In the Wild: Though there are now many breeds of domesticated rabbits—from the floppy-eared Holland Lops to fuzzy-coated English Angora—rabbits have lived in the wild for centuries. Residing in all kinds of ecosystems, including deserts, tundras, forests, and more, bunnies have thrived across the globe. As naturally social animals, rabbits live in large, hierarchal groups known as “warrens,” where they show affection to one another through mutual grooming. Your pet rabbit may also mirror some of this behavior, and show it’s affection for you through “kisses” or licking your hand. Just like wild rabbits, pet bunnies are social creatures that do best when they have a fellow pet bunny to keep them company.
Feeding: Another thing that your pet bunny should share with its wild cousins is diet—the feed you provide should be as close to what they would be naturally eating as possible. This means that 80-90% of your bunny’s diet should be all-natural timothy hay like American Harvest’s Natural Timothy Hay, with a small amount of pellets and greens for that last 10%. To maintain a healthy digestive system, rabbits should be given unlimited access to premium hay at all times. Buying quality hay is vital to ensuring that your rabbit has a healthy gut and teeth—you can find a variety of quality hay to keep your bunny happy and healthy here.
Housing: Bunnies can live inside your home or outside in a specialized rabbit hutch. Indoor bunnies can be given free roam of a “bunny-proofed” room or closed off section of the house or can live in a pen or large cage. Wherever you choose to keep your furry friend, be sure to provide them with enough room, a clean environment, and a bunny-safe enclosure.
Cleaning: Other rabbit supplies you will include cleaning materials, in order to provide a safe and cozy home for your bunny. Maintaining a clean environment for your rabbit is relatively easy, as rabbits have no special cleaning needs. Just make sure to check your rabbits’ cage daily to clear out any old food and the litter box, as well as a weekly thorough cleaning to take care of the bedding and overall cage environment. This will keep your rabbit cage from getting dirty or smelly, as well as ensuring your bunny’s health!
Be sure to talk with your vet about further bunny health advice, or to answer any questions you may have.
