How to Care for a Rabbit From Birth & Beyond

Even though rabbits are smaller than other types of pets, such as cats and dogs, they require plenty of care from their owners, especially when caring for one from birth. Whether you breed your rabbit and must care from the young ones straight from birth or you buy a very young rabbit, baby rabbits require more care. As they get older, they require a little less care, but still need plenty of attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabbit cage
  • Soft beddng
  • Hay
  • Box
  • Hot water bottle
  • Stick
  • Water bottle
  • Food dish
  • Nail clipper
  • Tooth file
  • Wood chew toys
  • Rabbit brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide an adequate nesting area for the mother rabbit if she is also in your care. An enclosed box lined with soft cloth with a bed of hay works well. If the babies don't appear to be warm enough, place a hot water bottle in the box underneath the cloth. Use a box that's only slightly bigger than the mother rabbit to give her and the babies a safe feeling.

    • 2

      Change the hay in the nesting box every three to four days to keep the box clean and free of rabbit waste.

    • 3

      Avoid touching the baby rabbits for the first eight weeks, so their mother continues to care for them. If you need to remove any dead babies, use a stick to separate it from the bunch before touching it.

    • 4

      Leave plenty of food and water for the mother rabbit. Food pellets are sufficient for rabbits, but they also enjoy raw vegetables and grains. Keep the water bottle filled with fresh water.

    • 5

      Trim the rabbit's nails and file down its teeth on a regular basis. If you're uncomfortable completing these tasks, take your rabbit to the vet to have it done. Providing the rabbit with wood chew toys helps file down its teeth naturally.

    • 6

      Change the bedding in the cage at least once a week to remove waste.

    • 7

      Interact with your rabbit on a regular basis. Pick it up carefully by placing one hand under its bottom and gripping the loose skin on the back of its neck with your other hand. Pet its head for further interaction. Some rabbits enjoy playing with you, so give your rabbit plenty of time outside its cage.

    • 8

      Brush the rabbit's fur two or three times a week to remove any loose hair. When a rabbit grooms itself, the loose hair is often swallowed, which can result in a dangerous hairball. Unlike cats, rabbits don't spit up hairballs.

    • 9

      Spay or neuter your rabbit so it can't reproduce. Female rabbits become pregnant easily, even right after she gives birth.

    • 10

      Schedule an annual visit with a veterinarian for your rabbit.