General Rabbit Care
San Diego House Rabbit Society has supported our community through education about responsible rabbit care, spaying/neutering, and adoption. We are a 501(c)(3) volunteer-driven nonprofit organization, which depends on donations from our community to fund our work. Please support us in our goals of rescue, adoption, and education.
When it comes to grooming rabbits, there is more than grabbing a brush. Rabbits are just like dogs; different breeds have different grooming needs.
Why should rabbits live indoors? There are several reasons to house a rabbit indoors, including protection from predators, parasites, and extreme temperatures, as well as more consistent socialization.
X-Pen Living: Housing your rabbit in an exercise pen (i.e. x-pen) is much more beneficial than choosing a cage. Learn how to set up a safe, comfortable pen.
Poisonous or Dangerous Foods: Some foods are poisonous or dangerous to rabbits and can cause illness and/or death. Never feed your rabbit anything from this list.
Litter Box Setup: Not sure how to set up a bunny-friendly litter box? Learn the basics and help your bunny on their way to successful litter box training.
Providing a Healthy Rabbit Diet: Unlimited grass hay is the single most important part of a healthy rabbit diet, supplemented with grass-based pellets and fresh rabbit-safe greens.
All About Hay: Grass hay should compose about 85 percent of most adult rabbits’ daily diets. Rabbits all need access to hay, but the amount and type of hay varies.
The Place of Pellets: Hay-based pellets for rabbits are dietary supplements that supply a more concentrated amount of vitamins and minerals than you find in hay and veggies alone.
Daily Fresh Leafy Greens: Fresh greens help house rabbits stay hydrated and provide fiber and essential nutrients. Learn which greens are safe and healthy for rabbits.
Fruit is a Tasty Treat: Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries are a treat because of their high sugar content, and should be given sparingly. Learn more about safe and unsafe treats.
Getting to Know Your Rabbit: Rabbits are prey animals. If you’re building a relationship with your bunny, or you’re unsure how to get started, try these trust-building steps.
Why does my rabbit do that? Take closer look at rabbit behaviors and get to know why these quiet communicators do what they do.
Is Your Rabbit Sick? As prey animals, domesticated rabbits instinctively hide illnesses and injuries to avoid their predators. Look out for these signs.
Is My Rabbit Having an Emergency? Loss of appetite and lethargy are two of several indications that your rabbit needs urgent medical attention.
Illness Protocol: A healthy rabbit is a happy rabbit. Learn preventative care and how to identify and respond to signs of illness and injury.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV): Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious and deadly disease. Learn about vaccination and best practices.
The Scoop on Poop: A rabbit’s litterbox can tell you a lot about their health. Unlike most mammals, rabbits produce two types of droppings, cecal pellets and fecal pellets.
How to choose a vet: Having a rabbit-savvy vet you trust is an important step you can take to protect your rabbit against illness and disease. Here’s how to find one.
The Scoop on Pee: Staying hydrated is an important part of rabbit health. Unlike most animals, rabbits eliminate excess calcium in their urine.
Get Your Rabbit Spayed/Neutered: One of the most important decisions you can make is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered by an experienced rabbit veterinarian.
Rabbit Housing
Why should rabbits live indoors? There are several reasons to house a rabbit indoors, including protection from predators, parasites, and extreme temperatures, as well as more consistent socialization.
X-Pen Living: Housing your rabbit in an exercise pen (i.e. x-pen) is much more beneficial than choosing a cage. Learn how to set up a safe, comfortable pen.
Flooring Tips: Non-slip flooring makes it easier for house rabbits to grip the ground while they hop and jump. Learn about flooring and ways to protect your rabbit’s feet.
Enrichment of Bunny’s Space: Rabbits thrive when they have enrichment opportunities – toys and areas in their environment to explore, play, and observe new things.
Providing Safe and Fun Alternative Space: Keep your bunny active, happy, and mentally stimulated by spending plenty of time with them and provide toys and safe things to chew on.
Rabbit Litter Box Training
Litter Box Setup: Not sure how to set up a bunny-friendly litter box? Learn the basics and help your bunny on their way to successful litter box training.
Litter Box Training Tips: Rabbits can be litter trained. Some factors in your rabbit’s health and environment can affect their litter box use
Rabbit Behavior
Enrichment of Bunny’s Space: Rabbits thrive when they have enrichment opportunities – toys and areas in their environment to explore, play, and observe new things.
Providing Safe and Fun Alternative Space: Keep your bunny active, happy, and mentally stimulated by spending plenty of time with them and provide toys and safe things to chew on.
Getting to Know Your Rabbit: Rabbits are prey animals. If you’re building a relationship with your bunny, or you’re unsure how to get started, try these trust-building steps.
Why does my rabbit do that? Take closer look at rabbit behaviors and get to know why these quiet communicators do what they do.
Finding Your Rabbit a Companion: Rabbits are naturally social animals, and usually do best with a rabbit friend. The process of finding a partner for your rabbit can take time and patience.
Bunny Bonding Basics FAQ: Does your bunny want a friend? Help them safely choose a partner with a well-planned bonding process.
JOIN THE SDHRS ONLINE LEARNING LIBRARY
The Online Learning Library of SDHRS is designed to meet the needs of rabbit owners and caregivers who look to SDHRS for the latest information on evidence-based rabbit care and services - including sessions on megacolon, bonding, up-to-date information on RHDV2, and liver lobe torsion. Click the button below to learn more about our free and subscription-based memberships.