Rabbit Care Guide

Bunny Buddies is a Houston area not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about house rabbits and their care.
We serve as a forum for educational presentations and to facilitate networking amongst Houston area house rabbit owners. We can
provide vet referrals, but we are not able to give medical advice. Working privately and with local shelters, we foster rabbits that
would otherwise be euthanized due to the lack of homes. We facilitate rabbit adoptions, matching people and rabbits together,
working with families to ensure a successful and happy home for all. Our adoption fees are very reasonable- $35 for a single and $50
for a pair of bunnies. This includes spaying/neutering, which actually costs between $100 and $300 at a vets office. Rabbits for
sale at pet and feed stores are not neutered or spayed, which is the primary reason they are abandoned. Once you get a rabbit
fixed many of the bad behaviors caused by raging hormones disappear.
We do not support rabbit breeding practices as there are too many homeless rabbits already. All rabbits that we find homes for are
spayed and neutered upon being adopted. We encourage people to house their rabbits indoors, as Houston is prone to summers of
unbearable heat and humidity. Rabbits also have too many predators to live safely outdoors.
Bunny Buddies is always in need of new volunteers to help with our efforts, which includes fostering
rabbits. If you have some spare time which you might want to devote towards rabbits who need you,
or if you have space in your home for the foster care of rabbits, we encourage you to contact us.
Its extremely rewarding to see a pet placed in a loving home when all the odds were against it.

Mailing Address
Contact Information
Phone Contact
Veterinarian Information

Bunny Buddies
P.O. Box 131894
Houston TX 77219-1894
http://bunnybuddies.org/content/contact
713-822-8256
http://bunnybuddies.org/content/findavet

Living with a House Rabbit: Bunny Basics

2013 Bunny Buddies

Page 1 of 14

Living with a House Rabbit: Bunny Basics

Many people are discovering the joys of sharing their homes with one or more companion rabbits.
Rabbits are intelligent and playful, can be easily litter-trained, and make wonderful house pets.
When you understand rabbit behavior, proper veterinary care, how to create the proper
environment for your pet, and how to bunny-proof your home, your pet rabbit will provide years of
love and companionship for you and your family.

Quick Facts About Rabbits.

Rabbits are not good starter pets for children
Rabbits are delicate, ground-loving creatures. Most rabbits do not like to be held or handled, and may try to escape a wellmeaning
childs arms by biting and scratching. In addition, a rabbits back may be easily broken as a result of improper handling.

Rabbits are interesting and have lively personalities.

Simply placing a rabbit in an outdoor hutch with minimal interaction from you and your family does result in a boring (and bored) pet.
However, with regular interaction from you and plenty of running space for a bunny to kick up his heels and play, a rabbit suddenly
becomes a social, fun-loving addition to a household. All the rabbit needs is the opportunity to show his true colors to you.

Myth: Rabbits are low maintenance pets and dont live very long.
Rabbits have needs similar to those of other household pets. A sick bunny needs medical care from a qualified veterinarian. Rabbits
have specific dietary needs. A chronically ill rabbit will require long-term care. In addition, for medical and behavioral reasons
rabbits need to be spayed and neutered. Cages and litter boxes need frequent cleaning. A properly cared for rabbit can live 8 to 10
years, sometimes even longer. This is quite a long-term commitment for a rabbit owner.
A bunny owner needs patience, creativity to block or hide things a rabbit might
want to chew (such as electrical cords), and a willingness to get down on the
floor to interact with a bunny on her own level. For people willing to make this
commitment to a house rabbit, the reward is years of companionship with a
surprisingly clever, loving, and intelligent creature.

Home Sweet Home: Cage and Environment

2013 Bunny Buddies

Living with a House Rabbit: Bunny Basics

Page 2 of 14

Home Sweet Home: Cage and Environment

Most rabbits have some sort of cage they can call their own. Even rabbits that have 24 hour free range of a house enjoy a place to go
to nap, hide, or nibble hay. The rabbits cage should be a pleasant place to spend time, and the bigger, the better. We recommend that
you either build a condo (see below) or bunny-proof one room of your house (ideally a family or rec room where the bunny can act as
part of the family). You can buy the panels to make a condo at Target in the home organization section. They are called Organize It
cubes. Throw away the connectors and connect the grids at each corner with zip/electrical ties. A box of Organize It cubes costs
$14.99 and goes on sale regularly for $12.99. You can make a large condo with two boxes of Organize It grids. Look for more condo
setups on http://www.bunnybuddies.org

