MEET THE RABBIT
Rabbits are not technically rodents, but lagomorphs, which are closely related. There are many different breeds of rabbits which creates a huge range of sizes, shapes, coat types, colors, and personalities. Rabbits have quickly become one of the most popular types of pocket pets due to their size, potty trainability, and adorable ears!
Lifespan
8 - 10 years
Diet Difficulty
Medium
Good With Kids
Older/respectful children
Care Difficulty
Medium
Space Requirement
Large
Cleanliness
Medium
Time Needed Outside Cage
High
Human Interaction Needs
High
Potty Trainability
High
Cuddliness
Low
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
MNPPR Recommends
Exercise Pens
One of the best cage options is a homemade cage called a C&C (cubes and coroplast) cage. They are fairly easy to make and are quite inexpensive compared to cages sold at pet stores. They are also very easy to clean and provide appropriate space. The bigger the better! If you decide to put in a ramp to add a second story, make sure it is long with a gradual incline and traction on the bottom so your rabbit can easily use it.
Minimum Dimensions
One rabbit: 12 sq ft
Two rabbits: 12 - 24 sq ft
Three rabbits: 24 - 36 sq ft
Other Notes
Be sure there is enough room for your rabbit to stretch out, hop 3 - 4 times across the length of the habitat, and stand on their back legs without touching the roof.
Most rabbit cages you find in the stores are much too small on their own. It is recommended to either build your own cage or expand your cage with fencing or an exercise pen.
Pocket pets should never be housed outside as they are vulnerable to predators, parasites, and weather conditions.
MNPPR strongly recommends avoiding all wood-based beddings due to the general sensitivity of pocket pets. We like to use fleece to line the cage and cover any exposed wire floors, then use unscented paper bedding as litter placed in a litter box. When the fleece is soiled, simply throw it in the wash and replace it as needed. Some rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, which can make cleaning even easier.
Some rabbits do well free-range in the house or in their own room once they have been litter box trained, as long as the area has been rabbit-proofed.
ENRICHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Essentials
water bowl
food bowl
lots of chew toys (wood or lava)
at least one shelter/hide
Variety
toilet paper tubes
fiddlesticks
tunnels
bird toys
bits of fabric
ladders
cardboard
treat balls
homemade toys
Other Items
pet bed
pet carrier
fleece
unscented litter (soft recycled paper
such as CareFresh, shredded paper,
or paper pellets)
FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Hay
Rabbits’ digestive systems require a constant supply of hay to function properly. An unlimited supply of timothy hay, orchard grass, and/or meadow grass should be available for them to eat at all times. Adult rabbits should not be given alfalfa since its calcium content is too high and can cause stones to form. Place hay in the litter box to encourage use and hay consumption.
Pellets
Rabbits weighing 1 - 4 pounds should be given 1/8 cup pellets daily. Rabbits weighing 5 - 8 pounds should be given 1/4 cup pellets daily. Rabbits weighing 8 - 10 pounds should be given 1/2 cup pellets daily. Rabbits weighing 12 pounds and up should be given 3/4 cup pellets daily. Speak with your vet to determine if the pellet amount you are feeding is appropriate for your pet. Do not feed alfalfa hay or pellets to adult rabbits as they are high in calcium and can cause bladder stones. Pellets are not a substitute for hay! MNPPR prefers to use Oxbow brand pellets.
Leafy Greens / Fresh Vegetables
Each day, offer about 1 cup of veggies per 2 lbs of body weight per rabbit. The bulk of this should be leafy greens, such as romaine, green leaf, or red leaf lettuce. Iceberg lettuce should never be given as it can cause diarrhea.
Leafy Greens
75% of daily fresh food.
arugula
basil
bok choy
dandelion greens
dill
endive
green leaf lettuce
kale
mint
mustard greens
parsley
red leaf lettuce
romaine lettuce
spring greens
swiss chard
turnip greens
watercress
wheatgrass
Vegetables
15 - 25% of daily fresh food.
broccoli
brussels sprouts
carrots
celery
cucumber
radicchio
spinach
summer squash
zucchini squash
Treats
There are a lot of store-bought treats on the market made for rabbits but fresh fruits and vegetables can also make great treats.
Fruit
Treats only.
apples
bananas
berries
cherries
kiwi
mango
melons
nectarines
peaches
pears
Unsafe Treats
Do not feed.
avocado
chocolate
dairy
garlic
meat
nuts
onion
potato
rhubarb
tomato leaves
DISCLAIMER
All information shared by MN Pocket Pet Rescue is researched, up to date, and accurate to the best of our ability. We are not a licensed veterinary organization and do not intend to present ourselves as such. All educational material contains our best recommendations for care specific to each species. However, all animals are different and some may have unique needs. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not assume any liability for the well-being of any animal not under our care. Always use your best judgment and follow veterinary recommendations whenever necessary. If you have any questions or find inaccurate information please contact us.