Category: Rabbits

🧠 1. Understanding Rabbit Behavior

Rabbits communicate mostly through body language, not sounds. Here’s what common behaviors mean:

Behavior	Meaning
🐾 Thumping	Warning signal – your rabbit senses danger or feels scared.
😌 Lying flat with feet stretched out	Relaxed and comfortable – feels safe.
🐇 Binky (jumping & twisting in air)	Pure happiness and excitement!
😡 Growling or lunging	Feeling threatened – give space.
💤 Grinding teeth softly	Content and relaxed.
😠 Loud teeth grinding	Pain or discomfort – needs attention.

Tip: Observe their body language daily — it helps you understand their mood and health.

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❤️ 2. Bonding with Your Rabbit

Bonding is about trust and gentle interaction. Rabbits don’t like being forced, so patience is key.

Steps to bond:

1. 🪑 Sit quietly near your rabbit — let them come to you first.
2. 🥕 Offer treats (like small carrot pieces or herbs) from your hand.
3. ✋ Avoid sudden movements or loud sounds — it scares them.
4. 🐰 Pet gently on their forehead or behind the ears — most rabbits enjoy this.
5. ⏰ Spend time daily — consistency builds a strong connection.

Never pick up your rabbit too often; most rabbits dislike being lifted because it makes them feel unsafe.

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🐇❤️🐇 3. Bonding Between Rabbits

Rabbits are social animals and love company, but bonding two rabbits must be done carefully and slowly.

Bonding process:

1. Neutral space: Start introductions in an area that doesn’t belong to either rabbit.
2. Short meetings: Begin with 5–10 minute sessions.
3. Observe behavior:
   • If they groom each other → 🟢 Good sign.
   • If they chase or fight → 🔴 Separate and try again later.
4. Gradually increase time together once they’re calm.
5. Once bonded, keep them together permanently — separating bonded rabbits can cause stress.

Best pairs:

• Male + Female (both neutered/spayed)
• Two females (if introduced young)

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🧘‍♀️ 4. Reducing Stress & Encouraging Trust

• Keep a quiet, safe environment – avoid loud noises.
• Provide hiding spots (like cardboard boxes or tunnels).
• Never punish your rabbit — it breaks trust.
• Offer gentle daily interaction — grooming, hand-feeding, and talking softly.

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🥦 5. Key Takeaways

✅ Rabbits show emotions through behavior and body posture.
✅ Bonding takes patience and gentle care.
✅ Always supervise interactions between new rabbits.
✅ Once bonded, rabbits thrive when kept together.
✅ Building trust is the foundation of a strong human–rabbit relationship.

🐇 1. Regular Vet Checkups

• Rabbits should visit a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at least once a year for a full health exam.
• The vet checks teeth, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, and weight.
• Annual visits help detect early signs of diseases like dental problems or parasites.
• Older rabbits (over 5 years) may need checkups twice a year.

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💉 2. Vaccinations

(Note: depends on country/region — some diseases may not be present everywhere)

• In many countries, rabbits are vaccinated against:
  • Myxomatosis
  • Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD / VHD)
• Annual booster shots keep immunity strong.
• Always consult your vet for local vaccination requirements.

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🍎 3. Proper Diet = Good Health

• Main diet: 80–90% fresh hay (Timothy, Orchard grass, or Meadow hay).
• Add fresh vegetables daily (e.g., romaine lettuce, parsley, carrot tops).
• Give a small amount of pellets (high fiber, low protein).
• Avoid sugary foods like too many fruits, and never give chocolate, bread, or junk food.
• Clean fresh water should always be available.

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🦷 4. Dental Health

• Rabbit teeth grow continuously, so they must chew hay and safe wooden toys.
• Overgrown teeth can cause:
  • Drooling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Face swelling
• Regular vet dental checks and a high-fiber diet prevent dental problems.

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💩 5. Gastrointestinal (GI) Health

• Rabbits need constant gut movement — if they stop eating or pooping, it’s an emergency!
• Signs of GI stasis (a deadly condition):
  • Not eating or drinking
  • Small or no droppings
  • Lethargy
• Take your rabbit to the vet immediately if these symptoms appear.
• Prevention: plenty of hay, water, and exercise.

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🧼 6. Parasite Control

• Check regularly for:
  • Fleas, mites, lice, and worms
• Use rabbit-safe parasite treatments (never cat/dog products — they can be toxic).
• Keep living areas clean and dry.

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🩺 7. Spaying & Neutering

• Recommended for both males and females:
  • Females: prevents uterine cancer (common in unspayed does).
  • Males: reduces aggression and marking.
• Also helps with bonding and calmer behavior.