The Cage/Condo
Most cages for rabbits sold in pet stores are much too small for a rabbit that must spend long periods of time in her cage. They are
also much more expensive than a condo you can build yourself. Many people have designed multilevel rabbit condos with ramps,
enclosed hiding places, and multitudes of other features designed to keep a bunny occupied. A general rule of thumb in selecting a
cage is to choose one that is at least four times the stretched out size of the adult rabbit. Try to provide at least four square feet
for a small breed and nine square feet for a large breed. Multiple rabbits living together need even more space.
Cages often come with wire mesh bottoms and a removable tray to catch urine and feces. While this is convenient in terms of cleaning,
it can be very hard on a rabbits feet. Constant exposure to this type of surface can lead to sore hocks, a condition in which the hair
on the feet is worn away and ulcers form on the ankle. If you do purchase a cage with a wire floor, be sure to provide a board, piece
of cardboard, a few sheets of newspaper, or a small grass mat for the rabbit to comfortably sit on. The tray itself should be lined
with newspaper or filled with hay or a paper-based litter. Do not use pine or cedar shavings as the aromatics in the wood can cause
serious liver and respiratory damage to your bunny. This damage can interfere with your rabbits ability to metabolize anesthesia and
cause serious complications during surgery. The New York State House Rabbit Society recommends that rabbits that have lived on
pine or cedar shavings wait at least three months before undergoing surgery.
Another factor to consider in a cage is the size of the door. You should be able to fit a litter box in the cage. If you cannot fit a box
in the cage and you are the creative sort, you may be able to enlarge the door somewhat with wire cutters. If you are still unable fit a
litter box through the door, or are planning on using the cage itself as a litter box, urine guards attached to the sides of the cage are
helpful. Rabbits often back up into a corner to urinate and may end up directing their urine through the cage bars onto your carpet.
Urine guards are also useful during litter training to protect your floors while the bunny is still learning good bathroom habits.
Placement of the doors is also important. The best cage has both a top opening door, which makes it easy for you to clean the cage, and
a side door which can be opened to allow the rabbit to come and go freely. You may not even need to build a top except for just over
the top floor of the condo. This will allow you to stand up inside the condo.

Cage Environment
A rabbit must have access to water and hay while in her cage. Water can be provided in a hanging bottle or in a heavy, tip-proof
ceramic bowl. Hay may be put loose on the cage floor, on one end of the litter box, in a separate box, or in a hayrack attached to the
cage. If the bunny is to eat meals in her cage, heavy ceramic food dishes should also be provided. A variety of toys should be in the
cage to keep your rabbit occupied.
Cages should always be kept clean. White vinegar is an excellent cleaner
for litter boxes and cage trays. Soiled litter should be changed at least
once a week. Above all, the cage should be an inviting place for your
bunny. The rabbit should view her cage as a safe home base that is all her
own, and not as an unpleasant punishment. A rabbit can also be fairly
territorial, and may defend her area if she feels threatened. Her space
should be respected, and only entered for cleaning and feeding.

2013 Bunny
Toys
forBuddies
Bunnies

Home Sweet Home: Cage and Environment

Page 3 of 14

Toys for Bunnies

Rabbits love to play, and they need mental stimulation to keep active and healthy. Bunnies like to chew, dig, push, jump and throw.
Giving them toys of their own also keeps your furniture from taking a beating from bunny teeth and nails. Store-bought toys are
good, but many common household objects can provide just as much excitement:
Toilet paper and paper towel tubes
Hard plastic baby toys
Jingly wire cat ball to toss around
Old phone book for shredding (in a cardboard box)
Canning jar lids
A ramp to climb and a shelf to sit on
Empty rolled oats container
A non-chewable plastic ball to nudge
Boxes of all sizes (with staples removed)
Grass mats for chewing
Big tub of hay or straw to dig in
Cardboard take-out trays from fast-food restaurants
Untreated willow baskets and balls to chew (check Pier One
Imports)
Cardboard tunnel-usually used as a form for pouring concrete posts (see photo)
An old towel to push around
Toys- Order online at Busy Bunny, Bunny Luv, The Bunny Store or Leith PetWerks

