If you decide to keep your rabbits outdoors, it’s important that they are kept out of the sun, cold and rain. Outdoor rabbits need to be given extra bedding when it’s cold out. If temperatures dip below freezing, consider moving the rabbit hutch to a more protected environment, like a garage or shed. Be aware that being outdoors leaves rabbits vulnerable to predators. Rabbits can also catch diseases if they’re housed outside.
Pens should be large enough for your rabbits to stand upright, lie down, and run around freely. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source
If you don’t have room for your rabbit to run indoors this may not be the best pet for you. You can put a run in your yard. The run should be spacious, but it should be secure in case the rabbit or rabbits try to escape. Always keep the run in the shade and supply water. If there is no shade in your yard, you may need to put a detachable “roof” over the run. [4] X Research source
Allow your new rabbit to acclimate to your home before you interact with it. This can be stressful and overwhelming. Allowing rabbits and other pets to mingle isn’t important. Do not allow your rabbit to be free around your cat or dog. It only takes a second.
High-fiber pellets should be offered daily, but in small quantities to prevent health problems. Rabbits under four pounds can be given 1/4 cup of pellets. As a general rule, you can add another 1/4 cup of pellets daily for every additional two pounds of body weight on your rabbit. [7] X Research source Young rabbits can be given alfalfa hay, but alfalfa is not a healthy option for adults. It’s recommended that you switch your rabbit to timothy hay before it reaches one year old.
Some pet owners prefer sipper bottles because they cannot be easily tipped over in the cage; however, rabbits get dehydrated easily with a sipper bottle. The sipper bottles can also collect germs at the spout. Remember rabbits can drink as much as a small dog, so a heavy water bowl that cannot be knocked over is best.
If you are just starting out training your rabbit to use a litter box, you should be able to tell which corner your rabbit goes in to relieve itself. If you put some newspaper or a litter box down there, your rabbit will quickly learn to use the box. You may want to scoop out urine-soaked litter on a daily basis to keep your rabbit clean and keep the litter box smelling fresh.
When cleaning out the litter box, remove hard, dry fecal pellets, but be sure to leave cecotropes behind. These “droppings” are an essential part of your pet’s diet.
Use white vinegar to clean your rabbit’s litter box, or soak it for stains that are tough to remove. [12] X Research source Spot cleaning should be done daily. [13] X Research source Clean the cage out while your rabbits are in the run. Change soiled bedding daily. Straw makes an excellent bedding material and is easy to change every day. Clean out the food bowl and change the food daily. Do not overfeed your rabbit. Food portions should be commensurate with the size and weight of your rabbit.
