a mess, cover smell well, and are very absorbent. Paper bedding is also a good alternative but we do not recommend anything colored or scented as these can cause allergy issues. It is best to not use wood shavings or clay-based cat litters. These can be harmful to your bunny. Place your hay racks above the litter box or put hay in the corner of the litter box to encourage your bunny to use the litter box.

Spay and Neuter

Most vets recommend getting male & female bunnies altered at 6 months. Male and female bunnies will spray and leave territorial poops if not altered making potty training and letting bunny free roam more difficult. Keep in mind this is a very expensive and risky procedure and vets who perform these procedures are very limited and considered specialized.

Maintenance Care

Bunnies never need a bath! Only give butt baths in warm water with dawn dish soap or baby shampoo if and when absolutely necessary. 

Trim your bunny's nails once a month with cat nail clippers.

Always support your bunny's butt when holding them. They do prefer to be on the ground since they are prey animals. They are much happier with head scratches. 

Your bunny licking you is a sign of love. Zoomies are when they run super-fast. Binkies are when they jump and kick their feet out. These mean your bunny is excited and happy. A bunny flops when content and relaxed. They lay stretched out on their side. 

Diarrhea, not eating, lethargy, or any other odd behavior is not normal. It is good to have an emergency vet on call. Make the call... do not wait!