Rabbit information about Diet, Housing and when

to call your Veterinarian if you have a problem.

Bugs Bunny

Typical Diet

Rabbits should have a good diet consisting of the following:

Good quality pellets which can be purchased from most stores which sell pet foods, usually about ¼ Cup per 5 lbs.

Fresh hay such as timothy, alfalfa, or oat (Hay is essential to a rabbit! This provides roughage that helps reduce hairballs or other blockages).

Small amounts and vegetables, which should be thrown out if not eaten within 24 hours (when feeding vegetables try to look for a selection of different vegetables, looking for dark leafy vegetables or root vegetables. Stay away from beans and rhubarb)

Clean, fresh, water, which should be changed daily.

Food and water should always be available to a rabbit
Many house plants are toxic to a rabbit, as is any grass treated with pesticides

Talk to your veterinarian for more information.

Housing

Rabbits acclimate well to average temperatures but do not handle extreme changes in temperature well so keep any rabbit cage or housing out of direct sunlight or very drafty areas.

Rabbits were not intended to live on wire floors. If it is kept in a cage with a wire floor, provide a rug or form of a board for it to sit on.

1 to 2 inches of hardwood shavings or pellet/recycled product should be placed in a rabbits habitat. Cedar shavings are not recommended as they can cause harm.

The bigger the habitat the better! The habitat should be at least 4 times the size of your rabbit.
Your rabbit's habitat/cage should be seen as the rabbit's "nest". It should be a special, safe place for the rabbit that they will want to spend time in. It is recommended to have baby toys, a comfy rug, and anything else that the rabbit likes when they are put in it.

Remember to clean the habitat regularly with mild soap and water (drying completely before the rabbit is returned to the habitat) and change bedding at least weekly.

Talk to your veterinarian for more information.

When to call a Veterinarian

Call us at Sugar House Veterinary Hospital or schedule an appointment if you notice any of the following:
Weight loss
Distressed breathing
Skin lesions
Not eating or drinking
Lethargy
Overgrown teeth
Hair loss
Discharge from the eyes or nose-
Diarrhea
Not walking/hopping normally
Lumps
Any abnormal behavior which concerns you!

Talk to your veterinarian for more information.