Choose the perfect cage. There will be wild animals that seek to harm your pet. Baby rabbits don’t need fruit and veggies. My rabbits do that too. Selecting a good hideaway will go a long way towards making your rabbit feel at home in their cage. The WARE Rabbit Den, is a large box shaped hideaway with plenty of room for even multiple rabbits. Your rabbit can tear this apart, and burrow in it. If you wish to apply soft flooring to your pet’s hutch, consider vinyl. When it comes to the question of what do rabbits need in their cage, there are the things that would be nice to have, and then there are items a rabbit will really need. It’s safer to arrange a hutch for your rabbit. [2] The 3 most important foods for a rabbit are hay, hay, and HAY! Your rabbit will always be in plain sight. If you don’t provide a nice nesting box there could be complications with the pregnancy, or the kits might not even survive. You have to remember how much time rabbits spend in a hutch. Plenty of work goes into making a rabbit’s hutch into a home. A rabbit will need a varied diet that consists of a mix of pellets and hay. Weigh up all the advice in the table above, and make a judgment call. You may prefer to invest in blankets, though. It should be sturdy and have a solid floor. If the rabbit knocks the food out of their bowl, the food will fall through the mesh floor and the rabbit won’t have any food to eat. This will make it easier to spot potential illness or strange behavior. The Pet Supply Guy does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Rabbits are curious animals, always in search of mental stimulation. This will be more comfortable than wood or wire. Having a blanket makes cleaning easier, just shake it out and wash it … Just don’t allow them to go moldy. The cage space is calculated by multiplying the cage width by length and subtracting the space occupied by feed and water dishes that may be inside the cage. If you’re worried that your rabbit is cold, again, a box is your best friend. Experts on guinea pigs recommend that in order to comfortably keep 1-2 guinea pigs, you will need to provide them with a cage that has […]. Rabbits cannot last long without nourishment. And the orchard grass will provide a better mix of nutrients compared to feeding them timothy hay alone. Teeth are kept worn to a proper length by the silicate and lignin content of grass and grass. These pens are large enough to allow the rabbit to move about freely while being in a safe environment. This can hurt the rabbit’s sensitive … The Pet Supply Guy will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use this website, Mark has worked with a wide range animals for over 10 years, and he regularly volunteers at his local animal shelter. Will it get underfoot and wreak havoc? When you’re ready to populate the litter box, start with a little fresh hay. You’ll need to pack your rabbit’s hutch with entertainment. Your pet will not be able to see anything. Aggressive behaviors. For multiple rabbits, the recommended size is at least 24″ by 36″ [small breeds]. Another nice thing to have in your rabbits cage is a hay feeder. Lagomorphs are not nocturnal though. If a rabbit doesn’t have a good supply of hay, they might start chewing on the bars. A rabbit needs a thick cushion of bedding to protect their legs from sores. Finding a good water bottle should be the first thing you do. Bring your rabbit indoors during the height of the sun, too. Life outside will likely be quieter for your rabbit. A good cage and food are not the only things your rabbit needs. Going with a larger water bottle will actually be the best course of action. This can look like an odd habit, but rabbits enjoy it. A toy could hold your pet’s attention rapturously for hours, then be casually abandoned. Also remember not to give your bunny any kind of human treats, and to spot-clean the cage … It is possible to reduce the activeness of your rabbit by providing an active daytime routine. This will make your rabbit less nervous in a hutch. Rabbits have excellent feed conversion rates, low startup costs, healthy meat and don't require much space. This rabbit food also has added omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to keep your rabbits skin and coat healthy. Your email address will not be published. Safety First: What Rabbit Bedding to Avoid This is a natural instinct. Rabbits are social. This means that their cages need not be as big as outdoor bunnies, which need large amounts of space to be happy. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits do not need salt licks, vitamins, or hard wooden objects to wear their teeth down. Be aware that rabbits can chew through vinyl. As you will see, this opens up a range of options for your pet. The WARE Farmer’s Market Nature’s House, has an attractive rustic look . When you go to bed, your rabbit will return to its hutch. Please only answer if you have owned a rabbit, own one, or are a professional. A shed or garage is ideal for this. These animals will always be considerably happier with a playmate of the same species. It turns out that these critters find their ideal temperature to be a bit chillier than their human friends do! This hay manager is also made of all natural untreated wood, so it will be safe for your rabbits. Every rabbit needs a bedroom. To be clear about what constitutes a toy, consider the following. You have two options for this. Many rabbits prefer a bowl as it’s easier to drink from. Many rabbits that are stuck in an enclosure all day with nothing to do will resort to digging into their litter box. Deciding whether your rabbit will live outdoors or inside is an important concern. Additionally, rabbit hitches must provide entertainment and space to move. Instead of hay this food uses soybean hulls as it’s fiber source. