Rabbit Care
Food & Water
Pellets: Holland Lops and Mini Rexes are dwarf breeds, so they don't need a lot of pellets. I feed each of my bunnies 1/4-1/2 cup of pellets once a day. The pellets should be greenish, and smell strongly of grass/hay. Pellets that are brown usually have a lot more fillers, like corn or soy, which aren't healthy for bunnies. Another type of feed for bunnies is known as "muesli", which is a mixture of little treats and some pellets. This is very unhealthy, since bunnies pick out the sugary treats and don't eat the pellets that they actually need. Hay: Bunnies should always have unlimited access to timothy, orchard, and/or oat hay. This provides the necessary fiber and proteins that bunnies need to stay healthy. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems, so it is very important for them to have hay available at all times. Hay is usually very affordable if you buy it by the brick, which is what we use. Water: Rabbits always need fresh water- THIS IS CRUCIAL!!! Since they have such delicate digestive systems, they need to have water to help speed up digestion. Often times, bunnies won't even eat if they don't have fresh, clean water. You can use a water bottle, or a crock. Make sure the crock is heavy, so your bunny can't knock it over. We highly recommend using a water bottle, since it cannot get tipped over, and the water always stays clean. Litter Training Starting out: All of our bunnies are litter trained, and we do our best to train our babies to use a box. When you get your new bunny from us, it is exposed to a lot of new smells, which could influence the training process. Purchase a good-sized bin or litter box, and fill it with dust-free shavings, straw, or pelleted litter. Place a small amount of fresh hay on one side of the box, so your bunny can eat and "go" at the same time. Often times, rabbits will pick a corner or side of their enclosure to do their business on. Simply put the box where you see the most droppings, and your bunny should get the idea and start using it! Spaying/neutering Why should I neuter my bunny?
Hutches: Rabbit hutches should be made out of durable material that can withstand weather (if outdoors). Bunnies can overheat easier than they can become cold. Any temperatures over 85°F can become dangerous, so you should either bring your bunny inside, or put a frozen water bottle in their hutch to cool them down. Make sure your bunny is getting enough exercise every day (at least 2-3 hours). X-Pens or C & C cages: Personally, I love these types of enclosures. They are very spacious, and flexible, so you can arrange them however you'd like. They are also very affordable, and you can buy them pretty much anywhere. Just make sure it's high enough, so your bunny can't jump out or get injured trying to escape. |