In the cage or pen: Puppy exercise pen (very roomy, good for all
sizes of bunnies) or a roomy cage with front door (and top door to make easier to clean)
so bunny can enter/exit during "free" time; deep litter tray. A proper rabbit
cage is very important. Except for the smallest of breeds, most "pet
store" cages are much too small. They were built to fit on store shelves, not to
accommodate a large rabbit who needs room to stretch out fully, while still housing his
litterbox and food/water bowls. For average size breeds (5 - 10 lbs) we recommend a cage
no smaller than 36" wide x 30" deep x 18-24" high. For some great examples
of cages that meet all of bunny's needs, visit these sites:
If you live in the San Diego area,
contact HRS at 619-718-7777 or in North County at 760-633-1564 to purchase cages and
supplies.
Heavy ceramic bowls or those that can
be secured to cageor or pen - for pellets and water. Rabbits love to grab and toss
lightweight, unsecured bowls.
Litterbox & nontoxic litter - We
recommend an organic litter such as CareFRESH litter, Cat Country or Yesterday's News.
Provide a fresh, clean litterbox daily, adding
hay on top of the litter as an additional enticement to use the box. (Pine and cedar
shavings in box or cage tray are not recommended, as they are suspected causes of liver
damage and respiratory problems.)
Newspaper - to line the tray in bottom
of cage
Artificial fur, lambswool squares, or
carpet samples to keep bun's feet off wire cage floor
Food/water - unlimited high-fiber hay (Timothy hay; orchard, meadow or Bermuda grasses). Very
limited plain rabbit pellets. Fresh water. Fruit and vegetables in moderation (see
our feeding guide). There are several inexpensive sources of fresh hay in San Diego County, available
through HRS.
Toys - plastic baby keys, empty toilet
paper rolls, some hard plastic cat toys, metal canning jar rings, parrot toys that hang
from top of cage, and other toys. Out of cage you can provide
boxes filled with hay, cat tunnels, large PVC tubes or round cement forms to run through.
Need great ideas for
housing your new rabbit companion? Here they are!
Outside the cage or pen:
Nail clippers - guillotine-type
clippers, or cat claw scissors. Trim nails every four to six weeks.
Brush - always brush loose hair from
rabbit, especially during molt.
Comb - especially for long hair
rabbits, and those who are molting heavily, a good grooming comb will help remove loose
hair.
Flea treatments - when you see a flea
problem use a flea comb, and get Program or Advantage (kitten strength) from your vet.
White vinegar - reduces odor. Wipe
cage down once a month or use to neutralize accidents. Also excellent to neutral odor and
dissolve urine crystal build-up in cages, litterboxes and on carpet.
Litterbox
with organic litter - make one or more litterboxes available out of cage, as needed,
during run time.
Whisk broom & dust pan - to sweep
up mistakes.
Bunny proofing materials - Split clear
plastic tubing and insert telephone cords, light cords, computer wires, etc., or buy
pre-slit "cord tamers" in storage sections of home improvement warehouses or the
computer section of other stores. Block off access to the back of entertainment centers to
prevent bunny getting stuck and/or chewing wires on the TV, stereo, etc. For aggressive
chewers, try PVC tubing. Another good choice is "flex tube" from auto parts
stores. Extra litterbox or cardboard box for digging. Fill with hay or litter. Carpet
sample squares for problem digging areas. Large ceramic tiles to cover problem corners and
give a cool surface to sit on.
Always supervise your rabbit outdoors.
Use a playpen with a floor or run wire below ground level so they cannot dig out. Watch
for predators, including large birds that can fly down and grasp your rabbit in their
claws. Never leave your rabbit unattended while outside.
Pick up everything you need, at HRS' Bunny Supplies Store. From cages, pens, and
litterboxes, to fresh hay, pellets, and bunny-safe treats, we have everything you need.
Did you find this information useful?
If so, join San Diego HRS for just $15 a year
or $25 for two years, and get
more great diet tips, health information, fun stories, and lots more in our quarterly
newsletter, the San Diego Rabbit News! |