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (thepetsupplyguy.com), is strictly at your own risk. That’s not the end of the world. And the feeder also has a nice sized dish to hold the rabbits food. Owning a rabbit can be a really fun and rewarding experience. Most rabbits prefer having a place to call her own. Just ensure that the bedding is safe to eat. Rabbits are particular and fussy animals. You’ll need to guarantee safety, though. Can Wild and Domestic Rabbits Live Together? Space is vital to rabbits. Beddings help rabbits to live longer, healthier lives. You will want to be sure your rabbit is using a litter box before placing fleece into their cage. Your rabbit will need to able to hop at least three times within their hutch. There will be certain caveats. If this occurs, move the rabbit to a warmer location. Rabbits love to be mischievous. Your rabbit still needs to understand the difference between night and day. Install a motion detector light in your yard, which illuminates your rabbit’s hutch. Ideally, you should set up a large, rabbit-proofed pen indoors for your rabbit to live in. The You & Me Jumbo Small Animal Water Bottle, is perfect if you want a really big water bottle for your rabbit. The Kaytee Chew Proof Water Bottle is a good choice if you have a single rabbit. I’ve loved rabbits for as long as I can remember, so it felt natural to share my passion for lagomorphs with a much wider audience. It’s advisable to buy a handful of such items from a pet store. For this reason you should consider this hideaway a temporary shelter, and a long term source of fiber. Your rabbit may consume it, whether by accident or design. In the Wild, Rabbits Burrow Underground to Create Nests, or Even Entire Communities. Rabbits need a sleeping area. You can soothe your rabbit’s nerves by applying some light. This means that your pet will enjoy knocking things over, and tearing flimsy objects apart. The WARE Rabbit Den is made out of sturdy wood and will withstand some chewing without suffering any major damage. Any rabbit should drink between 50-100 ml of water for every kilogram of body weight daily. Some bored rabbits are so frustrated that they become grumpy or aggressive. A rabbit needs to feel secure in this time and be provided with entertainment. One of the main reasons to keep hay in your rabbits cage is to give them something to chew. A Litter Box or Tray. An abundant supply of hay will usually be sufficient for your rabbit. Natural light governs a rabbit’s hormones. When setting up a hutch, be sure to set up on a quiet zone. The hay must be plentiful, though. In addition, though, basic household objects will do the trick. Or if you have multiple rabbits, you can be sure they all are getting enough water without the risk of the bottle running out. This hay will be eaten throughout a day, so the supply will diminish. It was done with the rabbit’s happiness in mind. Your rabbit will throw these around. PETA elaborate further on this. The temperature needs to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit to be dangerous for rabbits. Always buy a pellet food that is specifically designed for rabbits and not other small mammals. Simply purchasing a hutch is just the beginning of your journey. A hay feeder will keep the hay clean by keeping it off the floor of the cage. You’ll need to ensure the rabbits are bonded and both are comfortable. I'm getting a rabbit this afternoon and I've found a few things that they'll need at all times, such as food, hay, and water (obviously) but I'm wondering if they need anything else in their cage? If they are chewers, you can put a seagrass or maze rug down. Rabbits also dig and burrow. Most people would have their rabbits on a wire floor with a resting board put in for the rabbit to get off of the wire when she wants to. It also comes with a built in hay holder, making this feeder a perfect all in one solution for your rabbit feeding needs. This will be more secure. Where will it sleep? Female rabbits need a safe place to have their kits. Yes Rabbits do need some salt. Rabbits do not need bedding in their cages. Leave at least some space for air to circulate. That way, you can tailor toys accordingly. The rabbit will enjoy this, but it comes with several problems. Before this procedure, your pet will use their waste to mark territory. The You & Me Eggshell Dish, is a nice heavy weight large bowl that will hold up well in a rabbits cage. Examples of what you could do include: This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since a rabbits teeth are always growing, they need to be constantly chewing in order to keep their teeth filed down. Your pet’s feet should not touch the ground. The WARE Wooden Nest Box for Chickens & Rabbits, is a nice simple nesting box that is the perfect size for a rabbit. The minimum space requirements for one rabbit are based on the rabbit’s weight. This will potentially cause worry for your rabbit. If a rabbit feels suitably protected, it will pay less attention to the wider world. Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who need affection, and they can become wonderful companion animals if given a chance to interact with their human families. There are benefits to both of these settings. The first thing you want to look for in a good pellet food is that it meets a rabbit’s nutritional requirements. The bigger the rabbit, the deeper the bedding. The advantages of either set up are addressed in the table below. However they only need a small amount. If a rabbit doesn’t have this option, they may become aggressive, which could lead to biting and other problems. A battery-operated lamp or torch is best, as this will involve no trailing wires. When it comes to the question of what do rabbits need in their cage, there are the things that would be nice to have, and then there are items a … hays. In general, your cage should at least four times larger than your bunnies. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your rabbit must have food and water at all times. This will be temporary, until the extreme cold front passes. The benefits of spay and neuter Although most rabbits will use a litterbox , hormones may cause unneutered males and … Don’t allow a cat and a rabbit to run around the house unsupervised. Whether you bought or adopted your rabbit, you were likely asked to consider two pets. First off you never want your rabbit to be without water, so getting a larger bottle will give you some added peace of mind that your rabbit will always have water. That sounds high, but a rabbit’s fur coat accounts for this. Even if your rabbit is thoroughly toilet trained and your house thoroughly rabbit proofed, a cage will act as a safe haven or nest, where the rabbit can retreat to rest. A rabbit’s body temperature should run between 100-103 degrees Fahrenheit. Technically, a pet of a different species will be good company for your rabbit. You need to apply a firm, secure cover to your pet’s hutch. And you will have less work to do, since you will have to fill the water bottle less often. Bigger is always better, though. If you do decide to settle your rabbit outside, there are additional considerations. a roof over their heads and an entrance and exit route. You also want to avoid low-quality pellets that use high […], Guinea pigs require more space than other small pets like hamsters and gerbils. The Pet Supply Guy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk and amazon.ca. Some families decide to let a rabbit run free at all times. Consider adding some simple toys or wood for chewing so your bunny to keep your bunny happy and occupied. The other non essential items can be added at your leisure, but they should be added to make the cage more comfortable for the rabbit over the long run. The Kaytee Hay & Food Bin Feeder, is the best all around feeder for a new rabbit cage. It also reduces the risk of hay turning moldy due to rabbit urine. Rabbits spend a lot of time sleeping, mostly during the day. At sixty four ounces, this water bottle could last one rabbit up to a week before needing to be refilled. Rabbits are clean animals. Since water is the most important thing your rabbit will need. Standing on the wire floor alone can cause damage and discomfort to your rabbit’s paws. This hay contains only natural sun dried timothy hay. These rabbits will benefit from the use of dog pens, such as the MidWest exercise pen. This is usually at night – in a cage that is full of straw, hay, sawdust and rabbit poo. Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay for Rabbits, will help keep your rabbits happy and healthy. They cannot see in pitch darkness. Ensure the light is dim. The smell will help your pet understand that this is where they should eliminate. Bedding makes them think it’s a litter box—it confuses them. SOVRN//Commerce and Clickbank are also used to earn fees on some links on this website The Pet Supply Guy also partcipates in the Walmart, Ebay affilate programs where we earn from qualifying purchases. When a rabbit is about to give birth she will start to pull hair from her stomach and try and make a nest. Rabbits are just on the messy side, and do a lot kicking around, even in their cages. If you want to raise your own meat, consider rabbits. All the information on this website - thepetsupplyguy.com - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Plus, even a "heavy" bowl is no match for a rabbit determined to overturn it (I know this from experience). Do not alternate your rabbit between indoor and outdoor living at any other time. The Kaytee Small Animal Natural Hay Manger Feeder, is a good choice if you want a nice looking hay holder in your rabbits cage. Rabbits need to consistently be provided with fresh hay and water, especially if temperatures fall well below freezing In short – whether or indoors or outdoors, it is fairly simple to make life enjoyable for your rabbits. If your rabbit lives outside, you should include a thermometer in her hutch. Your pet must also be able to stand on their hind legs comfortably. Supreme Selective Fortified Rabbit Food, has about 25% fiber and is fortified with a wide range of natural plants and vitamins. The hutch should have soft flooring to protect your rabbit’s paws. How to Prepare a Rabbit Hutch for a New Pet. Some rabbits will treat their bowl as a toy, though. It will give both pets a happier life, though. Rabbits are not instinctively afraid of the dark. And the hay contains no preservatives, making it a natural safe and healthy treat for a pet rabbit. They do not realize that the box will not keep out a predator. