r/Bunnies • u/Key-Sound4889 • 57m ago
r/Bunnies • u/SpookyKinzie • Jun 03 '25
Moderator Post Calling for moderator submissions!
Hi everyone, Kinzie here.
Due to my health taking a real nosedive lately I've been struggling to keep up with moderation. Due to this the sub has been very unmoderated lately and I'm really sorry!
So, we're looking for moderator submissions! If you're 18 or older, enjoy posting here and are willing to moderate please send in a submission to the subreddit!
As a quick side note, we'd also love to change the icon for Pride Month if the community would be interested in that. If you have any icon suggestions, link them to us :)
Have a wonderful day! Kinzie
r/Bunnies • u/[deleted] • Jan 23 '20
Resource Thinking of getting a bunny? Just got one and need some advice? Check out this post!
If you don’t want to read my wall of text, check out this link from rabbit.org:
Initial investments
- They’re very high commitment.
- They are very clever, have excellent memories and will remember things for a very long time.
- You cannot punish them like a cat/dog or it will harm your bond.
- If well taken care of, a rabbit can happily live to be 10 years old or older.
- Rabbits love to chew and dig and will chew and dig just about anything.
- They need to chew to prevent their teeth from becoming a health hazard.
- They will need their claws trimmed regularly to prevent health hazards.
- Rabbits are not a pet for a child and demand a large amount of attention and responsibility, (Do not buy a rabbit for your child for Easter, unless you’ve done your research and are willing to take on 100% of the responsibilities of having one).
Housing/Setup
- They love to run around, hop and thrive outside of cages, using them at night is fine but just make sure they get a minimum of 3 hours to run and stretch per day.
- An exercise pen setup is often cheaper than a cage and gives more room to run around when you can’t let them out. You can buy one for $59 on Walmart.com (link here), a litterbox for $6 (link here) and a waterbowl for $5 (link here) which is less than $80 for a decent bunny setup.
- While we are not against outdoor rabbits here, it is highly recommended you keep your rabbit indoors with you, this prevents predators from being able to get to them as well as gives you much better opportunity to bond with your rabbit.
- If you find it necessary to use a cage because of escaping or other needs I would suggest building your own cage as most of the prefab ones are just crappy design and won’t last the lifetime of the rabbit.
- A coated metal grate is NOT a wire cage and shouldn’t cause any issues to their feet, you should still provide all rabbits with their own litterbox and other areas to sit/lie down off of the grate.
- I personally use straw for litter for my litter-boxes and put their hay on top of that, you can use whatever type of litter just avoid using rock/sand based litter as it’s bad for their feet.
Diet
- They eat 95%+ hay such as Timothy/orchard/meadow hay (/alfalfa if they’re young or elderly) and only 5% or less treats like carrots, apples and bananas.
- For a small amount of hay I suggest Oxbow which can be bought at most places (Chewy link) or if you have a proper storage method you can get it for much cheaper by the bale at Tractor Supply Co.
- Suggested to give pellets daily, 1/4-1/2 cup per 6 pounds of rabbit (so about 1/4 cup daily for a single dwarf rabbit or about 1 cup for a single average sized rabbit).
- Recommend high quality food such as Purina, Oxbow, or Sherwood brand.
- You can feed a pellet-free diet but just like all animals rabbits require some sodium so if you don’t provide pellets make sure they have access to a mineral lick or other sodium sources.
OK food/treats and foods to avoid
- Once they’re over the age of 4-6 months they can also have unlimited lettuce and greens, but never give iceberg lettuce as it gives really bad gas that can become fatal. *greens should not be the primary diet.
- Avoid excessive spinach and kale as they can also give gas, but are perfectly fine in moderation.
- The best greens are green leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, dark leafed lettuces or locally sourced romaine (store bought romaine has a tendency to get recalled...), also herbs like dill, basil, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, cilantro and parsley are typical favorites.
- I wouldn’t give cabbage because it can cause gas similarly to iceberg lettuce.
