New Litter has arrived! AVAILABLE WEEK OF APRIL 19th
Recommendations
List of recommended items on amazon
Tractor supply
Many of the items on the Amazon list are available at your local Tractor Supply and are less expensive in their store.
Tips for food
Rabbits should NOT eat food with corn or soy. Corn is not digestible and can make rabbits ill. Foods that contain these products should be avoided. Pellets made of timothy hay are preferred. Fresh timothy hay should be available at all times. Alfalfa hay is a great treat but should be given sparingly to avoid digestive upset. Some buns are picky about their hay- there are other options such as orchard hay. Always do your research before introduction of a new food.
Bun should be offered fresh vegetables daily such as lettuce and parsley. Fruit can be given as treats, such as strawberries. Carrots should be given sparingly as they are high in sugar and can lead to a diabetic rabbit. Avoid beans and breads.
Rabbits are susceptible to severe digestive issues. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with GI stasis and keep Oxbow Critical Care on hand for emergencies, as well as probiotics (see Amazon list).
Apple Cider vinegar
We add apple cider vinegar to our rabbits water for added health benefits such as shiny fur and coat, and UTI prevention. We suggest you do as well! Add 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. We also offer our rabbits spring water (not tap) as we have hard water in the country! ACV can be purchased in your local grocery store.
Grooming
Rabbits should not be bathed. They will bathe themselves. We groom/brush our rabbits weekly to prevent mats, especially on their underside. We also trim their nails regularly.
Chewing
Rabbits love to chew and often do so to wear down their teeth, which can become overgrown. They also chew for fun! There are many great chew items available in stores such as willow sticks, apple sticks, etc. Some outdoor branches are safe as well, such as maple. Avoid pine shavings, pinecones, and fresh pine. These are TOXIC.
EXERCISE
Though our bunnies live in hutches, we take them out daily for exercise. Bunnies can be litter trained relatively easy, and therefore many owners let their rabbits hang out in their home and frollick freely. Keep in mind electrical cords, wood furniture, and other items that may be toxic or dangerous for your rabbit to chew. It is important to "rabbit proof" your home, much like with a small child.
You can also purchase an exercise pen online, like the one pictured here. This one includes a hutch. Credit Petsmart.
(Sidenote-rabbits can hop over 4 feet in height, so we suggest tall fencing for exercise pens. )
advice
I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact me.