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🧠 8. Signs of Illness

Watch for these early warning signs:

• Loss of appetite
• Hiding or less active
• Diarrhea or no poop
• Runny nose or eyes
• Head tilt
• Difficulty breathing
  ➡️ Visit a vet immediately if any appear.

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💧 9. Environment & Stress

• Keep rabbits in a calm, clean, and cool environment.
• Avoid loud noises, overheating, or sudden changes.
• Provide a safe space where they feel secure.
• Stress can weaken their immune system and lead to illness.

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⏱️ 10. Emergency Care

• Have a rabbit first aid kit (gauze, antiseptic, syringe for feeding water, etc.).
• Keep your vet’s contact number handy.
• Never delay treatment — rabbits deteriorate quickly if sick.

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❤️ Summary

Health Area	Key Tip
Vet Visits	Once or twice a year
Vaccinations	Annual (depending on region)
Diet	80–90% hay, daily greens
Dental	Regular checks, chewing toys
GI Health	Never stop eating/pooping
Parasites	Use rabbit-safe treatments
Spay/Neuter	Prevents cancer & behavior issues
Signs of Illness	Act quickly, don’t wait
Environment	Calm, clean, safe space

🪶 1. Brushing & Fur Care

Rabbits are naturally clean animals and groom themselves often, but they still need help to stay tidy and healthy.

• Short-haired rabbits: Brush once a week to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs.
• Long-haired breeds (like Angoras): Brush daily to stop tangles and mats.
• Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove to avoid hurting their skin.
• Always brush gently — rabbits have delicate skin.

Tip: During shedding season (spring & fall), increase brushing to prevent fur ingestion which can cause digestive blockages.

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🛁 2. Bathing

❌ Do not bathe rabbits unless absolutely necessary.
Rabbits get very stressed during baths, and cold or wet fur can cause hypothermia.
If they get dirty:

• Use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes to clean the dirty area.
• For serious messes, a “dry bath” using cornstarch powder can help — sprinkle gently, massage, and brush it out.

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✂️ 3. Nail Trimming

Rabbit nails grow continuously and can curl or break if not trimmed.

• Trim every 4–6 weeks using small animal nail clippers.
• Avoid cutting too deep — look for the pink vein (quick) inside the nail and cut just before it.
• If you’re unsure, ask a vet or groomer to show you the safe method.

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🦷 4. Teeth Care

Rabbit teeth never stop growing — they must chew constantly to wear them down.

• Provide timothy hay daily – it’s essential for dental health.
• Offer wooden chew toys or apple sticks for natural grinding.
• Check for signs of dental problems: drooling, loss of appetite, or uneven teeth.

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🍑 5. Bottom & Scent Gland Cleaning

Sometimes, rabbits’ bottoms can get dirty (especially older or overweight ones).

• Gently clean the area with a warm, damp cloth.
• Check the scent glands (located near the genitals) — they can get clogged with waxy buildup. Use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to clean gently if needed.

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🧺 6. Litter Box Hygiene

Rabbits can be litter trained! Keep their litter area clean to avoid odors and infections.

• Scoop waste daily.
• Wash the litter box weekly with mild soap and warm water (avoid strong chemicals).
• Use paper-based or wood-pellet litter – never clumping cat litter.

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🩺 7. Regular Health & Grooming Checks

While grooming, also check for:

• Bald patches or fleas
• Lumps or sores on skin
• Ear wax or discharge
• Runny eyes or nose

If you notice anything unusual, consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately.

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💡 Quick Summary Table

Task	Frequency	Tools
Brushing	Weekly / Daily for long hair	Soft brush, comb
Nail trimming	Every 4–6 weeks	Pet nail clippers
Litter box cleaning	Daily/Weekly	Paper litter, mild soap
Bottom cleaning	As needed	Damp cloth, cotton swab
Teeth check	Weekly	Hay, chew toys

🌿 1. Hay – The Main Food (80% of the Diet)

Why it’s important:
Hay is the most essential food for rabbits. It keeps their digestive system working properly and helps wear down their teeth (which grow continuously).

Best types of hay:

• Timothy hay (most common and balanced)
• Orchard grass hay (soft and sweet-smelling)
• Meadow hay (a natural mix of grasses)
• Alfalfa hay (for young rabbits under 6 months only — it’s high in calcium and protein)

Tip: Always keep hay available — fresh, dry, and clean. Replace it daily.

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🥬 2. Fresh Vegetables – Daily Nutrients

Why it’s important:
Fresh greens provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Safe veggies to feed daily:

• Romaine lettuce
• Kale (in small amounts)
• Spinach (occasionally)
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Carrot tops
• Basil
• Dandelion greens

Avoid: Iceberg lettuce (too watery, little nutrition).

