Some humans think we bunnies are easy, low-maintenance pets that don’t require much care, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! We are intelligent and playful creatures that can be loving companions. Sadly, many of us still live in environments that aren’t suited for us, without the freedoms we truly need to be happy hoppers.
What safety standards should you follow to keep your bunny healthy? How to look after a rabbit properly? Don’t worry – I’m here to tell you everything!
Make sure we are safe around the house
Naturally, we’re very inquisitive creatures. We like to put our noses everywhere! This, of course, can get us into a lot of trouble. That’s why it’s so important for our owners to rabbit-proof our play area (which, by the way, should be bigger than you probably think – just imagine how much land a wild rabbit explores!). This means covering your cords and wires, moving your houseplants if necessary, and protecting any furniture legs.
Take care of us responsibly
Yes, we’re fluffy balls of cuteness and love a good human touch, but we still need to be handled with care. Part of our cuteness is in the fact that we’re small and delicate, but that’s why you need to be gentle with us.
Being lifted off the ground can feel terrifying (because in the wild, that usually means we’re about to be lunch!). Whenever we’re held, make sure to support the front of our body (under the rib cage) with one hand and the rear end with your other hand. Our small legs should be tucked underneath – this will help us avoid potential injuries.
Follow a routine
Bunnies are creatures of habit! We feel much more relaxed if our days follow roughly the same pattern. What does this mean? If possible, try to feed us at the same time every day. Don’t disturb us during our naps – sleep is very important for us! Remember that we need plenty of mental and physical exercise. We should be playing for a couple of hours every day!
Moreover, we bunnies are sprinters rather than long-distance runners. If you let us out to roam around for an hour, we’re likely to only participate in a 15-30 minute activity.
Remember that every rabbit is unique, so their routine should fit their individual needs. If you have to leave your fluffy friend with a pet sitter, fill out my Pet Sitter Notes (you’ll find them in my Bunny Care Printables) so they can access all the important care instructions.
Health checks
To ensure we’re in tip-top shape, it’s important for our owners to perform weekly health check-ups. Don’t panic yet – it’s not as complicated as it sounds! You can even do this while you’re petting me. Simply pay attention to these aspects:
- My teeth. Gently look in my mouth and check whether any of my teeth are overgrown.
- My eyes and nose. If you spot any discharge, it could be a sign of snuffles.
- My skin. Make sure there’s no irritation or bumps that may cause discomfort.
- My feet. Some bunnies may develop sores, especially as they get older.
My tip is to use the Bunny Health Check printable, free to Chester & Co. insiders: right here. This will give you an idea of the changes in your bunny that you should watch out for.
In case your bunny needs professional help, it’s a good idea to fill out the Pet Profile Page (also part of my Bunny Care Printables). This will give your vet insight into your little friend’s personality and overall well-being.
Final thoughts
There’s nothing better than a fluffy-tailed friend! As long as you care for their needs and shower them with love, your bunny companion will reward you with many years of smiles and excited flops.
Interested in learning more about bunny care? Don’t forget to follow my blog!
FAQ
Are rabbits easy to take care of?
Nope! Bunnies might look like fluffy little couch potatoes, but they need lots of attention, exercise, a proper diet, and daily health checks.
Can I leave my rabbit alone for 2 days?
No, rabbits should never be left alone for that long. If leaving for a couple of days, a responsible pet sitter is a must!
Is it alright to adopt one rabbit?
Rabbits are highly social animals and typically do best with another friend. While it’s possible to keep a single rabbit, owners should be prepared to provide a lot of daily interaction to prevent boredom.
Stay tuned for more hopping good tales and tips from yours truly, Chester!
Paws and kisses,
Chester the Bunny 🐰
