Rabbit Care Guide: What No One Tells You Before You Get a Bunny
Rabbits look like easy pets. They're quiet, fluffy, and live in a cage — what could be complicated? The reality is that rabbits are complex, delicate animals with demanding care requirements that catch many first-time owners off guard. They are the third most popular pet in the United States and the third most surrendered to shelters, often by families who bought them on impulse without understanding the commitment. This guide tells you what you need to know before you decide.
| Need | What's Required |
|---|---|
| Space | Min. 12 sq ft enclosure + 24+ sq ft exercise area |
| Diet | 80% hay (unlimited), 15% leafy greens, 5% pellets |
| Vet Care | Exotic/small animal vet — not all vets see rabbits |
| Spay/Neuter | Strongly recommended — reduces cancer and behavioral issues |
| Social Needs | Highly social — prefer a bonded rabbit companion |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
Diet: Hay First, Always
The single most important thing you can feed a rabbit is hay — and most rabbit owners don't feed enough of it. Unlimited timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay should make up 80% of the diet. Hay keeps the digestive system moving (GI stasis, where the gut slows or stops, is a life-threatening emergency in rabbits). Fresh leafy greens — romaine, kale, cilantro, parsley — are given daily. Pellets should be limited; they're calorie-dense and overconsumption leads to obesity and reduces hay eating. Never feed muesli-style mixed food.
Housing: Bigger Than You Think
Pet store cages marketed for rabbits are almost universally too small. Rabbits need space to stretch out fully, stand upright, and take several hops in a row. A minimum enclosure footprint is 4 feet by 3 feet (12 square feet) for a small rabbit, with additional supervised exercise space daily. Many rabbit owners use dog exercise pens to create a larger roaming area. The enclosure should be on the ground, not elevated — wire-bottomed cages damage rabbit feet.
GI Stasis: The Emergency to Know
GI stasis is the one rabbit emergency that every owner must recognize. When a rabbit's gut slows or stops — from stress, pain, dehydration, or inadequate hay — gas builds up and the rabbit stops eating. Signs: not eating for more than a few hours, no fecal pellets, a hunched posture, or a distended abdomen. GI stasis is a veterinary emergency — call your exotic vet immediately if you see these signs, especially combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rabbits make good pets for children?
Rabbits are not ideal pets for young children. They are prey animals who dislike being held and can kick and scratch when frightened. They require adult supervision and gentle handling. Rabbits are better suited to adults and older, calm children.
What do rabbits eat?
The foundation of a rabbit diet is unlimited timothy or grass hay, which should make up 80% of their diet. Fresh leafy greens (not iceberg lettuce) are given daily, and pellets in limited quantities. Fruit and starchy vegetables are treats only.
How long do rabbits live?
Domestic rabbits typically live 8–12 years with proper care, sometimes longer. This is a longer commitment than many people expect when buying a rabbit as a 'starter pet.'