"He's Chewing Everything!!!" Rabbit Proofing Your Home

2013 Bunny Buddies

Toys for Bunnies

Page 4 of 14

"He's Chewing Everything!!!" Rabbit Proofing Your Home

Rabbits have been referred to as life-support systems for teeth that chew. They
have an amazing ability to chew, rip, shred, tear, and otherwise destroy anything they
come across. A rabbits teeth grow continuously, and chewing helps to wear down teeth
to a healthy level. By providing acceptable chewing alternatives and making some
adjustments to the area the bunny occupies, you can minimize the destruction to your
home and property.
While some rabbits are allowed run of an entire house, others have their areas
restricted to certain rooms. For example, a computer with all its cords and cables is
difficult to rabbit-proof, and it is often easier to simply restrict access to that room.
A strong baby gate that is too tall for a bunny to jump is a good investment. The
number one household hazard to rabbits is electrical and telephone cords. Cords seem
to draw rabbits like a magnet, and sharp bunny teeth can sever a cord in seconds. Not
only can the resulting electrical shock injure or kill your rabbit, the bare wire can be a
risky fire hazard. Cords can be hidden behind bookcases and other furniture that the
rabbit can not get behind. Another solution is to encase the wire in something that the
bunny can not bite through. Plastic cable covers can be purchased at electronics or
automotive stores. You can also purchase plastic tubing or a garden hose, slit it
lengthwise, and insert the wire inside.
If you like the buttons on your remote control keep it out of reach of your house rabbit! Rabbits love anything rubbery and can chew
up a remote in minutes. Carpet is also irresistible temptation to many rabbits. A bunny may dig or chew at carpet fibers, which can
lead to an intestinal blockage if ingested. If there are only a few spots (usually corners) where she likes to dig, grass mats can be
used to hide the area and provide a great chewing and digging diversion. Plastic carpet runners protect the carpet from digging and
urine. A large tub of hay or straw also serves as a good digging outlet. A wide variety of untreated willow baskets, wood blocks, and
chewable cardboard gives a bunny plenty of opportunity to chew. Rabbits who chew the household despite these alternatives may need
to be further deterred. A water pistol is a cheap, safe way to let your rabbit know what she is doing is wrong. Also, bitter tasting
substances can be bought in pet supply stores and applied to carpet, table legs, curtains, or whatever she likes to chew. When she
begins to make the association that chewing the furniture results in something unpleasant, she will be less likely to destroy your
property and seek out acceptable chewing and digging pastimes.
Another hazard is household plants. Many of these are toxic to rabbits and can cause serious illness or death when eaten. Plants
should be out of reach.
Other cover-ups, diversions, and measures can be taken as needed to make your home rabbit-friendly. Expensive hardcover books can
be moved to a higher bookshelf, shoes and clothes should be put away, and important bills and documents should not be left on the
floor, or you can be assured your bunny will find these things and work her destructive magic on them.

Important Facts on Spaying and Neutering

2013 Bunny Buddies

"He's Chewing Everything!!!" Rabbit Proofing Your Home

Page 5 of 14

Important Facts on Spaying and Neutering

Just like cats and dogs, rabbits must be spayed and neutered. Due to over-breeding and the common misconception that rabbits are
easy or disposable pets, there are more rabbits than there are good homes willing to take them. Rabbits are the third most common
animal to be abandoned to animal shelters. Animal shelters that accept rabbits and House Rabbit Society foster homes are nearly
always filled to capacity. Many other rabbits are set free in fields and parks where they die.
Aside from helping to relieve the massive overpopulation problem, spaying
and neutering your rabbit has behavioral and medical benefits. When a
rabbit hits puberty between 3 and 6 months of age, he most likely will
become very territorial. Both male and female rabbits may aggressively
defend their territory by grunting, lunging, and biting. Sexual activity in the
form of mounting hands, feet, fuzzy bedroom slippers, and anything else
available is also very common. While these behaviors are troublesome, one
common behavior tops them all: spraying. Unneutered males and some
unspayed females will spray large amounts of urine to mark territory and
objects (such as an unsuspecting owner) as belonging to them. They
frequently do this by leaping into the air and spinning in order to spray the
urine over a large area. Unfortunately, this is when most rabbit owners give
up their rabbits or move them to outdoor hutches. Neutering relieves most of
these behavioral difficulties without changing your rabbits personality.
Most importantly, for medical reasons female rabbits must always be
spayed. Studies have found that 50 to 80% of unspayed female rabbits
develop uterine and/or mammary tumors by five years of age. Spaying your
female rabbit adds years to her life.

