So, you’ve finally bought a bunny? Great!
But here’s some news for you:
Rabbits aren’t that simple to keep. To become a successful rabbit owner, you need to ensure that all your rabbit’s requirements are being duly met.
If you’re a responsible owner who’s looking for a complete bunny shopping list, then we’ve created one just for you.
Things to Consider as a Rabbit Owner
#1. A Proper Cage
Rabbits are always under the constant threat of predators. Allowing your bunnies to roam freely in the yard without supervision increases the likelihood of them falling victim to these natural threats.
How do you combat that? Buy a rabbit cage, of course.
A proper bunny cage needs to be large enough to contain your rabbit and allow it some space to roam around as well.
Pro tip:
If your bunny’s ears touch the top of the cage when it stands up, the cage is definitely too congested for it.
The Prevue Pet Products Small Animal Cage with Stand is my top product for a rabbit cage.
#2. Litterbox
While your bunnies will spend most of their time in their cages, it’s essential to ensure they don’t soil their living space, as it can lead to health issues.
Consider investing in litterboxes for your bunnies, and it’s wise to have multiple boxes, placing them in the areas where your rabbits have access. This approach helps maintain cleanliness and their overall well-being.
The best litter boxes are compact, non-toxic, and easy to clean; just like Kaytee Litter Pan.
#3. Rabbit Bedding
You know what they say:
Nothing’s more useless than peanut butter without jelly and a litter box without litter.
Using the right type of litter is crucial in keeping your rabbit’s waste confined to the litter box. Without proper litter, you risk your rabbit scattering its mess all around, creating an unsightly and unsanitary situation for everyone involved.
When buying rabbit bedding, make sure that it’s non-stick, soft, and that it contains odor for at least a week. The Vitakraft Fresh World Bedding is all that and much more.
#4. Food Bowl
If you’ve had experience with rabbits, you’re aware that they can face challenges when it comes to eating and drinking. Due to the unique shape of their mouths, it can be difficult for them to consume food directly from the ground.
Rabbits have a preference for eating from bowls as it allows them to comfortably nibble on food at a slightly elevated level, making their dining experience more accessible.
While buying a food bowl for your rabbit, look for one that:
- Takes lesser space
- Doesn’t topple over easily
- Is compact
The Lixit Quick Lock Cage Bowls ticks all the above requirements. What’s more, you can easily clip it on and off your rabbit’s cage.
#5. Rabbit Water Bottle
Water bottles are one of the basic rabbit house supplies.
As mentioned above, rabbits find it a bit hard to eat and drink from the floor or low bowls. So, how do you keep your rabbit hydrated in such a situation? Well, you buy it a quality rabbit water bottle.
These water bottles contain a nozzle through which your rabbit can suck and drink water. They’re easily clamped onto the cage and are completely washable.
When getting a water bottle for your rabbit, make sure it’s made from safe materials and has a strong nozzle. Low-quality bottles can break easily from a rabbit’s powerful teeth.
You’d be well-off buying the Choco Nose Patented No-Drip Water Bottle that’s leak-proof and made from safe, BPA-free plastic.
#6. Rabbit Carrier
Rabbits should never be left to roam freely without supervision, as they are at significant risk of being hunted by predators.
If you’re going out for an extended period and want to keep your bunny safe, you’ll need to find a way to make suitable arrangements.
Well, you take your rabbit along with you in a pet carrier.
Pet carriers are a must if you travel often or need to take your pet to the vet or visit family.
When purchasing a pet carrier, a crucial consideration is whether it’s airline-approved. An approved carrier allows you to bring your pet on flights with you.
Here’s my go-to rabbit carrier, the Sherpa® Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier, for your furball. It should work well for all kinds of transport and travel.
#7. Hay
Rabbits usually eat grass in the wild, but it’s not easy to find enough fresh grass for them because they eat a lot. So, to meet their nutritional needs, you can buy hay, which is dried-up grass. Different rabbits have different hay preferences.
For adult rabbits, I recommend Timothy hay because it has more fiber, making digestion easier. But baby rabbits need more calcium, which is where legume hay comes in handy. It helps fulfill their calcium needs as they grow. Choosing the right hay depends on your rabbit’s age and specific dietary requirements.
