“What pet should I get?” It’s not just the title of a Dr. Suess book, it’s a question often heard from a first-time visitor to the Connecticut Humane Society. You’ve already thought about the pros and cons and whether or not you’re ready to get a pet, but you still might be on the fence about what type of pet you want. Or maybe you just adopted a pet, and you want to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. Check out these tips to start.

• Average adult size: 12+ inches long, head to end of tail
• Average life span: 10+ years with proper care
• Rabbits should be kept in same sex pairs if raised together, mixed sex pairs if spayed or neutered, or individually. If unaltered males and females are kept together, breeding or fighting may occur.
• Rabbits are crepuscular; they are most active at sunrise and sunset.
• Always wash your hands after handling your pet, or cleaning its dishes, cage, toys, etc.

•  Fresh food and water should always be available. Most rabbits are accustomed to drinking from a water bottle or ceramic dish.
• Timothy hay should make up the majority of their diet, along with specialized rabbit pellets and daily leafy green vegetables (1 packed cup per 2lbs of body weight).
• Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded.
• Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily.
• Do not feed chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol as these can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats.

• Rabbits acclimate well to average household temperatures, not above 80°F. Avoid extreme temperature changes. The habitat should be placed in an area that is away from drafts and direct sunlight.
• Rabbits should be kept in a hutch with a solid bottom and attached exercise pen. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Rabbits also require daily time outside of their cage for exercise. Out-of-cage time gives an opportunity to exercise and have fun. It is also a chance for you to bond with your bunny, cuddle and/or teach tricks.
• Gentle coaxing and reward-based training will help bunnies learn most effectively, and the positive bond you’ll form will reap rewards as your bunny learns to be a polite family member and more.
• 1-2” of paper bedding, such as Carefresh, is recommended. Wood shavings should not be used as bedding. Rabbits can be litter box trained with paper based litter such as Yesterday’s News. Do not use clay cat litter for rabbits.
• Clean and disinfect the habitat and non-porous toys regularly; remove wet spots daily and scoop the litter box. Bedding should be changed at least once a week or more often if necessary.
• Provide a variety of chewable toys to promote proper teeth wear as rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life.
• Rabbits should also be given a place to hide.

• As with any family member, a rabbit should see a veterinarian for regular checkups.
• At 4-6 months, bunnies will begin marking their territory as their hormones kick in, so spaying or neutering your rabbit will curb with this behavior as well as help with litterbox training.
• Spaying/neutering your pet rabbit will not only prevent the chance of unwanted baby bunnies, it will also do wonders for preventing bad bunny behavior and the chance of health problems related to the reproductive system, like cancer.
• A rabbit that has stopped eating should see a veterinarian right away as this is a medical emergency in rabbits.
• A rabbit that is inactive, losing weight, has diarrhea, hair loss, or distressed breathing may be sick. If you notice these signs, discharge from the eyes or nose, or other problems, please see your veterinarian.
• Rabbits should be brushed regularly to remove shedding hair and prevent matting in long haired breeds.
• Rabbits also need regular nail trims to prevent overgrowth and curling. A healthy rabbit should be active, alert, and sociable, eating and drinking often, with healthy fur and clear eyes.

Download your CHS rabbit care guide here.

Check out the video below for kid-friendly rabbit care tips.