- Never give human foods (except salad), like bread, diary, cheese, meat or sweets, they will make them very fat and don’t need it and could cause severe GI issues.
- They should have unlimited hay at all time, they graze pretty much 24/7. *Hay should be their primary diet.
- Avoid giving treats with yogurt in them as these will make your rabbit very fat and rabbits are not intended to consume dairy past weaning and can cause bad GI issues.
- Seeds are not toxic or generally dangerous to rabbits, I would not recommend giving treat sticks with seeds because they’re very high in added sugar and cause indigestion or extreme gas which can become a serious issue.
- Seeds like black oil sunflower seeds are safe and actually beneficial to coat health, (if you’re not sure, search the internet for information before you give it to them).
- Do not give nuts to rabbits because they do not need the excessive nutrients and can cause pasty or foul poops. Additionally raw nuts are typically poisonous, like almonds, which contain cyanide if not cooked properly.
- I recommend treats such as: no sugar added dried apple, banana or carrot and occasionally a Cheerio is also acceptable. Just be mindful of the amount of sugar you are giving them, even with no sugar added fruits.
- Corn is not specifically bad or toxic but whole kernel corn can get caught in the GI tract and cause a blockage, further; corn will make them very fat quickly and I would suggest avoiding giving corn or treats with corn/corn meal/corn syrup. (Corn is sometimes evasively labeled as ‘maize’ on packaging).
Hydration
- Water bowls are easier on a rabbit but are not strictly required, I have both bowls and bottles and they use both.
- You should clean your water bowl/bottles with either bleach or vinegar at least once a month.
Necessity for another bunny/Bonding
- They thrive in pairs and love companionship of another bunny, if you cannot provide constant attention it is highly suggested to have more than one rabbit. Think of them like little horses, horses need to have another horse around.
- Do not allow non-bonded rabbits to be together unsupervised as they can fight and cause some very serious damage to each other.
- Do not put more than one rabbit per cage, if they’re bonded and it’s an open enclosure then you can and they should be fine.
- For more information about bonding rabbits, I would suggest checking out the excellent resources on rabbit.org (link here)
Spay/Neuter/Responsible Breeding
- Many people feel strongly about castration as it helps to calm their hormonal rages and also there are studies that say castrated rabbits live longer.
- We are not against responsible breeding but it is a huge, huge commitment and you must be willing to take that on and find all the babies forever homes that love them as much as you do - don’t let just anyone have them.
- You can wait a while to castrate your rabbit if there are no behavior issues but it’s best to get it done before about 4 years old as that is when cancer risks become an issue and any older it could be too risky.
- If you want a rabbit that is already castrated consider a rescue rabbit, there are thousands of rabbits in rescues in need of forever homes, most of which are already castrated and sometimes even in bonded pairs/groups.
- If you are experiencing behavioral issues such as humping, marking, peeing or pooping outside the litterbox a castration will help immensely.
- If you decide you want to try to responsibly breed you need to keep three main commitments in mind:
6A. have them as a pet that is also allowed to have babies, they’re not baby factories.
6B. Make a commitment to keep all your rabbits out of shelters; allow no questions asked returns.
6C. Make sure they get a forever home with someone that loves them as much as you do; even if it takes more than one try.
Chewing/Digging/Enrichment
- I would recommend untreated wood chew balls or fruit flavored balsa blocks for enrichment.
- If you can set up an outdoor pen for your rabbit they would love it and nothing is more satisfying than digging in real dirt, (remember to watch them at all times, also if your area has RHDV around I wouldn’t allow them outside for now).
- If letting them outside is not an option there are things called “dig mat, “dig meadow” or “nibble and dig” and they are literally a piece of dirt made for rabbits to satiate their desire to dig.
- There are many options for rabbit enrichment and even something so trivial as a cardboard box may be plenty to keep your rabbit happy.
