Rabbits cannot eat meat, dairy, eggs, chocolate, nuts, seeds, sugary human foods (candy, cereal, crackers, bread), or starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn, as these can cause severe digestive issues, obesity, or even be toxic, with particularly dangerous items being avocado, rhubarb, and allium plants (onions, garlic). Their diet needs to be high-fiber vegetation, not grains, processed items, or animal products, which their sensitive systems can't handle.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
Most of their diet should be fresh hay and grass, with some leafy greens and a few pellets. They should only be given fruit and root vegetables, like carrots, as an occasional treat and shouldn't eat muesli at all. Make sure they have water available to drink at all times.
A previous study based on primary veterinary care showed that the most common causes of death in pet rabbits were myiasis, myxomatosis, and bite injuries, which could be prevented by improved housing and suitable care [5].
A rabbit's favorite food should be hay, though you may have to take steps to ensure that your rabbit is eating enough before adding in other foods that your rabbit loves. Hay should make up at least 80% of your rabbit's diet, then it's off to the races with fresh veggies and other treats!
Similarly, if your rabbit ever ingests one of the items listed below (regardless of quantity), call your veterinarian immediately.
Yes, they do! But carrots are more like a sugary treat for a rabbit (so are fruits), so they should be given in small quantities. They can upset a rabbit's digestive system if given too much. A better way to think about giving a healthy variety of foods to your bunny is to feed a salad a day.
Natural enemies of jackrabbits include hawks, owls, eagles, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and weasels. While predation will not eliminate the population, presence of predators will provide some useful assistance in rabbit control.
If you notice these symptoms in your bunny, it's time to see a vet as soon as possible.
Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites. Rabbits can transmit bacteria through bites and scratches.
As a rule, a rabbit should be able to take at least three hops in a row from one end to the other. It can be difficult to buy purpose-built accommodation measuring these dimensions but there's no reason why you can't build your own! Rabbits are a prey species and need to be able to hide from things that scare them.
The total amount of fresh food that you may give to your rabbit daily (once your bunny has been gradually introduced to it), is a minimum of 1 heaping cup (loosely packed), per 5 pound of body weight, given two times a day.
Rabbits can be left alone 24-48 hours. At the max. Rabbits can be left with just hay. Having a water dispenser is the best so no one has to refill it.
Rabbits can definitely form a strong bond with their human caregivers, showing signs of attachment through behaviours like seeking attention and responding positively to interaction.
In answer to the question what animal eats rabbits, the most common that springs to mind is the fox. But there are numerous others including pet dogs and cats, birds of prey, stoats, weasels, ferrets, badgers and snakes.
Their back legs are stretched out behind the body and their front paws are pointing forward. A happy rabbit jumps into the air with all four paws off the ground and twists in mid-air before landing. This is called 'binkying' and is a sign that the rabbit is happy or excited.
Screaming or Loud Squealing
Screaming means that your rabbit is under attack or in extreme pain. Some rabbits have screamed right before dying. Hope that your rabbit never makes this noise. But if they do, understand that you need to find the source of the problem and deal with it immediately.
Is there such a thing as a 'low mood' in rabbits?
Signs your rabbit is unwell
Poisonous to Rabbits
It's easy to take care of them, but you should keep in mind the things these little guys do NOT like the most.
Grapes Rabbits have a sweet tooth, so grapes are great as a treat. As with all treats, it's best to portion these out otherwise your rabbit may overindulge and feel unwell. Iceberg lettuce Rabbits can't eat a lot of iceberg lettuce as it contains lactucarium which can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.
Plus, the crunch of raw celery is both enjoyable for your rabbit and great for its teeth. Rabbits can also eat the leaves of the celery plant. Sometimes, the leaves are even more nutritious than the rest! In regards to amount, celery should be included in the small amount of mixed vegetables you give your rabbit daily.
Some of the best leafy greens and vegetables for rabbits include lettuce, spinach, kale, bell peppers, and squash. While many greens and vegetables are rabbit-safe, rabbits should not eat iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, and raw onions, leeks, or garlic.