Both male and female rabbits can exhibit some curious behaviors if not fixed.
This one is "playing" with a toy that he thinks is another rabbit. This kind of
display can also be accompanied by biting, spraying and grunting ... all the
more reason to get your bunny altered!

Spaying and neutering, as with any other medical procedure, should be done only by a veterinarian with experience and training in
treatment of rabbits. Male rabbits can be neutered as soon as their testicles descend (3 to 6 months). Most vets spay females at
about 6 months.

Questions to Ask Your Vet Before Spay/Neuter Surgery

How many spays/neuters has the vet done? Your vet should be seeing rabbits on a regular basis and be experienced in
surgery.
What is the success rate? 90% is too low. Some deaths are bound to occur, but they should be very rare.
Should the rabbit be fasted prior to surgery? The answer to this question should always be No. Rabbits cannot vomit, so
this is not a problem during surgery. In addition, it is not a good idea to upset the delicate balance in the rabbits intestinal
tract.
What anesthesia will be used? Isofluorane is the most common anesthesia used in rabbits, but halothane can be used also.
It depends on the vets training and experience.
In a spay, will both the ovaries and the uterus be removed? The answer should always be Yes.
Will the rabbit need to stay overnight after the surgery? If so, provide the vet with pellets, hay and veggies to feed.
Many people also give the bunny an old t-shirt or washcloth that smells like home for security.
Always ask for specific instructions on what to do once your bunny comes home. Call your vet immediately if the rabbit
begins chewing on stitches, stops eating or drinking, or has any other difficulty.

YES- They Can be Litter Trained!

2013 Bunny Buddies

Important Facts on Spaying and Neutering

Page 6 of 14

YES- They Can be Litter Trained!

Many people are surprised to find that rabbits can be litter-trained. It takes
patience, time, and a lot of litter-boxes (at first), but the result is a companion that
can be trusted in the main living areas of your home. Spaying or neutering your rabbit
is the first step. Unaltered rabbits are highly territorial and will frequently spray
large amounts of urine to mark their territory, especially during adolescence. Spaying
and neutering decreases this urge to spray and improves litter habits greatly.
Rabbits vary in how quickly they learn to use a litte rbox. Young rabbits are often
hyper and too busy exploring to remember to return to a litter box, and can be more
difficult to train. A rabbit with a well established spraying habit may continue to
spray, especially in the presence of another rabbit.

The Setup and Training

You will most likely have to start with several litter boxes. Fill them with newspaper, hay, or paper-based litter. Pine and cedar
shavings can cause respiratory and liver damage and should not be used. Clay cat litter and corn cob litter can cause intestinal
blockages if ingested and are not recommended either. Clumping cat litter is especially dangerous if ingested as it can cause a cementlike blockage and should never be used.
Litter-training begins in the cage. Rabbits tend to urinate in one spot, so place a litter box in the corner of the cage that the rabbit
has chosen to use as a bathroom. If the cage has a wire floor, place newspaper or other resting material on it or he will probably
choose to sit and rest in the comfy litter box instead of the wire. Rotate the litter box every day since bunnies tend to frequent one
corner of the box. Place a few droppings and some urine soaked litter in the litter box to encourage him to continue to use that place.
Place fresh timothy or orchard hay in or above the litter box every day.
When he is reliably urinating in the litter box, allow a little freedom in a
small area such as a bathroom. As he becomes successful in a small area,
you can increase his territory. If he makes a mistake and misses a litter
box, use white vinegar to clean the area. If he consistently urinates in one
spot, place a litter box there. He will eventually narrow his bathroom
areas to one or two favorite litter boxes and the extra ones can be
removed.
Control of droppings usually follows urine training. When entering a new
territory, even neutered rabbits will mark it with droppings. As they
become more familiar with their surroundings, this marking decreases and
usually becomes controlled on its own. Litter boxes should be cleaned
once or twice weekly or more frequently if more than one rabbit is using
them. Soiled recycled newspaper litter can be composted or used to
fertilize a garden, or simply thrown away. Clean the litter box with white
vinegar. This will dissolve any calcium buildup on the plastic and gets rid
of any odor. Never use Lysol or pine cleaners, as the phenols in these
cleaners can cause liver and respiratory damage.

