How to Take Proper Care of a Rabbit

Rabbits are wonderful pets but have very strict needs for proper nutrition. Proper intake of fiber is a fundamental key to keeping your rabbit healthy. Rabbits have a sensitive digestive system and although they would love to eat chips, granola or any human foods you present them with, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's good for them. If you take proper care of your rabbit, he can live a long, healthy life.

Things You'll Need

  • High fiber pellets
  • Timothy hay
  • Mixed grass hay
  • Dark leafy greens (such as kale, collard greens, carrot tops)
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your rabbit high fiber pellets at a rate of 1/8 cup per 4 lbs. of body weight.

      Many of the pellets on the market are 14 to 15 percent fiber, but 18 percent fiber is recommended. Protein content is also important and should be 13 to 14 percent of the diet.

    • 2

      Give your bunny an unlimited supply of timothy hay and mixed grass hay. The hay provides much of the nutrition in the rabbit's diet. Get fresh hay.

    • 3

      Provide dark leafy greens (such as kale, mustard greens, collard greens and carrot tops,) daily at a rate of 1 cup per 4 lbs. of rabbit.

    • 4

      Feed your pet as treats only no more than 2 tbsp. per 4 lbs. of body weight of fruits and vegetables (other than leafy greens). Vitamin supplementation is unnecessary because bacteria in the rabbit's cecum produce these. They are subsequently absorbed when the rabbit eats its own droppings (thus it does not matter whether or not the rabbit is on a grate).

    • 5
      Always make sure your rabbit is safe from other animals and cannot run away from his play area.

      Give your rabbit at minimum an hour a day to run and hop around for exercise in a "rabbit safe" area.

    • 6

      Maintain the grooming of your rabbit's nails by clipping them carefully or having a veterinarian clip them for you. You must provide your pet with chewable toys such as salt tablets or flavored wood so it is able to wear down its teeth because they do continue growing which can be painful.