Supplies for your Rabbit
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Supplies for your Rabbit

Article Date: 
February 21, 2008

CAGE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Tall enough the rabbit can stretch up without their ears touching the top.
  • Long/wide enough that the rabbit can stretch out fully in any direction with some room to spare.
  • Roomy enough to have space for a litterbox, a food dish and water supply.
  • A door that opens outward so that the rabbit can hop in & out of their cage on their own.
  • The larger the better, especially if your rabbit will spend many hours a day in their cage.
  • A solid surface for resting.


IN ADDITION TO A CAGE, THE RABBIT OWNER WILL NEED:

  • At least two litterboxes -- one for inside the cage, the other for the exercise area.
  • Litterbox scoop
  • A food dish - preferably a heavy, ceramic crock or plastic dish that can be secured to the cage.
  • Water supply - either a bottle or a dish similar to the food dish.
  • A carrier to safely transport their rabbit to/from vet and to use to evacuate in case of emergency
  • Nail trimmer
    • For larger rabbits, either a guillotine style or scissor style sold in pet stores.
    • For smaller rabbits, can use human nail trimmers.
  • Brush - preferably soft-bristled or with rounded plastic tips.
  • If fleas, a flea comb is preferable to flea dips, baths, and powders.


CONSUMABLE SUPPLIES

  • Continuous supply of grass hay - preferably Timothy or grass/alfalfa mix.
  • Pellets - ideally a plain pellet (without mixed-in additions) that is:
    • High in fiber (>18%)
    • Low in protein (<14%)
    • Low in calcium (<0.9%)
    • Low in fat (<2%)
  • A mix of fresh veggies, including:
    • Leafy greens: Romaine, kale, collard greens, beet tops, mustard greens, carrot tops
    • Herbs: mint, parsley, cilantro, basil, sorrel, etc
    • Veggies: carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
    • NEVER feed: corn, peas, beans, potatoes, rhubarb greens, onions or garlic
  • Toys - rabbits enjoy chew toys, toss toys, noisemakers and hiding spaces.
  • Litter - perferably paper-based litter.
    • Clumping litter and soft-wood shavings (like Cedar) can cause serious health problems
  • Anti-chew product - like bitter apple or bitter lime