Rabbit Supply List
Here's what you'll need to buy before you bring home your rabbit:
The Basics:
That's it! That's really all you need to keep your rabbit safe, happy, and healthy. But here are some more options which will add to your rabbit's health and comfort.
The Basics:
- A cage. Cages come in all different shapes and sizes and are made for both outdoor and indoor use. Your local pet store will be more likely to carry indoor cages, while a farm supply store like Tractor Supply Co. may carry hutches made for the outdoors. Your rabbit should be able to hop at least two times across the length of the cage.
- A water bottle or water crock. Water bottles are best for indoor use and for summertime if you're keeping your rabbit outside. Rabbits should never be without water, so check the bottle every day to see if it's getting low. If your rabbit is outdoors in the winter, he's best off with a water crock, because rabbits can't drink if the nozzle of the bottle freezes. Make sure, however, that the rabbit cannot tip the crock over and that the crock does not point inward at the top (ice could crack it).
- A food dish. This should hold at least 1/2 cup of pellets. You must make absolutely certain that it cannot be tipped or knocked over.
- Rabbit food. I feed my Holland Lops about 1/3-1/2 cup daily. A good rule of thumb in determining how much food to give daily is to watch your rabbit's behavior at feeding time: a rabbit should come eagerly to the door and start eating immediately but not ravenously. If your rabbit is practically tearing the door off in the morning, feed a little more. But if he leaves the food until later, feed a bit less (but be sure that the rabbit is not ill). Don't give rabbits unlimited pellets - they could become overweight, causing health problems.
- Hay. Hay is full of fiber and is necessary for your rabbit's digestive health. Timothy hay, orchard grass, and oat hay are the best hays for rabbits. They can be fed in an unlimited supply. While it's fine to feed alfalfa in small quantities, as a treat, it's not good for rabbits to have too much of it.
That's it! That's really all you need to keep your rabbit safe, happy, and healthy. But here are some more options which will add to your rabbit's health and comfort.
- Toys. Toys alleviate boredom and can also help keep teeth in good condition. You can buy toys such as wooden chewing blocks at the store, but homemade toys are often just as entertaining. Try stuffing a toilet paper roll with hay, dandelion greens, or clover. Rabbits also LOVE tearing up newspaper, and because most *black & white pages* of newspapers are printed with soy ink, it's safe for them. Be creative - rabbits love to play. Here are some more ideas for homemade toys.
- Hiding places. Rabbits naturally want a place to hide. You can buy a hidey-hole at the pet store, but a cardboard box with a hole cut in it works just as well. Your bunny will enjoy chewing on it.
- Treats. I would not recommend buying these at the store, as they are usually unhealthy.
Treats for bunnies (younger than 3 mos): plain rolled oats. black oiled sunflower seeds, alfalfa hay
Treats for adult rabbits: oats, black oiled sunflower seeds, alfalfa hay, apple, carrot scraps, dark leafy lettuce bits, clover, dandelion, banana, papaya, strawberry, cilantro, etc.
But please only feed these to rabbits who are over 3 months old! Baby bunnies can die from eating too many greens. And whenever you're feeding treats, feed only in small amounts 1-2 times per day.