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For more information on rabbits
check out these websites:

• House Rabbit Society

• Animaland - rabbits

• ASPCA - rabbits

• RSPCA - rabbit care

Rabbit Care

Life Span -- 8-12 years

Friendship
Rabbits can be very loving animals. They depend on you for their care. Spend time with your rabbit every day. When you choose a rabbit for a companion, it is a commitment for the entire life of the rabbit. 

Food
Rabbits need a variety of food to stay healthy. Rabbit pellets, fresh fruit and vegetables (different kinds), timothy hay and small amounts of oats and barley will keep a rabbit healthy. Rhubarb, potatoes and chocolate can be poisonous to rabbits. Avoid lettuce, cabbage and beans, which can cause bloating or diarrhea. Click here for more information on a rabbit's diet.

Water
Rabbits, like all animals, need fresh water available to them all the time. Their water bottle should be cleaned regularly and filled with clean, fresh water every day.

Shelter
Rabbits should live inside and be able to hop around freely in the house. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box so that they won’t make a mess in the house. Electrical cords must be covered with plastic tubing so that rabbits cannot chew them. If you don’t let your rabbit hop freely in your house then she must have a large enclosed area inside so she can get exercise.

Litter boxes, cages and hutches should be cleaned every day. 

Exercise
Rabbits will get their exercise if they are allowed to hop around your house or in a large fenced-in area that is safe from other animals. Rabbits need about 30 hours a week of exercise -- that's at least four hours each day outside of an enclosure. Also, rabbits need toys to play with and places to hide, climb, dig and chew. Rabbits can get bored just like you. Play with your rabbit and give her attention.

Click here to see a YouTube video on what can be accomplished with rabbits through clicker training! 

Handling -- Picking Up a Rabbit
Rabbits are prey animals and most do not like to picked up. If you do pick up your rabbit, one hand should support the rabbit's bottom while the other supports his chest. Be aware that rabbits have strong back legs and can jump quickly. If they are frightened when carried, they can easily twist out of your arms and fall, causing serious injury -- including back breaks. If you are under ten, a parent should be the only person that carries your rabbit.

Grooming
Rabbits should be brushed every day or every second day. When rabbits groom themselves, they can swallow hair just like cats but they can’t throw up, so it is important to keep them brushed.   

Rabbits also need their nails trimmed once every 4-6 weeks. This is not easy to do, so you will need an adult to help you. You'll need special nail clippers, and you need to study the technique before you begin.  Click here to find how to trim your rabbit’s nails.

Health Care
Spaying or neutering your rabbit can make him or her a much easier pet to have around. Spaying and neutering rabbits will reduce spraying, make it easier to litter box train them, reduce the amount of chewing they do (out of frustration), make them less aggressive and increase their lifespan. Have your rabbit spayed or neutered between the ages of 3 1/2 to 6 months by a veterinarian specializing in small animals.

 If your rabbit has any of the following symptoms, you should take him to the vet right away:

• Diarrhea (runny poop)
• Not eating
• Runny nose
• Stomach gurgles
• Hard time breathing
• Breathing fast
• Lumps on body
• Wet back legs from pee
• Tilted head

Can't Care for Your Rabbit?
If you can no longer care for your rabbit, it is up to you to find a new home for him. Place ads in local papers, put up notices and email your friends and relatives.

NEVER release your bunny in a park or wooded area thinking he can fend for himself. It is against the law. Abandoned rabbits can become nuisances to farmers and destroy the habitats of other wild animals. In addition, your rabbit will become victim to predators -- such as owls, hawks, eagles, coyotes, or cats -- will get injured or sick, or will slowly starve.

 If you have tried everything and are still unsuccessful in finding a new home for your rabbit, contact the BC SPCA or other animal rescue group to see if they can help. Remember to offer a donation, because they must care for your rabbit in your place.