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. So, if you really want […], Choosing the best pellet food for rabbits is one of the most important things you can do to keep your rabbit healthy and active. Living outdoors avoids artificial heat sources, such as central heating. A well-equipped and safe hutch is pivotal to your rabbit’s happiness. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. Bunny’s size … Rabbits need plenty of space to do their daily activities: sleeping, eating, using the litter box, and playing/exercising. Should My Pet Rabbit Sleep in Bed with Me? If you want to feed your rabbit their pellets in a sturdy bowl that won’t tip over, this high-quality ceramic rabbit bowl is a good choice. Materials commonly used for bedding include straw, sawdust or hay. The Zippi Rabbit Hay Rack (Buy Online) makes it easy for your pet rabbit to have fresh hay in a cage or rabbit hutch using the Zippi tunnel (Learn More). Your pet would rather be cold than warm. You can put off getting a hideaway at first, but eventually you will need to get one. To accommodate each of these activities, choose a cage that is at least four times the size of your rabbit. Even social animals need privacy. A protective layer helps your pet feel more secure. The fiber in the feed will help keep your rabbit happy and healthy. It’s very important to get a bowl that’s not easy to knock over. Line the cage with bedding. Remember, though; if your rabbit feels secure in a ‘bedroom,’ light is less of a concern. On paper, this is not an issue for your pet. Your rabbit will be socialized faster, and be more confident. The Pet Supply Guy is also a member of Impact Radius, ShareASale, CJ, and other affiliate networks where we earn commssions from their advertising partners. Leave small balls and similar objects for your rabbit to chase and nudge around their hutch. The first ingredient is the familiar timothy hay, and the second type of hay is orchard grass. This exercise area should measure at least 32 square feet. My bunnies love something soft. Many rabbits like to eat while pooping. Rabbits can withstand surprisingly cold temperatures, but you’ll need to take action in extreme weather. Finally, add some soiled hay or paper. A rabbit hideaway will give your rabbit a strong sense of safety and security. This was not the store upselling you, or a shelter attempting to empty their cages. Under no circumstances should you leave your rabbit alone for hours on end. If not provided with appropriate support, a rabbit could develop heatstroke in these conditions. If possible, attach a run to your rabbit’s hutch. Just cut a hole in the box for your rabbit to enter and exit. This is a mistake. Once you have your rabbits water needs met, the next thing your rabbit will need is food. Fill this with bedding, so your rabbit knows it’s for sleeping. Your pet will soon start sleeping in this location. Hay should always serve as their primary source of roughage, but in order to keep your rabbit mentally stimulated you should strive to give them a variety of chew toys to play with. Pick up a large litter box. Dotting small, sturdy cat toys around the hutch. Besides, mushy foods like vegetables and fruit can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration in baby rabbits, so remember to avoid these foods. Wild predators that roam outdoors will not disturb your pet. Always look to improve your pet’s sleeping quarters first. This is generally fine, but you need to include a tile or a piece of wood or cardboard for the bunny to stand/lie on. Rabbits love quiet noises. Appropriate illumination is another consideration for outdoor rabbits. When bringing a rabbit into your family, accommodation is essential. Any water bottle that holds at least twelve ounces is sufficient for a rabbit, but a larger bottle is always better. This means that your pet will smell better, and stay cleaner. Rabbits often develop respiratory problems from clay. Rabbits should not be bred until they are at least 6 months of age due to complications that may arise. An indoor hutch means your pet will be around human family members all day. Watch your rabbit while he or she plays, and learn what your pet enjoys most. Your rabbit does not need a cage. The must have items relate to feeding and giving water to your rabbit. The perfect sleeping area for rabbits is a place which approximates a burrow i.e. In such instances, attach a bottle to your rabbit’s hutch. If it’s an option, you really should consider adding a second rabbit to your hutch. However, if you don’t have space, there are ways of making hutches and cages livable. Use a rabbit-specific brand, and avoid clay litter. Only you can decide whether you’d rabbit’s hutch should be found indoors or outside. Offer plenty of chilled water. Think about if this will bother you. Eventually, this will potentially lead to open sores on your pet’s feet. S sensitive … your rabbit ’ s hutch should have soft flooring to your will. Animal water bottle could last one rabbit up to a rabbit doesn ’ t fruit... Of dog pens, such as central heating smell will help reduce waste skin coat. Roof over their heads and an entrance and exit risk of hay in your rabbit to chase and nudge their! 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