Bunny Care
Bunnies are really fun to share your life with. They have unique and adorable personalities. They do require committed care to ensure their health and happiness.
Rabbits will became very affectionate to their caregivers if they are handled and petted a lot as little bunnies. You will need to spend time with your bunny everyday to keep her happy. Bunnies love to sit next to you on the floor or couch, and they love to sniff and explore with you. Rabbits can even become accustomed to being held if they are exposed to it as a young bunny.
Chewing
Bunnies also need to chew a lot. Their teeth never stop growing, and they have a very real urge to chew. Always provide an unlimited supply of timothy or orchard hay for adult bunnies, or alfalfa for bunnies under 6 months. They also enjoy chew toys such as untreated baskets, cardboard boxes, homemade chew toys made from toilet paper rolls, or chew toys that are available at pet supply stores. If your bunny is free roaming in your home, you will need to cover electric cords or other things that it seems to enjoy to chew on.
Litter Box Training
Rabbits can even be litter boxed trained. Always use non-clumping litter, not cedar or pine, unless the pine has been kilned. It helps to cover the litter with a little hay, because bunnies enjoy nibbling as they use the box. When you are just starting to train your bunny, keep her confined to a small space using an exercise pen. Sweep up the enclosure multiple times a day and put the pellets in the litter box. Rabbits choose where to go potty by the scent. Wipe up any accidents with a paper towel and put the towel in the litter box as well. Clean the floor with white vinegar or enzyme cleaner to remove any scent. As your bunny gets the hang of using its litter box, slowly enlarge her enclosure.
Diet
Rabbits need to have unlimited access to timothy or orchard hay. Their digestive health depends on constant digestion. If a rabbit stops eating for over 12 hours they can develop GI stasis, a serious condition. In GI stasis the digestion slows and causes the stomach to dehydrate and makes passing food more difficult, causing a buildup of bacteria which results in gas. This is very uncomfortable to your rabbit, but if it is addressed it can be resolved. However, if this condition is left untreated it can be fatal to your rabbit.
You can also supplement an adult bunny’s diet with pellets that are formulated for rabbits. They can have a 1/4 cup pellets daily for every 6 pounds of body weight. They also need 2 cups of fresh vegetables like lettuce, parsley, and spinach for the same body weight. Fruit should be used sparingly as a treat. Bunnies have a huge sweet tooth, but it is not good in large quantities.
Of course, your bunny should always have access to clean, fresh drinking water. It is best to put this in a heavy bowl to prevent the rabbit from tipping it over.