Care & FAQ
Caring for Your Rabbit
Everything you need to know to keep your Rabbit happy, healthy, and beautifully groomed — from day one and beyond.
Grooming
Rabbits require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy. This is one of the most important aspects of Rabbit care.
- Brush your Rabbit at least 2–3 times per week, daily during heavy molt seasons.
- Use a slicker brush or wide-tooth comb to gently work through the coat from the ends inward.
- Trim the coat every 90 days (English Rabbits) or as needed to prevent matting.
- Keep the area around the eyes, nose, and bottom trimmed short for hygiene.
- Never bathe your Rabbit — spot clean only, and dry thoroughly if damp.
Diet & Nutrition
A proper diet is essential for coat quality, digestive health, and overall wellbeing. Rabbits need a high-fiber diet to keep their digestive systems running smoothly.
- Provide unlimited timothy or orchard grass hay — this should make up 70–80% of their diet.
- Offer a small daily portion of high-quality pellets (look for 16–18% fiber content).
- Fresh leafy greens like romaine, cilantro, and parsley can be offered in small amounts daily.
- Always provide fresh, clean water — a heavy ceramic crock is ideal.
- Avoid sugary treats, iceberg lettuce, and starchy vegetables.
Housing
Rabbits need clean, spacious, well-ventilated housing. Their long coats make them sensitive to heat and humidity.
- Provide a minimum 4 sq ft enclosure — larger is always better. A 4×4 exercise pen works well.
- Use a solid-bottom enclosure or soft mat to protect their feet and coat.
- Keep temperatures between 60–72°F. Rabbits are prone to heat stroke above 80°F.
- Clean the enclosure daily and do a full deep clean weekly.
- Provide enrichment — tunnels, cardboard boxes, and safe chew toys.
Health & Wellness
Routine care and early attention to changes in behavior or appetite can prevent most health issues in Rabbits.
- Watch for GI stasis — reduced droppings, loss of appetite, or a hunched posture require immediate vet attention.
- Check nails every 4–6 weeks and trim as needed.
- Monitor for wool block — ensure adequate hay intake and regular grooming to prevent ingested fur buildup.
- Spay or neuter is recommended for pet rabbits to prevent reproductive cancers and improve temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Plan for 15–30 minutes of grooming 2–3 times per week. During molt season (spring and fall), daily sessions are recommended. Many owners find grooming to be a relaxing bonding experience with their rabbit.
Rabbits can be wonderful pets, but they do require more commitment than short-haired breeds due to their grooming needs. We always recommend new owners research thoroughly and feel confident about the grooming routine before bringing one home. We're happy to walk you through everything.
With proper care, rabbits typically live 7–12 years. They are a long-term commitment and become deeply bonded companions over time.
Rabbits can coexist peacefully with calm, rabbit-savvy dogs and cats, but introductions should always be slow and supervised. They generally do well with other rabbits when properly bonded.
You'll need a spacious enclosure, unlimited hay, quality pellets, fresh water, a slicker brush and comb, a litter box with paper-based litter, and a rabbit-savvy vet lined up. We provide a full care packet with every rabbit we place.
Absolutely! Rabbit fiber is prized for its softness and warmth. Many of our pet owners enjoy spinning or crafting with their rabbit's harvested coat. We're happy to share tips on fiber collection and preparation.
Key warning signs include reduced or absent droppings, not eating or drinking, lethargy, labored breathing, head tilt, or a hunched posture. Any of these warrant a same-day vet visit. When in doubt, call your vet — rabbits can decline quickly.
Yes, always. We consider ourselves a resource for the lifetime of every rabbit we place. Whether you have a grooming question at 2am or need help finding a vet, we're here.
Still Have Questions?
We love hearing from new and prospective owners. Reach out anytime — no question is too small.