Rabbits are more than just adorable, floppy-eared pets you impulse-buy at Easter. They are gentle, intelligent, and social animals that can bring immense joy to your life. Whether you're a seasoned rabbit owner or considering bringing one into your life, refresh your knowledge or start your learning journey with the know-how you need to care for a rabbit.
Did you know that rabbits can live for quite a long time? Despite popular belief that says rabbits live for 5-6 years, on average, they’ll actually be hopping around for anywhere between 8 to 12 years – that’s about the same lifespan as many dogs! So, bringing a bunny into your life isn’t just a short-term commitment; it’s the beginning of a long and meaningful friendship.
Before welcoming a bun into your home, it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared. Do you have enough space for them to stretch their legs, binky, and explore? Can you set aside time each day to give them the love, attention, and playtime they need? Are you ready and financially able to support their health and happiness for the next decade or more?
Rabbits may be small, but they’ve got big personalities and even bigger needs. With the right care, they’ll reward you with years of affection, funny antics, and the kind of bond that makes every hay-scattered moment worth it!
Rabbits need a cosy, secure space to call home – somewhere they can feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. While many people opt for indoor cages or pens to keep their bunnies protected, it’s important to remember that our fluffy friends need more than just a comfy corner to snooze in.
There are pros and cons to both keeping your rabbit indoors or outdoors - it's important to do your research to figure out which is best for your situation and your bun's needs.
Rabbits are naturally curious and active creatures, and they absolutely love to hop, zoom, chew, and explore! That’s why it’s crucial to give them plenty of room to stretch their legs and get their daily dose of exercise. A spacious playpen is a great option, or even better – a fully bunny-proofed room where they can roam freely under your watchful eye.
Think of it like this: if you’d go stir-crazy being stuck in one teeny-tiny room all day, chances are your bunny would too! Providing a stimulating environment with space to bounce about, toys to investigate, and hidey-holes to retreat to will help keep them both happy and healthy. Plus, watching them do their joyful little binkies (those happy hops and twists!) is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Rabbits are herbivores through and through, which means their diet should be packed full of plant-based goodness – no sneaky snacks from your plate or cereal from your bowl!
The cornerstone of a healthy bunny diet is hay – and lots of it. Not only does it keep their digestive system ticking along nicely (which is essential to avoid deadly gut stasis), but it also helps wear down their ever-growing teeth, which is essential for their dental health. Basically, hay is a bunny’s best friend – so make sure they’ve always got an unlimited supply to munch on.
To keep things interesting (and nutritious), fresh vegetables and leafy greens should also be on the menu. In limited amounts, parsley, coriander, kale, and spring greens are all great choices – but go easy on starchy veg like carrots and sugary fruits, which are best kept as occasional treats. It's a bit like us with cake: lovely now and then, but not ideal for every meal!
High-quality rabbit pellets can be added to the mix for an extra nutritional boost, but they should only make up a small part of the diet – think of them more as a supplement than a main course, and avoid muesli mixes.
Finally, don’t forget the water! A clean, fresh supply should always be available, whether it’s in a sturdy bowl (ideal) or a bottle. Hydration is just as important for bunnies as it is for us.
A well-fed bunny is a happy bunny – and when their tummy’s content, they’ll have all the more energy for zoomies, flops, and snuggles.
Rabbits are wonderfully social – they love company and flourish when they’ve got at least one friend to snuggle up with, groom, and bounce about alongside. In fact, in most cases, it’s best to keep rabbits in pairs or bonded groups, as having a bunny buddy can make a huge difference to their overall wellbeing.
Humans are also inherently social, so imagine living your whole life without a single conversation or cuddle – not very fun, right? It’s much the same for rabbits. A bonded companion can help prevent loneliness and boredom, and you'll often catch them curled up together and grooming one another.
That said, rabbit introductions can be a delicate business. Not every bunny will instantly hit it off – some pairings can be aggressive or more “meh” than magical at first. So it’s important to take things slowly and use neutral territory when bonding new bunnies. Patience is key!
Spaying or neutering your rabbits before introductions is also a must. Not only does it help prevent unwanted litters (those little paws add up quickly!), but it also greatly reduces the chances of territorial or aggressive behaviour. Altered rabbits are generally calmer, happier, and much easier to bond.
With the right match and a bit of gentle guidance, your bunnies will soon be the very best of friends – and watching their bond blossom is one of the sweetest things you’ll ever see.
Rabbits may look like low-maintenance pets, but when it comes to their health, they can be a bit on the delicate side. Two of the most common trouble spots? Their teeth and tummies!
Rabbit teeth never stop growing – yes, really! That’s why munching on hay all day is so important, as it helps wear their teeth down naturally. If those pearly whites grow too long or become misaligned, it can cause all sorts of painful problems. Tummy troubles, on the other hand, can sneak up quickly and become serious if not caught in time. So, it’s important to stay on top of things.
Regular check-ups with a rabbit-savvy vet (not just any vet – one who really knows their stuff when it comes to buns) are an absolute must. A quick once-over every six months or so can help catch issues before they turn into anything more serious.
At home, keep a close eye on your bunny’s behaviour. Has their appetite changed? Are they suddenly quieter than usual? Are their poos smaller, softer, or less frequent? These might seem like little things, but they can be early signs that something’s not right - and speed is key with a poorly bun.
The good news is that a healthy diet full of hay and limited leafy greens, regular exercise, and a clean, stress-free environment go a long way in keeping your bunny in tip-top shape. Think of it as their wellness routine – with you as their very own personal health coach!
Bonding with your rabbit is a bit like growing a garden – it takes time, patience, and a gentle touch, but the results are oh-so-rewarding. While some bunnies might hop straight into your heart (and lap!), others may take a little longer to build trust... And that’s completely okay. Athena still doesn't let me stroke her even after all these years! On the other hand, Apollo is a glutton for head rubs. It's so important to recognise their personalities and respect their boundaries.
Start by simply spending time near them. Sit quietly on the floor while they potter about, letting them come to you in their own time. Offer the occasional gentle stroke if they seem comfortable – behind the ears or on their cheeks is often a winner - avoid the feet, tum and bum!
To keep your bunny’s mind and body active, be sure to provide plenty of toys and things to explore. Tunnels, cardboard boxes, and chew toys are all brilliant for encouraging natural behaviours like digging, chewing, and zooming about. Plus, it’s great fun to watch!
Let’s not forget grooming. Regular brushing not only keeps their fur sleek and helps prevent dangerous hair blockages (especially in long-haired breeds), but it’s also a lovely way to connect. Many rabbits come to enjoy their grooming sessions – it’s a bit like spa day for them!
With consistency, patience, kindness, and a sprinkle of bunny treats, you’ll build a bond that’s full of trust, and affection. One day, you may even reach the level of being groomed by your bun. Apollo does this and, among bunny owners, it is the highest honour!
Owning a rabbit can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with responsibilities. Rabbits need love, care, and attention just like any other pet. If you're considering bringing a bunny into your life, remember that they are wonderful companions who require your dedication. Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and stories about furry friends and take good care of your pets!