Paper-Based and Other Safe Litters

Some common paper-based litters are: Yesterdays News, Nature Fresh, PaPurr, Cat Country, CareFresh, EcoFresh and Bio-Flush.
Woody Pet and Feline Pine are wood based litters that have had the aromatic oils removed that otherwise would cause respiratory
problems. If these are unavailable, you can use plain newspaper, crosscut shredded paper (no staples) and/or hay (this will need more
frequent cleaning).

Food For Thought: They Need More Than Just Carrots

2013 Bunny Buddies

YES- They Can be Litter Trained!

Page 7 of 14

Food For Thought: They Need More Than Just Carrots

The number one most important thing to feed your rabbit is grass hay. Unlimited amounts of timothy, oat, or orchard hay should be
supplied 24 hours a day. Legume hays such as alfalfa and clover hay contain large amounts of calcium and protein which can cause
health problems when fed in excess to rabbits over 6 months of age, and should only be used as treats. Feeding hay provides large
quantities of fiber without unneeded calories, and helps to prevent intestinal problems such as trichobezoars (hairballs) and stasis
(slowdown or complete stoppage of the intestinal system).
Pellets should be offered in limited amounts to rabbits over 6 months. Pellets should be of high quality with high fiber (18 %), low fat
(1 - 2 %), low calcium, and low protein. Do not feed pellets with nuts, seeds, dried vegetables or other treats in them! These
pellets are low in quality and very high in fat. Plain, high quality pellets are the best thing for your rabbit.
Vegetables should also make up a large amount of your rabbits diet. Try to introduce at least eight different types of vegetables,
and of these, at least three should be fed daily. Leafy greens such as romaine, dandelion greens, endive, parsley, cilantro, basil,
peppermint leaves, carrot tops, beet tops, radish tops, collard greens, and escarole are good, as well as vegetables such as carrots,
celery, and broccoli. Kale and spinach can be fed in limited amounts. Generally, one heaping cup of vegetables per five pounds of body
weight can be fed per day. Introduce new vegetables gradually, one at a time. If any diarrhea or intestinal upset is noticed,
discontinue that vegetable. If after a week your rabbit has no problems, introduce another vegetable. Be sure to wash all vegetables
thoroughly.
Treats such as apple, pear, raisins, melon, papaya, or banana can also be fed (about a
tablespoon a day). Grains such as rolled oats or barley can also be fed in small amounts.
Fresh water should always be available to your rabbit. This can be provided in a tipproof ceramic dish (lead free only) or in a hanging water bottle. Change the water at
least once daily and clean crocks and bottles often with a mild dish detergent.
Other items you may want to consider feeding your rabbit include papaya enzyme
(papayin) and acidophilus/lactobacillus. Papaya enzymes help promote motility of the
intestinal tract. Fresh papaya or dextrose free papaya tablets can be fed.
Acidophilus/lactobacillus is thought to help maintain a good balance of microorganisms
in the intestinal tract.

Bunny Dietary Guidelines

UNLIMITED HAY EVERY DAY!!
Get it from Oxbow or American Pet Diner online or through our co-op. It can also be had at local area feedstores. Keep in mind that
there are many types of hay ...
Timothy Hay

Timothy is the best entices all but the pickiest bunny

Orchard Grass

Orchard Grass is also good this is a seasonal item though

Alfalfa Hay

Great for young bunnies, but too rich for regular use in adults (use as a treat)

Oat Hay

Another great treat hay!

Costal Hay

Coastal is the local variety Not nutritious enough for bunnies can be used as litter box filler

HIGH QUALITY TIMOTHY PELLETS

There are many varieties available at feed stores and pet supply stores
look for high fiber and low protein. Do not buy the kind with the added
seeds & colored bits it is junk food for bunnies! One common mistake
made by new rabbit owners is to feed too many pellets to their rabbit.
The table below summarizes our recommended feeding allowance given
that the rabbit also has an unlimited supply of hay.
2-4 lbs.
5-7 lbs.
8-19 lbs
11-15 lbs

1/8 cup daily

cup daily
cup daily
cup daily

Young Rabbits

2013 Bunny Buddies

Food For Thought: They Need More Than Just Carrots

Page 8 of 14

Young Rabbits
Rabbits up to six months of age can have free access to pellets. Feed alfalfa pellets then slowly transition to timothy pellets at six
months. After this growing stage, pellets should be limited based on the weight of the rabbit.

