Gentle Pets With Big Everyday Needs.
Rabbits are intelligent, social animals that need much more than a small cage and a bowl of food. Learn about diet, housing, behavior, enrichment and everyday care.
Rabbits Have Their Own Way Of Communicating
Rabbits use posture, movement, ears and everyday habits to communicate. Learning what is normal for your rabbit can help you understand when they are relaxed, excited, uncomfortable or simply curious.
Why Does My Rabbit Hop And Twist?
Sudden jumps and twists, often called binkies, are commonly seen when rabbits are active and excited.
Why Does My Rabbit Chew Everything?
Chewing is a natural rabbit behavior. Safe chewing materials and rabbit-proofing your home are important.
What Do Rabbit Ears Mean?
Ear position can offer clues about attention and comfort, although breed and individual behavior also matter.
Why Does My Rabbit Thump?
Rabbits may thump their hind feet when startled, alert or reacting strongly to something in the environment.
Hay Is A Major Part Of Rabbit Care
Rabbits need a diet that supports healthy digestion and normal tooth wear. Appropriate grass hay is a major part of the diet for most adult rabbits, along with suitable leafy greens, measured pellets and fresh water.
Rabbits Need Room To Move
Rabbits need enough space to hop, stretch, stand comfortably and explore. A small cage alone does not provide the activity space most rabbits need. Safe exercise areas, hiding places and enrichment are important parts of everyday life.
Safe Living Space
Provide a secure area with enough room for normal movement, stretching and resting.
Hiding Areas
Boxes and shelters provide places where rabbits can retreat and feel secure.
Enrichment
Safe toys, tunnels, digging opportunities and food-based enrichment can encourage natural behavior.
Rabbit-Proofing
Protect electrical cords, toxic plants and other household hazards from curious rabbits.
Simple Daily Care Makes A Difference
Check Hay & Water
Make sure appropriate hay and fresh drinking water are available.
Clean The Area
Remove dirty litter, wet bedding and spoiled food regularly.
Exercise & Explore
Give your rabbit safe opportunities to move, explore and interact.
Observe Behavior
Watch appetite, droppings, movement and normal activity for changes.
Appetite Changes Can Be Important
Rabbits can become seriously ill when they stop eating or producing normal droppings. Dental problems and digestive issues are among the health concerns that rabbit owners should take seriously.
Do Not Ignore A Rabbit That Stops Eating
If your rabbit stops eating, produces few or no droppings, appears unusually weak, has difficulty breathing, shows obvious pain or develops a sudden major change in behavior, contact a veterinarian experienced with rabbits promptly.
A Healthy Rabbit Needs Space, Food And Attention
Appropriate hay, fresh water, safe housing, room to exercise, enrichment and regular health monitoring provide the foundation for good rabbit care.