Bunny Basics: A Complete Guide to Rabbit Care

Rabbits are adorable, social, and intelligent companions—but they require specialized care to stay happy and healthy. At TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso, TX, we love helping rabbit owners learn the essentials of bunny care, from diet and exercise to housing and health. Here's everything you need to know to give your rabbit the best life possible.

Choosing a Healthy Rabbit

Before adopting, look for a rabbit that is alert, active, and curious. Healthy rabbits have bright eyes, clean ears, shiny coats, and firm round droppings. Avoid bunnies with runny noses, dirty ears, patchy fur, or signs of dental problems like drooling or difficulty eating.

Hay There! Feeding Your Rabbit Right

A rabbit’s diet should be based primarily on grass hay (timothy, orchard grass, or oat hay) to support dental and gastrointestinal health. Juveniles may start with alfalfa hay, transitioning to grass hay between 7–12 months. Pellets should be limited and high-quality—about 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight. A small daily portion of mixed leafy greens can also be offered. Avoid sugary treats and fruit.

Always provide fresh, purified water in both a heavy bowl and a bottle. Avoid distilled water. Papaya enzyme tablets or Prozyme may help prevent hairballs, but salt and vitamin supplements aren’t necessary with a balanced diet.

Home Sweet Hutch

A rabbit’s enclosure should be large enough to allow hopping, standing, and stretching. At least 4 feet long for dwarf breeds and 6 feet for larger ones. Provide soft, solid flooring to prevent sore hocks, and use safe bedding like unscented paper or fleece. Avoid wood shavings and clay litter. Outdoor rabbits need shade, predator protection, and weather control.

Hop to It! Exercise and Enrichment

Rabbits need at least 4 hours of exercise daily to stay fit and prevent GI problems. Supervised play areas indoors or in secure outdoor pens are ideal. Use baby gates or exercise pens to create safe zones, and bunny-proof the area by covering cords and removing hazards. Offer enrichment like tunnels, cardboard boxes, and digging boxes.

Rabbits have teeth that never stop growing! Safe chew toys include seagrass mats, untreated wood blocks, cardboard tubes, and straw baskets. Toys that allow tugging or foraging help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Bunny Wellness: Health and Vaccines

Spaying or neutering your rabbit can prevent hormone-related behavior and serious conditions like uterine cancer (which affects up to 80% of unspayed females over 3). Consider UVB lighting for indoor rabbits to support dental health (i.e. ZooMed Avian UVB light placed over feeding station during the daylight hours). Clean enclosures regularly using diluted bleach or safe disinfectants.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) is a deadly viral illness with a 70–100% fatality rate. Vaccination is essential. Rabbits can contract RHDV2 through exposure to insects, contaminated surfaces, or outdoor environments—even without direct rabbit contact. Two vaccine doses spaced 3 weeks apart are needed for protection.

Friends, Fur, and Safety

Rabbits are social animals and often benefit from having a rabbit friend—provided both are spayed/neutered. If living solo, a stuffed animal can offer comfort. Always support the hindquarters when handling to avoid spinal injury, and supervise outdoor time to prevent escapes or predator attacks.

Ready to Be a Bunny Bestie?

With the right care, rabbits can be affectionate, playful, and rewarding companions. Have questions about rabbit health, diet, or vaccines? Call TLC Animal Hospital at (915) 592-6200—we’re hoppy to help!

Disclaimer:
This article was created using trusted resources and AI technology.  Its content has been reviewed and vetted (ha!) by the veterinarian and medical director of TLC Animal Hospital.  The content in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Always consult with your veterinarian for individualized medical advice and care specific to your pet’s needs.