Bunny Stuff You Need to Know
Never let Bunnies run out of water, moisture is required for proper digestion.
Feed unlimited pellets, unlimited alfalfa hay, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables which should be introduced one at a time. At no time should citrus fruits be fed to us. These don't agree too well with our digestive systems.
Introduce grass hay and decrease alfalfa (alfalfa has high amounts of protein that can contribute to an over weight bunny, the most popular health problem). Start rationing pellets. Pellets also contain high levels of protein and calcium which causes kidney and bladder stones, and "sludge" in the urine.
Dietary requirements for a house bunny:
- Fat: Less than 2.5%
- Protein: Less than 16%
- Fiber: More than 18% (very important)
- Calcium: Less than 1%
Bunnies under stress, or living outside, may need a bit more protein. However, caution should be used unless you are breeding the bunny.
- Timothy Hay:
Give them lots. Your bunny needs large quantities of less digestible fiber.
give your bunny something you won’t eat yourself (fruits, vegetables, greens - even hay and grain - anything moldy)!! Spoiled food can kill!!
Contrary to popular belief, carrots are not good for bunnies, however, they can be given in small amounts occasionally as a treat. Carrots contain too much calcium (causes kidney and bladder stones). Iceberg lettuce is even more harmful due to that it causes Enteritis -> diarrhea, which can kill if not treated.
- Don’t give your bunny raw corn, potato’s, beans, rhubarb, refined sugar (anything containing refined sugar) or fatty "Bunny Treats".
- Ok stuff to feed bunny:
Parsley, carrot tops, celery, kale, spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, dark leafy lettuce, dandelion greens, plantain, white clover, apple, pear, banana, papaya, raisins, and a little bit of carrots and broccoli. Feed a variety of three different vegetables a day. Don’t get carried away as over feeding of fruit can lead to a fat bunny.
Never feed your bunny fried fruit!
- Make sure your bunny's living area is cleaned daily (bunnies don’t like to be dirty!). A general cleaning is fine. Do a thorough cleaning once a week.
- Do not
use Pine or Cedar shavings as a bedding or litter. They produce aromatic hydrocarbons which cause both respitory and liver damage in bunnies. Instead, try organic materials, such as straw, newspaper, dust free clay (with no clumping agents or perfumes), pelleted recycled newspaper, or ground up corn cob.
Check your bunny’s ears weekly to make sure they are clean and free of mites (especially if they are outside or exposed to other animals that come and go).
- Things to check:
Check toenails (may need clipping), feet (for sores from wire), teeth (alignment), look for fleas, check for dandruff (again, mites if outside, etc.), keep track of scent glands and make sure they are clean. These things should be done monthly.
Bunnies don’t have a body odor if their environment is clean, therefore, do not give them a bath!! If fleas should occur, consult your veterinarian for treatment. (Flea powders and dips may be deadly!)
- Finding a veterinarian that knows bunnies is a must. Check your area thoroughly for a good bunny doctor! (A lot of vets don’t take care of bunnies because rabbits are considered to be "exotic animals".)
- It is very important to have your bunny spayed or neutered. Spaying is highly recommended to prevent cancer of the uterus in non-breeding females over 2 years old. (Leading cause of death for female bunnies.) Spaying or neutering also helps eliminate undesirable behaviors such as spraying and aggressive natures.
- Bunnies should see their doctor at least once a year for a checkup.
- You may want to give your bunny some apple branches to nibble on to satisfy his/her urge to chew. (Make sure they do not have pesticides or fertilizers on them.) Other fruit trees are toxic and are not recommended.
- Bunnies also like to play or have something to amuse themselves with. Find safe toys for them, especially if they are unsupervised.
- Bunnies are social animals, therefore, if you have only one, make sure to give them loads of attention so they aren’t lonely. They’ll be happier and healthier and so will you!!
- Bunnies are relatively disease and trouble free if fed properly, housed properly, and given lots of love and understanding.
This is just some basic information. Education is the key to a long happy life with your bunny. This can not be stressed enough. Gather various reading materials about bunnies and please, please study them.
From all of us bunnies, and the people who cherish them,
Thank you!!
Angie...(Kitty's mom)