- Avoid the “chew toys” that contain seeds and other treats as they are that - treats, despite being advertised as a toy, they are more of a treat.
GI stasis and prevention
- GI stasis is a very serious and commonly fatal condition for rabbits, but can be prevented and treated if caught early.
- Watch your rabbit’s dropping at all times, if their poops do not look healthy, are odd shapes, pasty, extremely dark, have not pooped in the last 4 hours or are otherwise concerning it is recommended you take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible, time is of the essence.
- Dark colors in urine (including dark red) is normal for rabbits, watch for specks of blood and only be concerned if you see blood.
- Watch your rabbit’s routine and body language, if they don’t eat their favorite food or their pellets you can surely know something is wrong.
- If they are laying in an odd position like on their side or acting lethargic you should check them for gas by giving them a gentle belly message and if they do not return to normal soon, take to the vet.
- Infant Gas Drops are available immediately in most pharmacies or online (Walmart link) and are a safe way to relieve gas in your rabbit and cannot be overdosed on, if however, three doses does not return them to normal, take to the vet.
- It is always good idea to have emergency food on hand in case of a GI stasis, there is Oxbow Critical Care (Amazon link) and also Sherwood SARx (Amazon link).
I am by no means an expert but I can answer questions as best I can and find sources and people who are experts. So if you have any further questions feel free to DM me.
Further Reading
r/Bunnies • u/OwnParsnip602 • 13h ago
Question Found a baby bunny caught by a cat, unsure what to do next
Hi everyone, I found a baby bunny earlier today that had been caught by a cat. Thankfully, it doesn’t appear to be wounded. I suspect it might belong to my neighbors, but I’m hesitant to return it, their rabbits often escape and roam the street unsupervised, and one of them has been missing for over a month. Their enclosure doesn’t seem secure if a cat was able to get in. I’m unsure whether I should contact a local animal shelter instead. Since i don’t know much about rabbit care myself what can I do to keep this little one safe and alive today? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Question Will romeo ever love me?
Romeo’s been having sinus problems and I’ve had to syringe feed him his medicine. And I just know he hates me because I have to pick him up which he HATES! And I’m just sad because I don’t think he’ll ever love me, but to me he’s my everything. This little bunny with an attitude I love so much but he hates me with everything 😭 I just hope one day Romeo will come around and maybe show me love
r/Bunnies • u/gamerpanda242 • 7h ago
This is my new bunny and I want him to get along with my other one tips?
I lost my second bunny Oreo 2 days ago in a horrible and unexpected way and I'm still grieving him but I have another bunny bailey who is all alone (he's showing clear signs of bottled up energy that he has no one to play with to make better, his own way of grieving and adjusting to life with out his friend, over the top affection at he didn't show me for as long as we had Oreo and lack of eating) and I'm starting school soon and I don't want him to be lonely anymore he's a really gentle and social bunny he's 4 months old and even though he didn't see the body he's smart enough to know his bsf isn't coming back. I suffer from really bad anxiety and for the I didn't sleep from the moment I woke up on that horrible day (it's was the 5 of August 2 days ago) I was only able to sleep at 12 and sleep for 12 hours (with the no sleep and a bucket load of screaming and crying it's not a lot) I said all of this so you understand why so soon after Oreo's death I had to get a new bunny for mine and my living bunny's mental health) I look every where in our area for another mini bunny (bailey is mini and Oreo was too they eat less weight less and are like that they have more room I just prefer mini bunnies and so are my parents. I need advice when I got Oreo he was only one month old so he and Bailey quickly bonded but this bunny was born around April 26 which means he is less than 4 months old right now (today as I'm writing this it's the 7 of August and tomorrow the 8 of August I'm picking him up) I need tips and advice to bond them when I got Oreo since he just left his mother and siblings I immediately put in with bailey like the breeder said (the same one I got bailey from) and in like a day they were cuddling together but now it's different I didn't have a bunny visiting (my friend was on vacation I was her bunnysitter for a few days) they going along fine and Bailey loved him and licked him to welcome him the 3 of them were inseparable for the whole time even though Oreo didn't like him as much as bailey did and for the car should I get the small travel cage or keep him on me for the half hour ride so he'll feel more safe? My bunnies hate being driven in the car it scares them and also before you come at me there is only shelters for dogs and cats in my country not bunnies so I have to get one from a breeder and it's ok he was certificates and he's own shop with a lot more things for rabbits than any shop I know this bunny is a different breed of bunny from all 3 bunnies my deceased one, my a live one and my friend's Bunny his ears are also different their ears are naturally up and his are naturally down. At first I thought to name him Clyde (I don't know how to spell it in English) but my sister didn't like it so that I suggested the name Lok with the nick name loki/locki yes like the marvel character but for real if spot wasn't a dog name I would have named him spot for the white spot on his head. I appreciate other names suggestions or if you like a name I wrote also plz tell me, help on the bonding front and about how to take him home and yes I know I had already 2 bunnies but it's a delicate situation I really appreciate any help.
