Rabbits are the third most popular pet in many countries, yet they are also among the most frequently surrendered to shelters — largely because their care requirements are misunderstood. They are not low-maintenance starter pets. They are social, intelligent animals with specific dietary, housing, and social needs that, when met, make them deeply rewarding companions.
Housing: Space Matters
The traditional small hutch is inadequate for rabbit welfare. Rabbits need space to run, jump, and perform natural behaviors. The minimum recommended space for a single rabbit is 3 meters x 2 meters x 1 meter — significantly larger than most commercial hutches. Many rabbit welfare organizations now recommend housing rabbits indoors as house rabbits, where they can be part of family life and have access to larger spaces.
Rabbits should never be kept in isolation. They are highly social animals that live in groups in the wild and suffer psychologically when kept alone. The ideal is a bonded pair — two rabbits that have been introduced properly and live together. A bonded pair requires no more space than a single rabbit and provides constant companionship.
Diet: Hay Is Non-Negotiable
The single most important aspect of rabbit nutrition is hay. Unlimited fresh hay — timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay for adults; alfalfa for young rabbits under 6 months — should make up 80-90% of a rabbit's diet. Hay provides the long-strand fiber essential for gut motility and wears down continuously growing teeth. A rabbit that does not eat enough hay will develop dental disease and GI stasis, both life-threatening conditions.
- Fresh leafy greens: A large handful daily — romaine lettuce, kale, cilantro, parsley, basil. Avoid iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value) and high-oxalate greens like spinach in large quantities
- Pellets: A small amount (1/4 cup per 5 lbs body weight) of plain timothy-based pellets. Pellets should supplement hay, not replace it
- Treats: Small amounts of fruit (high sugar) as occasional treats only — a blueberry or small piece of apple, not daily
- Water: Fresh water always available; both bowls and bottles are acceptable
Common Health Issues
GI Stasis
GI stasis — the slowing or stopping of gut movement — is the most common life-threatening emergency in rabbits. Signs include reduced or absent droppings, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a hunched posture. It can progress to death within 24-48 hours. Any rabbit showing these signs needs immediate veterinary attention. Prevention: unlimited hay, adequate exercise, and minimizing stress.
Dental Disease
Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life and must be worn down by chewing hay. Insufficient hay leads to malocclusion — misaligned teeth that cannot wear properly — causing pain, difficulty eating, and abscesses. Annual dental checks are recommended; rabbits with dental disease may need teeth filing under anesthesia.
Flystrike
Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit, typically in soiled fur around the hindquarters. The hatching maggots can cause severe tissue damage within hours. Prevention: keep housing clean, check the rabbit's hindquarters daily in warm weather, and address any conditions causing loose stools immediately.
Enrichment and Handling
Rabbits are prey animals and do not naturally enjoy being picked up — being lifted off the ground triggers a fear response. Many rabbits tolerate handling but few enjoy it. The best way to interact with a rabbit is at ground level, letting it approach you. Rabbits that are handled from a young age with positive reinforcement become more comfortable with contact over time.
Enrichment: tunnels, cardboard boxes to chew and hide in, digging boxes filled with soil or shredded paper, puzzle feeders, and safe chew toys. Rabbits need several hours of exercise outside their enclosure daily.