Good hay is green, sweet, and isn’t moist. I recommend Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay, as it usually does the job for rabbits.
#8. Rabbit Food and Treats
Hay is a necessity for all rabbits, but it’s certainly a great idea to buy rabbit foods and treats for your bunny.
While foods and treats may be more appealing to rabbits due to their taste, it’s essential to remember that the primary component of your rabbit’s diet should always be hay or fresh grass.
There are dozens of options in the market, but I prefer Oxbow Adult Rabbit Pet Food. It’s based on Timothy hay and contains enough fibers to keep your adult rabbit’s digestive system working well.
Also, they pride themselves on being “recommended by veterinarians.”
While treats are a great way to build trust and love with your bunny, make sure to always offer them in moderation for health purposes.
I mean, wouldn’t you like people who feed you junk food? We all do! But is junk food the best nutrition for us? Definitely not! Therefore, moderation is key.
For me, Kaytee Timothy Baked Apple Treats do the job.
You can’t always predict what treats your rabbits will enjoy. So, give these baked apple treats a try, and if they don’t seem to appeal to them, you can explore other options.
#9. Container for Pellets
This isn’t an outright necessity for rabbits, as food bowls should be enough. However, having a cute container for pellets can make your rabbit’s pen a lot more aesthetically pleasing.
I personally love the Kaytee Vege-T-Bowl for my bunny. Its shape is such that the pellets often don’t get scattered all over the place, and the size is perfect as well.
#10. Rabbit Toys
No pet likes to be confined within a cage all day without getting the chance to play and have fun. Rabbits are certainly no different.
There are various types of toys available for your rabbit, such as chew toys (which rabbits absolutely love), rabbit tunnels, and hanging toys.
Whatever you do, make sure you buy a number of different toys for them and see what works best. These are often quite inexpensive. The other option for you could be to buy a complete toy assortment. It’ll provide you with a good enough variety to keep your rabbits busy.
I like these fun Niteangel Natural Chew Activity Toys as they work both as chew and activity toys for rabbits to roll around the cage.
#11. Hay Feeder
The worst way to feed hay to your rabbit is to let it stay scattered on the floor. That’s because rabbits end up walking over and sitting on the hay, making it unfit for consumption.
I always advise rabbit owners to buy hay feeders for their bunnies. It’s a sound investment for anyone who considers cleanliness an important factor for food.
But here’s the thing:
One rarely ever finds a hay feeder that’s perfect, and experiences vary for all individuals. Regardless, this SunGrow Rabbit Hay Feeder Rack worked well for me. The size is good enough for one rabbit, and it certainly reduces the mess to a great extent.
If you have a cage with horizontal bars, this hay feeder should be easy to install.
#12. Rabbit Nail Clippers
Out of all the things in pet grooming, nail clipping is the only one that I’d consider “vital” for rabbits.
Having rabbits with untrimmed nails can be quite dangerous for you and the bunny. Most people buy small animal nail clippers for rabbits, but I find them to be quite flimsy for bunnies.
Often, small animal nail clippers are made from cheap materials with unsharp edges. You’d want something that does the job swiftly so that your rabbit doesn’t feel scared of the process.
For me, nail clippers for small cats and dogs work better as they’re often made sturdier than the small pet nail clippers.
Here’s a JOFUYU Nail Clipper that I’d recommend for rabbits.
#13. Rabbit Book
If you’ve bought your first bunny, you’d need all the tips and guidance that you can get to keep it safe and happy.
A good pet rabbit book can give you all of that knowledge in one place. It would discuss precisely how to house your rabbit, what to feed it, how to train it, and what breed to buy.
If you’re looking to keep a rabbit indoors, The Bunny Lover’s Complete Guide To House Rabbits is the perfect book that will come in handy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring you have the right essentials for your beloved rabbit is essential for their well-being and happiness. By having these 13 items on your rabbit checklist, from a secure hutch and cozy bedding to nutritious food and enriching toys, you’re not only providing for their physical needs but also fostering a loving and enjoyable companionship.
Remember, as a responsible rabbit owner, your care and dedication are pivotal in ensuring your furry friend’s contentment and health throughout their journey as a cherished member of your family.
