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For all you new bunny owners, here is an easy guide for caring for your little one. There are a couple of things you should know before you get a bunny.
Bunnies are very affectionate and social animals; they need constant attention. If you’re unable or don’t have the time to give your bunny the attention it needs then maybe they’re not the right animal for you.Â
Bunnies are prey animals and unlike cats and dogs they are not vocal animals, they don’t make sounds when they’re sick or hungry that’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior. Now let’s get into all of the items you need to care for your bunny.Â
Things to know before getting your bunny
They like to chew through everything: Make sure that you are bunny proofing your bunny’s area because they will chew through boxes, leather, and often chargers and cables.Â
They need a lot of space: As opposed to what many people believe bunnies should not be held in a cage, doing so can risk their health and they will often get depressed. Bunnies like to run around and therefore, will need a decent amount of space.Â
They like to mark their territory: the solution most often is to get them spayed or neutered
Now that you’re ready to get your bunny let's get into everything you need to care for them.Â
Food
Bunnies have a very different diet than most pets, about 80% of their diet is hay. For good digestive health, bunnies should always be consuming hay as the majority of their diet. Pellets and greens are the other 20% of their diet. Baby bunnies will need more pellets and as they get older, they will only need about 1/4th of a cup twice a day.Â
Hay should always be available for them at all times. Not only will it keep their guts moving and reduce the chance of gut stasis but will also help grind their teeth. Bunnies and rabbits’ teeth are constantly growing and to lessen the risk of overgrowing they need to be chewing on hay or chew toys.Â
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Along with pellets and hay, bunnies should be getting a small number of greens and vegetables.Â
These are easy-to-digest foods that will make sure your bunnies are getting their vitamins.Â
Potty TrainingÂ
Like cats, bunnies can be potty trained, they are very routine animals and like to do their business in one spot. Potty training your bunny at a young age can be very easy and will make life for you and your bunny a lot easier.
The litter should be big enough for your bunny to be able to move about, it should also include a little bit of bedding and of course hay. Bunnies like to eat while they do their business and having hay available in their litter box is a good way to get them to eat it.Â
Once your bunny is potty trained make sure you’re cleaning the litter box once a day and replenishing the hay.Â
Spay and Neuter
Bunnies should be spayed and neutered around 4 months to a year. This is important because it will reduce the risk of reproductive cancers and will improve their life span. Bunnies are also known to be very territorial animals and getting them spayed and neutered will stop them from having accidents all over your house.Â
Keeping your bunnies mentally stimulatedÂ
Bunnies are very social animals and will get bored easily, it’s important to keep them busy with chew toys, and other toys such as cardboard boxes with holes to have them jump through. As well as toys that will encourage digging and looking for food. These types of toys can be handmade or found in stores or amazon. As discussed previously making sure your bunny has a lot of space to run around is very important.Â
Enjoy all the amazing moments you’re going to have with your adorable little furball.