Rabbits are the largest of the small mammals commonly available as pets. Rabbits are playful and curious animals that can make very rewarding pets. There are significant differences between their care and the care of most other small mammals. Consider the general small animal care sheet as a rough guideline, but keep in mind that it is more tailored to smaller, ‘pocket-pet’ type small mammals.

There are many factors to consider before deciding to keep a pet rabbit. They are larger than most other small mammals, and consequently need larger and more expensive housing. Possibly living 10 to 15 years, so they can be long term commitment, rather than a short lived rodent. There are benefits to having them spayed or neutered, and given that they do live for so long it is possible they could need additional veterinary care.

In spite of these issues, rabbits can make wonderful pets. They get to know their owners better than many other small mammals. Additionally, they can be litter box trained, and be kept as a ‘house rabbit’. They can truly become more of a family pet than a small rodent living in a glass cage.

If you do decide to get a pet rabbit, please check with your local rescue groups. Many people purchase a pet rabbit without understanding how much commitment this can require. In many areas, especially after the holidays, there are many rabbits waiting to be adopted.

There is an array of rabbit breeds, over forty recognized. When you are considering a rabbit, be sure to ask about the breed, about the animals temperament, and how large it is likely to get. Rabbits range in adult size from two pounds to over 15 pounds. A common pet rabbit will range from two to six pounds. Most of the larger breeds are traditionally raised for meat, but they do end up in pet stores from time to time, so please be aware of what you are getting.

Housing and Environment

While rabbits are somewhat social, it is difficult for them to interact with other rabbits in the confines of a rabbit hutch or a home. It is best to keep a single rabbit, as long as you can make time to interact with your pet to fill their social needs.

The types of cages discussed in the general small animal care sheet are not very appropriate for rabbits. You can keep small rabbits in a very large aquarium, but this could be very time consuming due to the need for weekly cleaning.

Most rabbits are kept in wire or wire and wood hutches. These are generally designed with a tray below the cage to collect the rabbit feces and urine. This type of cage works fine for pet rabbits. There is some merit to including a solid floor over part of the cage, as your pet may want to get off of the wire floor part of the time. Alternatively, most rabbits can be litter box trained in a large cage. In this case, a cage with a solid floor is perfectly acceptable.

You will need to get a large cage. Try to get a cage at least four times the length of the rabbit. If you are starting with a young rabbit, account for its adult size when you get the cage. You should probably factor on at least six square feet of floor space for most of the smaller breeds of pet rabbits, significantly more if you have one of the larger breeds.

Some people give their rabbits free run in their house, or part of their house. Rabbits can be litter box trained, but this does take some work. First, your pet will need to be litter box trained inside it’s cage. Next, you can allow it limited freedom around it’s cage while monitoring the rabbit, and moving it to a litter box when it is defecating or urinating. Whenever your pet uses the litter box, reward it with a treat. Provide additional litter boxes as you give your pet more room to explore, as they will not travel far to get to their litter box.

If your rabbit is given free range in part of the house, you will have to ‘rabbit-proof’ the area. They will chew on electric cords, and may chew baseboards, furniture, etc. Make sure all cords are out of reach, and provide them with plenty of chew toys. Additionally, make sure there are no houseplants in the area; rabbits will graze on these, and some of these can be dangerous for your pet to eat.

Rabbits do need enrichment opportunities, just like other small mammals. They need to be provided with hiding places, nesting material and toys. The types of toys discussed in the general small animal care sheet are just as appropriate, but they will need to be scaled up in size. Your pet store may have a selection of toys, tunnels, etc. for rabbits. You can also experiment with cat toys, as many rabbits enjoy playing with these.

Substrate

While a wire bottom cage does not need a substrate, the drip pan should have some sort of litter in it. A pelleted wood or paper based substrate is probably the most appropriate for this, as it is so absorbent. The bedding choices discussed in the general small animal care sheet are perfectly fine for a rabbit in a cage with a solid floor.

Do not use cat litter if your rabbit is litter boxed trained. It is not uncommon for your rabbit to nibble on the litter. Again, a pelleted wood or paper substrate is most appropriate for your rabbit’s litter box.

Diet

Your rabbit’s staple diet should be the Zeigler MonsterDiet™ for rabbits. This is a complete diet, formulated to meet all of your pet’s nutritional needs.

You can offer your rabbit treats, so long as you limit their intake of treat foods. If they eat too much, then they will be eating less of their staple diet. This can lead to deficiencies if your pet eats too many treats.

Various types of hay, such as timothy, oat, or alfalfa hay, are ideal treat foods. Chopped dark leafy greens and other non-starchy vegetables are also very good treats. These can be ideal training tools when taming your rabbit or trying to litter box train your rabbit.

Maintenance

The maintenance of your rabbit is similar to what is described in the general small animal care sheet. Cleaning the cage may be more of a chore because of the size of the cage, but the fundamentals are not any different. If your rabbit is litter boxed trained, then cage cleaning may be done on longer intervals as long as you keep the litter clean. Rabbits do drink a lot, and if they are running out of water consider a larger water bottle or multiple water bottles.

Handling

Some rabbits like to be hand while, other rabbits would rather interact with their owners out of their cage, but without being held. Most of the smaller breeds are amenable to handling.

It is very important to support your pet’s entire body when you pick it up. If a rabbit’s hind legs are not supported they will kick repeatedly and strenuously. This is dangerous for your pet as it can hurt itself. Always support the rabbit’s hind legs when you pick it up, and then you can ‘cradle’ the rabbit against your chest, supporting it’s body and legs on your arms.

Even if your pet is too large to handle or does not like being handled, there are still ways to interact with your pet. Make sure you devote plenty of time to playing with your pet outside of its cage to keep your rabbit happy.