If your considering getting a rabbit I hope you will find this series on rabbits helpful, please check out the other 2 posts I have done so far about rabbits (#18 & #21). I will be posting a couple more over the next few weeks (Saturdays), to cover a variety of information. If you have questions, feel free to email me & ask at echoinggreatpetcare@gmail.com A great place to get a rabbit from is from a rescue, there are a variety of breeds & sizes & often rescues will have just the right rabbit for your family. All the rabbits photos in my posts are of my previous foster rabbits.
A rabbit’s home(cage) should be at least 4-5 times bigger than the rabbit, which means in many cases traditional rabbit cages with plastic bottoms are only going to be satisfactory for a dwarf rabbit. Example of a cage for a dwarf rabbit: https://amzn.to/4hzabX9 Most rabbits are bigger than dwarfs so need more room & cages like these are much better choices to help your rabbit get exercise, to move around, & be happier over all. https://amzn.to/4kVp4WL. Rabbits can be messy so housing them either in a room without carpet or in a well lit basement might make cleanup easier. Some other cages that are good for rabbits would be one like this, which is nice because it has a hutch attached to a pen area. https://amzn.to/4hQywbf This allows you to close the rabbit into one part while you clean the other. This is another option for an average size rabbit https://amzn.to/4iuS5H8. No matter which cage you select there are some important things to look at. The floor should not be mesh or wire, this can cause tendon issues in their legs, paws or legs. You can cover floor if you already have that type of cage. You need to be sure the cage if open is tall enough so the rabbit can’t jump out, or get a cage like this, because it is covered https://amzn.to/41JljLa. A covered cage is necessary if you have a cat as a cats saliva contains an enzyme that can be deadly to a rabbit (even from just licking any opening such as eyes or ears). If you have dogs I again suggest a covered cage no matter how friendly your dog is to the rabbit. Better safe than sorry. If you get a cage where your going to use bedding recycled fluff bedding is good, it can be mixed in pine shavings, but pine is too oily to be used alone. Corn cob bedding or cedar may be eaten which is not safe.
You can litter box train your rabbit, which makes the need for shaving type bedding really not necessary. A used small receiving blankets for my rabbits to cuddle in & they enjoy tossing them & kicking them round, quite cute to watch. When purchasing a litter box for your rabbit you need one big enough for the rabbit to fully fit in. There are a variety of litter pans out there, for smaller rabbits one like this can work, but note not all rabbits like the same type so it makes take buying a couple before you get the right one, luckily they are not expensive & you can use the unwanted ones for toys. https://amzn.to/4bOMBVb For larger rabbits you need a larger pan of course. I prefer ones that don’t have a mess over top as the rabbit can be trained to go in where the the litter is. https://amzn.to/4c0cJfS A cat litter box will work well also, https://amzn.to/41PfA6G. A litter pan with a mess covering(potty grate) litter doesn’t allow the rabbit access to their droppings & that might sound good to you, but rabbits eat some of their dodo. It is not all digested the first time so they eat it, this is a normal part of their digestion & is not unhealthy. If you buy one with mess like this, please take off the mesh & leave it off. https://amzn.to/4isAZtu I recommend using a small amount of litter for rabbit in the litter pan so they know this area is for doing their business like these pellets made from recycled paper https://amzn.to/41JpC9i. Litter box training is much easier with adult rabbits and after they have been spayed or neutered. Rabbits do drop some dropping when they get excited, but many are pretty easily litter box trained. They are smart & like to be clean. Be sure to keep a litter box accessible in their cages & in any separate play area you may have for them. A rabbit’s urine can vary from clear to red, depending on their diet, if red continues after diet changes (remove foods that are red) take your rabbit to your exotic Vet.
When cleaning your rabbits cage you will want to remove your rabbit, some one can hold him/her or put in an exercise pen area. https://amzn.to/4l2LOEi Rabbits can be territorial of their cages & can nip or get very upset. You don’t want to hurt the relationship you have with your rabbit so move him or her out for cleaning the cage. The litter pan should be scooped daily & emptied & refilled at least weekly. A full cage cleaning is needed weekly & using vinegar & water to clean is safer for your rabbit then chemical cleaners, rabbits have a sensitive respiratory system. 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water is a good solution mix to clean cage with. Never put rabbit back in cage till it is fully dry. If you use little blanket for your rabbit wash if soiled or smell, but minimally change twice a week.
Toys: rabbits enjoy toys, whether hitting them or rolling them around. If not litter box trained then I recommend stay with hanging toys, so they don’t get soiled. Baby toys are usually nice for rabbits as no sharp parts & small enough for them to move around the cage/pen. Many like it when you stuff an old toilet paper roll with hay & they chew it out. They often like rattles & bells, but just like us each one will have preferences. Rabbits like to redecorate & rearrange their home, its theirs so just let them.
Echoing Great Pet Care 