Serving size:
About 1 cup of mixed greens per 2 lbs of body weight each day.

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🥕 3. Pellets – Small but Important Portion (5–10%)

Why it’s important:
Pellets provide concentrated nutrients, but too many can cause obesity.

Choose:

• High-fiber pellets (at least 18% fiber)
• No added seeds, nuts, or colored bits

Serving size:

• Adult rabbit: ¼ cup per 5 lbs body weight daily
• Baby rabbit: unlimited until 6 months old

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🍎 4. Fresh Fruits – Occasional Treats Only (5%)

Why it’s important:
Fruits are high in sugar and should be given sparingly — as treats, not meals.

Safe fruits (1–2 tsp per day):

• Apple (no seeds)
• Banana
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Papaya
• Pineapple

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💧 5. Fresh Water – Always Available

Why it’s important:
Rabbits need clean water all day to stay hydrated.

Tips:

• Use a water bowl (preferred) or a bottle (if your rabbit likes it).
• Refill with fresh, cool water daily.

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⚠️ 6. Foods to Avoid (Toxic or Dangerous)

Never feed your rabbit these foods:
🚫 Bread, rice, pasta
🚫 Chocolate or sweets
🚫 Onion, garlic
🚫 Avocado
🚫 Potatoes
🚫 Nuts or seeds

These can upset digestion or even be life-threatening.

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🧠 Bonus Tip: Feeding Schedule

• Morning: Hay + small portion of pellets
• Evening: Fresh vegetables + hay
• Anytime: Unlimited hay + water

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💡 Summary Table:

Food Type	Amount	Frequency	Notes
Hay	Unlimited	Always	Main diet
Fresh Vegetables	1 cup/2 lbs body weight	Daily	Variety is key
Pellets	¼ cup/5 lbs body weight	Daily	High fiber only
Fruits	1–2 tsp	2–3 times/week	Treat only
Water	Unlimited	Always	Fresh and clean

1. Proper Living Space

Rabbits need plenty of room to move, hop, and stretch.

• Indoor Housing:
  • Use a large indoor enclosure or exercise pen (minimum 4×2 feet per rabbit, plus play area).
  • Avoid wire floors — they can hurt rabbit feet. Use a solid floor covered with soft mats, fleece, or straw.
• Outdoor Housing (if weather allows):
  • Use a secure, weatherproof hutch raised off the ground.
  • Place it in a shady, dry area to protect from rain, wind, and sun.
  • Always provide a run space or outdoor pen for exercise.

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2. Comfortable Bedding

• Bedding should be soft, absorbent, and safe.
  ✅ Best options:
  • Paper-based bedding
  • Straw or hay (also doubles as a snack!)
  • Fleece blankets or washable liners
    ❌ Avoid:
  • Cedar or pine shavings (they can harm rabbits’ lungs)
• Clean the bedding every 2–3 days and fully replace it weekly.

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3. Temperature & Ventilation

• Rabbits prefer cool, dry environments (ideal temperature: 16–21°C / 60–70°F).
• Keep them away from heat, direct sunlight, and drafts.
• Provide good air circulation, but don’t place the cage under fans or AC vents.

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4. Hideouts & Comfort Items

Rabbits are prey animals and feel safe when they have hiding spots.
Add:

• Small wooden or cardboard hide boxes
• Tunnels and nests for resting
• Chew toys and soft blankets to make them feel secure and comfortable

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5. Cleanliness & Hygiene

• Clean litter boxes daily (rabbits can be litter-trained easily).
• Wash food and water bowls every day.
• Disinfect the cage weekly with pet-safe cleaner or vinegar-water mix.

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6. Play & Exercise Area

Rabbits need at least 3–4 hours of free playtime daily.

• Let them hop around in a safe, enclosed area.
• Avoid electrical cords and toxic plants.
• Provide ramps, tunnels, and cardboard boxes to explore.

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7. Bonding & Comfort

• Rabbits are social animals — they love companionship.
  • Ideally, keep them in pairs or small groups (spayed/neutered).
• Talk gently, avoid loud noises, and handle them with care.
• Provide mental stimulation with toys and interaction.

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🐰 Summary:

Need	Description
Space	Large, clean, and safe indoor/outdoor area
Bedding	Soft, absorbent, non-toxic
Temperature	Cool, dry, 16–21°C
Hideouts	Boxes, tunnels, safe spaces
Cleanliness	Daily cleaning, weekly disinfection
Exercise	3–4 hours daily free play
Companionship	Prefer living in pairs