EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage or Enclosure Size: Rabbits need plenty of space to move around and exercise. A cage or hutch should be at least 4 times the size of the rabbit when fully stretched out. A minimum of 12 square feet is recommended for one rabbit, but larger is always better.
  • For a small to medium-sized rabbit: A cage of 36” x 24” (or 90 cm x 60 cm) is a good starting point. For larger breeds, a cage of 48” x 30” (120 cm x 75 cm) is better. Make sure the cage has a solid floor (not wire) to avoid foot problems.
• Free Roam: While a cage is necessary for sleeping and eating, free roaming or access to a rabbit-proofed room is crucial for a rabbit's mental and physical well-being. Rabbits should be allowed to exercise for several hours a day, either in a safe, enclosed area or through supervised free-roaming in the house.
• Enclosure Setup: The cage should include a soft bedding such as shredded paper, aspen wood shavings, or hay. Avoid using cedar or pine bedding, as they can cause respiratory issues and are toxic to rabbits. Provide hideaways, such as a cardboard box or tunnel, for the rabbit to feel secure.
• Litter Box: Rabbits are naturally clean animals and can be trained to use a litter box. Place the litter box in a corner of the enclosure or room where your rabbit tends to go. Use a paper-based or wood-based litter (avoid clumping cat litter, as it is harmful to rabbits if ingested). Regularly clean the box to keep it fresh.

• Hay: The foundation of a rabbit’s diet is hay. Provide unlimited access to high-quality hay such as timothy hay, meadow hay, or oat hay. Hay is essential for digestion and helps wear down their teeth, which grow continuously.
• Fresh Vegetables: Rabbits should be fed a variety of fresh leafy greens daily, such as:
  • Romaine lettuce, kale, parsley, cilantro, basil, dandelion greens
  • Carrots and bell peppers can be offered in small quantities as treats.
  • Avoid iceberg lettuce, as it contains very little nutritional value and can cause digestive upset.
• Pellets: Offer a small amount of rabbit pellets made from timothy hay (or other hay-based varieties). Avoid pellets with added sugars, seeds, or dried fruit. Pellets should be no more than 1/4 cup per 6 pounds of rabbit weight daily.
• Fresh Water: Ensure your rabbit always has access to fresh, clean water. Use a bottle or bowl (both should be cleaned daily). Some rabbits prefer to drink from a bottle, while others prefer a bowl. Observe which your rabbit prefers.
• Treats: Limit sugary or high-calcium foods like fruit and carrots to occasional treats. Overfeeding sugary treats can lead to obesity and digestive issues. Hay-based treats or small pieces of apple or banana are better alternatives.

• Daily Exercise: Rabbits are active animals that need at least 3-4 hours of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. Allow your rabbit to roam in a safe, bunny-proofed area where they can hop, explore, and interact with toys. A pen or exercise area is a great way to provide them with space while ensuring they are safe from household hazards.
• Toys & Enrichment: Provide various toys to keep your rabbit mentally stimulated. Some options include:
  • Cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, and phone books (for chewing and hiding)
  • Wooden chew toys to help maintain their dental health
  • Hay-filled toys or food puzzles to keep them engaged
  • Tunnels, climbing structures, and rattling balls to encourage play and exercise
• Bunny-Proofing: Make sure that the areas where your rabbit will roam are safe and free from hazards like electrical cords, sharp objects, or toxic plants. Rabbits love to chew, so it's essential to protect your furniture, wires, and baseboards with covers or guards.

• Gentle Handling: Rabbits can be very affectionate and enjoy interaction with their owners once they are accustomed to it. Always handle your rabbit gently, supporting its hindquarters with one hand and its chest with the other. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears or scruff, as this can cause injury or stress.
• Training: Rabbits are highly trainable and can learn tricks, recognize their names, and use a litter box. Use positive reinforcement like treats or gentle petting to reward good behavior.
  • Start with simple commands like "come" or "sit" using small treats. Be patient and consistent with training, and always use positive methods.
• Bonding: Rabbits enjoy companionship and can form strong bonds with their human caretakers or other rabbits. If you have more than one rabbit, be sure to introduce them carefully and gradually to avoid territorial aggression.

• Regular Grooming: Rabbits are clean animals, but they may need occasional grooming, especially if they have long fur. Brushing helps prevent mats and hairballs and reduces the amount of fur they ingest while grooming themselves.
  • Long-haired breeds (like Angora rabbits) will need more frequent grooming, while short-haired breeds typically require grooming once a week.
  • During shedding season, they may need more frequent brushing to help remove loose hair and reduce hairballs.
• Nail Trimming: Rabbits' nails should be trimmed regularly (every 4-6 weeks) to prevent overgrowth. Be sure to use rabbit-safe clippers and avoid cutting into the quick (the pink area inside the nail). If you're unsure, have a veterinarian or experienced groomer show you how to trim them safely.
• Dental Health: Rabbits' teeth grow continuously, so it's essential to provide them with proper chewing materials like hay, cardboard, and wooden toys to help wear their teeth down. Overgrown teeth can cause serious health problems.
• Signs of Illness: Monitor for signs of ill health, such as:
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Lethargy or changes in behavior
  • Diarrhea or changes in fecal output
  • Sneezing or nasal discharge
  • Difficulty moving or breathing
  • Dental issues, such as drooling or not eating normally If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Rabbits are prey animals, so they often hide symptoms of illness until the problem becomes severe.

• Spaying/Neutering: It is highly recommended to spay or neuter your rabbit, especially if you do not plan to breed. Spaying females can prevent uterine cancer, and neutering males can reduce territorial behavior and prevent unwanted litters.
  • Rabbits should be spayed/neutered at around 4-6 months of age.
• Breeding: If you do decide to breed rabbits, ensure that you have the proper knowledge and resources. Breeding should only be done responsibly and with consideration of the rabbit's health and well-being. Always ensure that both the male and female are healthy and have ample space and a safe environment to raise their offspring.

• Toxic Plants & Household Hazards: Rabbits are curious eaters and may nibble on plants or household items. Some common toxic plants include:
  • Azaleas, tulips, daffodils, lilies, and poinsettias.
  • Ensure that any plants in the home are safe for rabbits. Always check before introducing any new plants.
• Electrical Cords: Protect wires and cords with chew-proof covers or by keeping them out of reach to prevent your rabbit from chewing on them. Electric shocks can be fatal to rabbits.
• Chew Safety: While rabbits need to chew, ensure that what they chew on is safe (wooden toys, cardboard, hay, etc.). Avoid sharp objects or plastic items that could cause injury.

Rabbits are wonderful companions that thrive on attention, socialization, and proper care. With a balanced diet, plenty of space to roam, and regular health check-ups, your rabbit can live a long, happy life of 10 years or more. By understanding their needs and providing them with a safe, enriching environment, you will ensure your rabbit's well-being and foster a rewarding relationship with your furry friend.