So you want to get a bunny as a pet. Should be easy, right? Bunnies are hailed as an easy starter pet, but are they really? In this article we will discuss the basics in bunny care.
The Nature of Bunnies
Firstly, we need to distinguish the nature of bunnies, this demonstrates as to why exactly they are different from more “traditional” pets such as dogs and cats. Rabbits are social and sensitive prey animals, meaning they are easily stressed and do not do well as a solitary animal. These creatures need a safe environment, gentle handling and a consistent routine as well as companions. This means the treatment of bunnies can not be the same as dogs and cats, which is a common misconception of some bunny owners. These animals need specialized care with their social life, living environment and diet.
The Social Life of a Bunny
The social life of these animals are vastly different compared to your regular cat and dog. Instincts ingrained into their nature separates acceptable treatment for dogs and cats, and acceptable treatment for rabbits.
- Why Rabbits Often Do Better in Pairs
Rabbits are group animals. This is vastly different from popular animals like dogs and cats, who are capable of being the only pet, provided that human affection is given to them. Bunnies require at the very least another bunny to socialize, groom, and explore with.
Though owners must note that rabbits are also very territorial creatures. Unless neutered and spayed to reduce aggression, keeping same sex rabbits is often quite challenging, and requires supervision.
When pairing up rabbits it is easier to manage a male/female pairing. Though pet owners with the intention of only two rabbits should consider neutering due to the fast-breeding nature of these creatures.
- You Can’t Play With Rabbits Like Other Pets
Rabbits are prey animals. Meaning the way you interact changes completely compared to dogs and cats.
Dogs and cats are comfortable being picked up and touched. Rabbits however, naturally fear being picked up. Being picked up equates to being in the grasp of a predator, which makes them uncomfortable.
Their prey nature makes it so they take some time to adjust and fully trust you. Should you wish to pick up your rabbit, there are a lot of guides on the internet. But they all require patience and slow conditioning.
In the meantime, pet owners can show their affection to their bunnies through gentle interactions. This means getting down to their level, respecting their boundaries as prey animals, and engaging in quiet, consistent bonding activities.
Pet owners should also consider for play time and mental stimulation:
- Encouraging exploring
- Chewing toys
Knowing these important facts greatly helps reduce stress in your bunnies and improve their overall quality of life and comfort. But the social life of a bunny is only one aspect, bunny owners also need to consider the living space of their rabbits.
The Proper Living Environment for Bunnies
Creating the right living environment is one of the most important aspects of rabbit care. Unlike common belief, rabbits should not be confined to small cages; they require space, comfort, and safety to stay healthy both physically and mentally. This is doubly true as we have established that it is preferable for your rabbit to have a bondmate.
To create the perfect home for your pet you need:
- Space
Rabbits are very active creatures. They enjoy hopping, stretching, and exploring. A cage restricts these behaviours and could possibly lead to:
- Muscle weakness
- Boredom
- Stress-related behaviors
Rabbits instead should have a spacious enclosure, with enough room for both bunnies to stand upright and hop at least a few steps in any direction. Ideally, rabbits should also have daily time outside their enclosure to explore safely.
- Clean/Comfortable Bedding
Rabbits spend a lot of time resting, so their bedding directly affects their comfort and hygiene. They need a soft bed with absorbent materials, separated from their toilet.
This avoids:
- Skin irritation
- Odor buildup
- Increased risk of infection
- Litter Box Setup
Rabbits can be litter-trained, making care much easier. Rabbits will naturally choose a corner for their litter.
Their litter box should be lined with:
- Rabbit-safe litter (no clumping or dusty types)
- Paired with hay nearby, as rabbits tend to eat while using the litter box
This creates a cleaner living space and makes your pet easier to maintain.
- Safety
Rabbits are curious creatures that love to chew. So remove or protect:
- Electrical wires (a major hazard)
- Toxic plants
- Small objects that can be swallowed
And be cautious of areas where a rabbit could get stuck or hurt themselves.
- Comfort and Calm
Rabbits are prey animals, which makes them naturally sensitive to their surroundings. This means your rabbits’ home must include these few things:
- Quiet (avoid loud noises or sudden disturbances)
- Stable (minimal sudden changes)
- Safe-feeling (include hiding spots or covered areas)
Making a secure space for your pets helps reduce stress, encourage their natural behaviour as well as build trust with their environment and their owner.
These elements help provide a comfortable living space for your rabbits, however to truly support their daily wellness, you need to provide proper nutrition.
Nutrition for Bunnies
A rabbit’s diet is one of the most important factors in its overall health. In fact, many common health issues in rabbits, especially digestive and dental problems, are directly linked to improper feeding. Getting the balance right is essential.
Your rabbit’s diet should consist of:
- Hay
Contrary to popular belief, a rabbit’s main food source is not carrots or lettuce, but hay. Hay should make up around 80–90% of your rabbit’s daily food intake. It plays a crucial role in:
- Digestive health → high fiber keeps the gut moving properly
- Dental health → constant chewing helps wear down continuously growing teeth
Rabbits should have unlimited access to fresh hay at all times.
- Fresh Vegetables
You could introduce fresh vegetables, providing essential vitamins and variety, but they should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Bunny owners should feed daily portions of leafy greens, such as:
- Romaine lettuce
- Bok choy
- Herbs like parsley or cilantro
These introduce variety in the diets of your bunny. However pet owners should avoid feeding their rabbits vegetables high in sugar or starch, or abruptly change their diets. Most of all, vegetables should not replace hay.
- Fresh Water
Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and should be changed daily with the containers washed regularly.
Rabbits can drink from:
- A heavy bowl (often preferred for natural drinking posture)
- Or a bottle (if the rabbit is accustomed to it)
- Pellets (In Moderation)
Pellets should be a supplement to the rabbit’s hay diet. These pellets should be provided in small quantities, in controlled portions daily. Pet owners should typically choose pellets with:
- High fiber content
- No added sugars, colors, or fillers
Hay should always form the foundation of a rabbit's diet. However, a carefully formulated pellet can help provide additional nutrients that may be difficult to consistently obtain through forage and vegetables alone.
KEOS Rabbit Formula is designed to complement a hay-based diet with balanced nutrition, quality fiber sources, and everyday feeding convenience.
While the way to take care of rabbits may be different to the common cats and dogs, with sufficient research, pet owners may find that taking care of these creatures is not more difficult. One thing remains constant among all types of pets; to support their daily wellbeing, consistent care and nutrition is key. In moderation, pellets make an excellent supplement to your rabbit’s diet to ensure appropriate nutrition intake that may be lacking from just a hay and fresh vegetable diet.
Thoughtfully formulated diets, like those developed by KEOS, are built with complete nutrition in mind. Helping to support daily health through a balanced and complete nutrition for all types of pets with the mindset of feeding better.
Rabbit owners can feel confident feeding their bunnies our simply good kibbles.
Sources:
Tierschutzbund (2023), Animal Welfare Federation gives tips on keeping dwarf rabbits appropriately.
