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Bunny Care Tips

June 1 2016

Have you recently adopted a bunny? We probably don’t have to tell you that you’ve picked an adorable pet. Bunnies have been charming the socks off people for centuries! Floppy does have some specific care needs, however. First-time bunny parents often face a learning curve when it comes to good pet care. Below, a local McHenry, IL vet discusses some bunny care basics.

Feeding

Did you know that grass hay, such as Timothy hay, should form the bulk of your bunny’s diet? That cute furry tummy is suited to processing tough fibers and plants. If Floppy doesn’t get enough fiber, she could get very sick! Make sure your pet always has plenty of fresh quality hay. Your furball can have commercial bunny food for dinner and supper. To round out your furry pal’s nutritional needs, you’ll also need to offer her fresh produce, such as carrots and cucumbers. Ask your vet for specific information.

Habitat

There’s no place like home! Make sure your furball is comfortable in hers by offering her a big, roomy cage that allows her plenty of room to run, hop, play, eat, and stretch out. You’ll need to add a safe, suitable substrate, such as aspen. Floppy will need a little hidey-hole, so she has a quiet place to retreat to. Your bunny will also require food dishes, a water bottle, and plenty of toys, including lots of chewable toys. You may want to include a litter pan and hay rack as well.

Chewing

Your cute pet will need daily time out of her cage. When Floppy is out and about, she’ll be on the lookout for things to nibble on, so you’ll need to do some bunnyproofing. This entails removing or protecting furniture legs, wires and cords, baseboards, toxic plants, chemicals, medication, and anything that could choke or entangle your pet. You’ll also want to seal off open spaces behind cabinets and under beds and sofas. Ask your vet for more information.

General

Just like any other pet, Floppy will need regular veterinary care. Ask your vet for specific advice, including tips on caring for your pet’s teeth and nails. You may also want to do some research on bunny temperament and training. These adorable little furballs can be quite stubborn and mischievous!

Our Advice on Bunny Care Tips in 2024

What should form the bulk of a bunny’s diet, and why is it crucial for their health?

The bulk of a bunny’s diet should be high-quality grass hay, like Timothy hay. This is essential because their digestive systems are uniquely designed to process high-fiber foods. The fiber in hay aids in proper digestion and prevents issues like gastrointestinal stasis, a common and serious condition in rabbits. Additionally, chewing on hay helps maintain dental health, as it naturally grinds down their continuously growing teeth, preventing painful overgrowth. Fresh hay should always be available, ensuring your bunny’s digestive and dental health are well supported.

How can you create a comfortable and suitable habitat for your bunny?

Creating a comfortable and suitable habitat for your bunny starts with a spacious cage that allows ample room for movement, including hopping, playing, and stretching. For comfort, the cage should have a solid floor covered with a safe, soft substrate like aspen shavings. Include a hidey-hole for privacy and security, alongside essentials like food dishes, a water bottle, and a hay rack. Provide plenty of chew toys for dental health and enrichment. It’s also essential to ensure the habitat is quiet, temperate, and away from direct sunlight and drafts. Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain a healthy and pleasant living environment for your bunny.

Why is chewing behavior significant in bunnies, and how can you safely accommodate this need?

Chewing is a vital behavior for bunnies, serving two essential purposes. Firstly, it helps maintain dental health. Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, and chewing on appropriate materials helps wear down their teeth to prevent overgrowth and associated health issues. Secondly, chewing is a natural and necessary behavior for mental stimulation and stress relief. To safely accommodate this need, provide your bunny with chew toys like untreated wood blocks, hay cubes, and specially designed rabbit toys. Avoid items that could splinter or are treated with chemicals, ensuring your bunny’s chewing habit is safe and beneficial for its wellbeing.

To ensure your pet’s safety, what steps should be taken to bunny-proof your home?

Bunny-proofing your home is crucial for your pet’s safety. Start by securing electrical cords and chargers, as rabbits often chew on these, posing electrocution risks. Block off access to small spaces where your bunny could get stuck, like behind appliances or under furniture. Remove or protect household plants, many of which can be toxic to rabbits. Ensure that chemicals, medications, and small objects that could be ingested are out of reach. Lastly, protect wooden baseboards and furniture legs with covers or deterrents, as bunnies may gnaw on these. Creating a safe, bunny-friendly environment requires vigilance but ensures your pet’s wellbeing and peace of mind.

How can understanding bunny temperament and training enhance your experience as a bunny owner?

Understanding bunny temperament and engaging in appropriate training significantly enhances the pet-owner experience. Rabbits have unique personalities; some may be outgoing and playful, while others are reserved and shy. Recognizing and respecting these traits helps in forming a stronger bond. Training, such as litter box training and basic commands like ‘come,’ improves cohabitation and makes handling easier. It also mentally stimulates your bunny, preventing boredom and behavioral issues. This understanding and training lead to a more harmonious living situation, ensuring you and your bunny enjoy a fulfilling and stress-free relationship.

Do you have any questions about bunny care? We can help! Call us, your McHenry, IL animal clinic, today!