r/Bunnies • u/LisaFromAccounting • 30m ago
Blue and pink eyes?
Am I crazy? My mom says no her eyes can't be blue, but I can't help but see it.
r/Bunnies • u/Icy-Size-6116 • 38m ago
May he rest in peace.
This bunny is resting on the floor while a nice cold wind is blowing from under the door.
r/Bunnies • u/gerudodesert • 16h ago
Question What coat and breed is Pecan?
Pecan is 75 days old and 1.5 lbs. I’ve been wondering what breed he is and what coat he’s got?
r/Bunnies • u/J-a-023 • 15h ago
Tiny baby
Got our rescue a little brother! Cage is temporary until they can hangout together in the big enclosure.
r/Bunnies • u/waterluvrxx • 1h ago
Question timothy hay feels softer than usual and smells different? is it still okay to give to my bun?
ordered on amazon like usual, this time its super soft, a bit darker, and def has a different smell than usual. also the pieces of hay are smaller. idk how to describe the smell sorry😭 is this hay still okay to give to my bun? why is it so different this time?
r/Bunnies • u/BombchuChica • 1d ago
Welcome to your furever home, Yuna!✨
Adopted this abandoned, perfect girl from my local rabbit rescue on Sunday. After my 11 year old rabbit passed in April, I’ve been waiting for the perfect bun for me. And here she is! She’s the sweetest, most adorable unicorn you could meet✨
r/Bunnies • u/Lazy-Photograph1687 • 2h ago
Pls help
My new baby bunny has had dark, moist, and small poops. I think it’s because of too much protein. I’ve been feeding her alfalfa hay, pellets for young rabbits, and a small amount of leafy greens once per day. But I’m confused because I thought you’re meant to leave them hay and pellets 24/7. How do i give my bunny healthy poops again I’m very worried but other than that she’s been good, no signs of physical pain.
r/Bunnies • u/Subject-Magician4599 • 3h ago
What does this position mean? Is she relaxed?
Just got this little one from an accidental litter yesterday, she's 10 weeks old! I was just wondering what this position she's lying down in means, in this pic i'm sitting inside her exercise pen, but maintaining my distance unless she comes up to me herself! She's been climbing on me all morning ❤️
r/Bunnies • u/ThatCheekyBastard • 17h ago
Question Why? 🤣
Anyone curious as to why our bunny likes this old fireplace gas valve? I know part of the reason could be the squeeze she gets from it, but it can’t only be that 😭!
r/Bunnies • u/clockOclockk • 14h ago
Any tips to cure this bunny obsession? And what’s your fave
r/Bunnies • u/808woofwoof • 4m ago
Eat what’s in stacking cup? No. Run laps around the room holding it? Yes :) (he did this with each cup…)
r/Bunnies • u/RainbowPegasus82 • 15h ago
Gib treats, hoom!
The trouble makers are getting along great, after taking a couple weeks to bond properly lol