SAFE VEGGIES
Maintain a variety in the diet, at least 3 types a day to ensure
adequate vitamins in the diet. 5 or more types a day is even
better.
Introduce new veggies slowly, watching for signs of diarrhea, gas,
or upset stomach.
Feed at least one heaping cup of raw veggies per 5 pounds of
bunny some bunnies eat a lot more.
The veggies on this list are all safe, but each bunny has different
tastes! Limit the ones highest in calcium.
Most herbs are considered quite tasty by many bunnies, too.

FRUITS & TREATS

A small amount of fruit can be fed daily: banana, apple, pear, orange, mango, plum, peach, berries, grapes, etc. BEWARE: apple & pear
seeds, fruit pits, banana peel, & orange rind can be deadly or dangerous! Dont risk it! Dont encourage your bunny to be a junk food
junkie with human cereals, chocolate, or seed treats. Frozen fruits are especially yummy in the summer-time: try freezing fresh
papaya chunks or grapes.

PAPAYA ENZYME
Theres some speculation that the papaya enzyme can aid in preventing bunny hair-balls. Unlimited hay is the best prevention, but
papaya tablets (found in health-food stores or mail-order) can be given daily as a treat.

SHARE PRODUCTS IN HOUSTON

Bunny Buddies members may participate in our Hay Co-op to purchase hay, pellets, and other supplies in bulk and at a reduced cost.
Supplies are ordered on a regular basis and are available for pickup at a Houston location.

Grooming and Handling: You Look Mah-valous!

2013 Bunny Buddies

Young Rabbits

Page 9 of 14

Grooming and Handling: You Look Mah-valous!

Up From Ground Zero
Rabbits need to be handled very carefully. Most rabbits generally do not
like to be lifted from the ground, and may struggle. They also have an
exceptionally delicate skeletal structure and can be injured very easily if
improperly handled or dropped.
A rabbit should never be picked up by her ears: she is not designed to
support the weight of her body and picking her up like this hurts terribly
and can cause damage. In addition, rabbits should not be lifted by the
scruff of the neck. If the rear legs are not supported, she will struggle,
kick out and most likely hurt her back. If you must pick up your rabbit
by the scruff, be sure to quickly put a hand on her rump to keep her from
struggling.
The best way to pick up a rabbit is to slide one hand underneath her
chest, place the other hand firmly on the rump, and scoop toward your
body. Hold the rabbit close to you in a firm grasp. Some rabbits may
struggle even when theyre secure against a body. If your bunny does
this, it sometimes helps to cover her eyes with your hand. Be prepared to squat quickly should she struggle violently or start to escape
from your arms.
To put your rabbit back down on the floor, do a deep knee bend to get yourself as low as possible without tipping or tilting the
bunny. Gently release her to the floor.

Good Bunny Hygiene

Like cats, most rabbits do a pretty good job of keeping themselves looking their best. However, there are still some things that you
will need to look after to keep your bunny well-groomed and healthy.
Long-haired rabbits such as angoras, fuzzy lops, and Jersey woolies need vigilant, daily
brushing to keep mats and tangles from forming. Once these mats form, the only way to
remove them is to gently cut them out. It can literally take hours to get mats out once
they form, and regular brushing prevents this. A wire slicker brush commonly sold for
cats easily removes large amounts of loose hair and wool. A wide-toothed pet comb can
get out the occasional minor snarl.
Short-haired rabbits will need to be brushed as well, but not as frequently. Rabbits
shed four times a year, with two of these shedding periods being major molts. Since
ingesting loose hair can easily lead to dangerous hairballs, it is a wise idea to brush
your rabbit frequently while she is shedding heavily.
Rabbits toenails need periodic clipping to keep from growing too long and causing foot
problems such as sore hocks. This can be done by your vet, or you can do it yourself with a little practice. Try wrapping the bunny in
a towel bunny burrito and stick one paw out at a time. Many rabbits can be tranced by gently placing them on their backs in your
lap and stroking the top of the head. Once the bunny is quiet and still, you may be able to clip her nails. Be ready for the bunny to
suddenly snap out of the trance! Always have a firm grasp to be sure she doesnt hurt herself!
If your rabbit has light-colored toenails, you will be able to see a vein inside. This is the quick. (If your rabbit has
dark nails, you will need to backlight the nails with a flashlight to see this.) Using cat nail clippers or regular human
toenail clippers, clip the toenail just below the quick (see illustration). If by mistake you cut through the quick it
will bleed, often quite heavily. This can be stopped with styptic powder, corn starch, or regular flour. Keep an eye
on that toe for a few days to be sure it does not become infected.

"Hey, What's One More?" Multiple Rabbit Households

2013 Bunny Buddies

Grooming and Handling: You Look Mah-valous!

Page 10 of 14

"Hey, What's One More?" Multiple Rabbit Households

Rabbits are extremely social animals. Wild European rabbits from which domestic rabbits descended live in large groups. While these
rabbits breed quickly and can often overrun an area, spayed and neutered domestic rabbits can enjoy each others company without
worrying about a population explosion.
Bonded rabbits are lifelong friends. They often share a cage, groom each other, and sleep nestled up together. Often, when one rabbit
is ill the pair is left together since the separation of the two can be stressful. When one of the pair dies, the other mourns the loss
and may not eat or behave normally for some time.
Introducing rabbits can be tricky business, but the final reward
of watching a bonded pair snuggle closely or bound about a room is
well worth the trouble. The easiest couple to introduce is a
neutered male and a spayed female, especially if you bring a new
female to an established male. Female rabbits are more territorial
and may resent any new rabbit, male or female. Two spayed female
rabbits can also be bonded, though it may be more difficult. Most
difficult, but certainly not impossible, is introducing two neutered
males. All important are the bunnies personalities: a very mellow
neutered male may accept just about any new friend.
When bringing a new rabbit into a house, be sure to quarantine her
in a separate room and schedule health exam with a vet right away.
Once you are sure the new rabbit is healthy (and spayed or
neutered), introduce the rabbits in an area that is new to them
both. The new situation in an unfamiliar area makes most rabbits
slightly nervous, and they may band together to explore the new
surroundings. You should also move their cages together so they get
accustomed to each others smell and movements. If all goes well
with the introductions for several days, you can try to expand their run time to the regular place where they will live. Keep a spray
bottle handy to break up any fights that may occur. If there is any fighting, go back to the neutral space for a few more days.
Eventually, they should become friends.
Some rabbits will fight, even in neutral territory. In these cases, always keep a spray bottle close at hand to break up any fights. A
more stressful situation, such as a car ride is often needed to get these rabbits to accept each other. In all cases, be prepared to
move slowly. It takes time to build a lasting relationship.
If it becomes apparent that the rabbits will not tolerate each
other, you may have to keep them separate. This possibility should
always be considered when bringing a new rabbit into your
household, and accommodations will have to be made for separate
territories in your home. Rabbits can also form friendships with
other animals such as guinea pigs, cats, and some dogs. While in
many situations it is the rabbit that harasses the cat, young
adolescent cats may not always be trustworthy enough to be left
unsupervised with a rabbit. Dogs should be very calm and welltrained.
Extensive guidelines for introducing pairs of rabbits or rabbits
and other animals can be found in the House Rabbit Handbook
(Drollery Press, 2005) or in the video Introducing Rabbits
(Drollery Press), also available for checkout from Bunny Buddies.

Medical Concerns For Pet Rabbits

2013 Bunny Buddies

"Hey, What's One More?" Multiple Rabbit Households

Page 11 of 14

Medical Concerns For Pet Rabbits

Whenever you notice that your rabbit is not eating, urinating, defecating, or behaving normally, consult a veterinarian experienced in
rabbit care. Rabbits seem to get ill suddenly and their health can deteriorate very rapidly without proper veterinary care.
There are many diseases common to rabbits, all of which need to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. The purpose of this
section is not to help diagnose illnesses on your own, but to illustrate signs and symptoms that indicate your bunny may be ill.
Some rabbits, especially Netherland Dwarfs or other rabbits bred for round shaped heads, often have maloccluded teeth. This is a
condition in which the rabbits teeth do not line up properly and overgrow into tusks. This can happen either with the front teeth or
the rear molars. These teeth will need to be clipped or filed periodically, or may need to be extracted altogether in some cases.
Sore Hocks is a condition in which the fur on the bottom of the rabbits feet is worn away. The exposed skin is subject to cracking,
ulcerations, and infection. Rabbits with sore hocks need a soft, dry resting place at all times, and extra care should be taken to clean
their litter boxes more frequently to help keep their feet dry.
Fleas, flies, mites and other pests may infest your bunny. If you note any small specks, dry flaky skin, or crusty material in your
rabbits ears, contact your veterinarian.
Respiratory diseases are very common in rabbits. If you notice runny nose or eyes, labored breathing, mucous on the insides of the
front paws (from the rabbit wiping his nose), or excessive sneezing or coughing, take your rabbit to a veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of Illnesses
Other physical symptoms and signs to watch for are:
inactivity- bunny is hunched up and not sociable
tilted head, loss of balance or coordination
loss of consciousness or convulsions
loss of movement in hind legs or any apparent broken bone, serious cut, or injury
runny nose or eyes (can indicate serious respiratory problems)
lack of interest in food or water
lack of urine or feces in the litter box
excessive gurgling digestive sounds
diarrhea (liquid stool or normal stool surrounded with mucous) If you see soft droppings shaped like bunches of grapes, do
not panic. These are normal in small amounts.
bulging eyes coupled with loud grinding of the teeth indicate severe pain
bloated or distended abdomen
any sores, abscesses, lumps, or tumors
drooling (may be caused by maloccluded molars)
Of course, keeping an eye open for symptoms and catching any problems in their early stages decreases the chance of a minor problem
turning into a major catastrophe. Preventive measures such as feeding unlimited hay, regular grooming, proper diet, and exercise help
your rabbit live a long and healthy life.

Finding a Veterinarian
The Bunny Buddies website at www.bunnybuddies.org maintains a list of recommended rabbit vets separated by regions.
The best way to deal with an emergency is to be prepared. Find an experienced rabbit vet before an emergency arises. This will save
precious time in a crisis.

Adopting a Rabbit

2013 Bunny Buddies

Medical Concerns For Pet Rabbits

Page 12 of 14

Adopting a Rabbit
If you are interested in adopting a rabbit, contact Bunny Buddies. Please do not purchase a rabbit from a pet store or breeder while
there are so many rabbits waiting in crowded shelters and foster homes.
The Houston Bunny Buddies can assist you in locating a Texas rabbit that needs a second chance. As a private rescue organization, we
have constant access to rabbits in need of homes. Please contact us for house rabbit information, resources and adoption assistance in
the greater Houston area.

We can give rescued bunnies love, exercise and fresh food, But we need YOU
to give them a home!!

Finding a Home for a Rabbit

2013 Bunny Buddies

Adopting a Rabbit

Page 13 of 14

Finding a Home for a Rabbit

If you have found a stray rabbit or have to give yours up, there are several things you can do:
Contact the Houston Bunny Buddies to be placed on the list of rabbits looking for good homes.
Place an ad in the paper and in vets offices.
Litter-train the rabbit.
Interact with her so she is used to people.
If possible, have the rabbit spayed or neutered. Bunny Buddies can give you advice on where to go.
Provide her with toys to show prospective adopters that she is a fun, interesting companion animal.
Never offer your rabbit for free. Insist on a modest $20 charge. This will prevent your rabbit from becoming snake food.
You can then donate the fee to Bunny Buddies. If you are able to donate the $35 Bunny Buddies adoption fee, we can
arrange for the rabbit to be spayed and neutered at no extra cost. Have the prospective owner print out and complete our
Adoption Form from bunnybuddies.org and turn it in with the $35 fee.
Insist that your rabbit go to an indoor home only.
Recommend that prospective adopters purchase the House Rabbit Handbook (Drollery Press, 2005), available from Barnes
and Noble or from the House Rabbit Society

Bunny Buddies handles hundreds of rabbits a year. Many rabbits found wandering around outside
come to us in terrible condition and need immediate veterinary care. Please contact us for advice
and help if you get a rabbit in need.

2013 Bunny Buddies

Finding a Home for a Rabbit

Page 14 of 14