Basic Bunny Care | Serenity Guinea Pig

Basic Bunny Care

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Bunnies!

Hey there, fellow bunny enthusiast! It's Feather here, from Serenity Guinea Pig and Friends Rescue. We're so excited you're considering adding a fluffy, long-eared friend to your life! Get ready for binkies, nose boops, and endless entertainment as you watch your bunny explore and play.

At Serenity, we're passionate about finding loving homes for all kinds of small animals, including bunnies! This guide is your one-stop shop for bunny care, packed with information and tips to help you provide the best possible life for your new companion. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's hop into the wonderful world of bunny care!

Choosing Your Bunny

Where to Find Your New Bestie:

Shelters and Rescues: We might be a little biased, but we truly believe that adopting from a shelter or rescue like ours is the best way to go! You'll be giving a deserving bunny a second chance at happiness, and you'll be helping us make space for even more animals in need. Plus, you'll have our amazing team to guide you every step of the way. We can help you find the perfect bunny to fit your lifestyle and personality, and we'll provide you with all the information and support you need to give your new furry friend the best possible care.

Things to Consider Before Bringing Your Bunny Home:

Personality: Just like us, every bunny has their own unique personality. Spend some time getting to know the bunnies at the rescue. Some might be social butterflies and love to hop around, while others might be a bit shy and need a little extra time to warm up. We can help you understand their different personalities and choose a bunny that will thrive in your home.
Lifestyle: Bunnies can live for 5-10 years, so it's a long-term commitment! Think about your lifestyle and how a bunny would fit into it. Do you have enough space for a bunny to roam and explore? Are you prepared to provide them with the care and attention they need?
Companionship: Bunnies are social creatures and thrive in the company of other bunnies. We always recommend adopting a bonded pair or being prepared to bond your bunny with another rabbit in the future. Having a companion helps prevent loneliness and boredom, and it's wonderful to watch them interact and play together. Solo bunnies require a lot of attention and enrichment from their humans.
Sex: If you're planning on having more than one bunny, it's best to have them spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters and reduce hormonal behaviors. We can guide you through the process of spaying/neutering and bonding bunnies.
Age: Do you want a young, energetic bunny or a more mature, laid-back companion? Both young and older bunnies have their own unique charms, and we can help you find the perfect fit for your family.

Housing Your Bunny

Creating a Safe and Spacious Haven:

Indoor Homes are Best: Bunnies thrive in indoor environments where they can be a part of the family. Outdoor enclosures can be dangerous, exposing bunnies to predators, extreme temperatures, and parasites.
Space to Roam: The bigger the enclosure, the better! For indoor bunnies, an exercise pen or a dedicated bunny-proofed room is ideal. This provides ample space for hopping, running, and exploring.

Housing Options:

Exercise Pens: Exercise pens are a great option for bunnies, as they provide more space than a traditional cage and can be easily configured to fit your space.
Bunny-Proofed Room: If you have the space, consider dedicating an entire room to your bunny. Just be sure to remove any hazards, such as electrical cords and toxic plants.

Bedding:

Comfort and Absorbency: Choose a bedding that is comfortable, absorbent, and safe for your bunny. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they can be harmful to their respiratory system.
Options: Good options include paper-based bedding, aspen shavings, or hay. You can also use fleece blankets for added comfort.

Enrichment:

Essential for Happiness: Bunnies need plenty of enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.
Toys: Provide a variety of toys, such as chew toys, tunnels, and cardboard boxes, to encourage exploration and play.
Digging Box: Bunnies love to dig! Provide a digging box filled with hay or shredded paper to satisfy their natural instincts.

Litter Box:

Litter Training: Most bunnies can be litter trained. Place a litter box in their enclosure and fill it with a rabbit-safe litter, such as paper pellets or hay.

Feeding Your Bunny: A Guide to Happy Hopping

Bunnies are herbivores, which means they need a diet that consists mainly of plant-based foods. A balanced diet is crucial for their health and well-being.

Hay is King!

Unlimited Hay: Just like guinea pigs, hay is the foundation of a bunny's diet. It should make up about 80% of what they eat! Timothy hay is a good choice for adult bunnies, while alfalfa hay is better for young bunnies, pregnant bunnies, and nursing mothers.

Pellets: A Little Extra

Limited Pellets: Pellets should be given in limited quantities to supplement the hay. Choose a plain, Timothy hay-based pellet.

Veggies: Variety is Key

Fresh Veggies Daily: Offer a variety of fresh vegetables every day. Good choices include leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and parsley, as well as root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.

Treats: In Moderation

Occasional Treats: Fruits can be given as occasional treats, but only in small amounts due to their sugar content.

Foods to Avoid

No-No's: Avoid feeding your bunny chocolate, caffeine, avocado, onions, garlic, or rhubarb, as these can be toxic.

Water, Water Everywhere!

Fresh and Clean: Make sure your bunny always has access to fresh, clean water. A water bottle or a heavy ceramic bowl is a good way to provide this.

Keeping Your Bunny Healthy: A Guide to Wellness

We all want our furry friends to live long, happy, and healthy lives! This section will give you the knowledge and tools to keep your bunny in tip-top shape. Remember, prevention is key, and regular checkups with an exotic vet are crucial for catching any potential health issues early on.

Signs of a Healthy Bunny

Bright Eyes and Shiny Coat: A healthy bunny has bright, alert eyes and a smooth, glossy coat.
Active and Alert: They should be active and curious, exploring their environment and interacting with their companions (if they have any).
Good Appetite: Healthy bunnies have a healthy appetite and enjoy munching on their hay, pellets, and veggies.
Regular Poops: Keep an eye on those droppings! Healthy bunny droppings are round, firm, and relatively dry.
Happy Binkies: A happy bunny will often "binky," which is a joyful jump and twist in the air.

Common Health Problems in Bunnies

Even with the best care, bunnies can sometimes experience health issues. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

Gastrointestinal Stasis: This is a serious condition where the digestive system slows down or stops. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, and small or absent droppings.
Dental Problems: Bunnies' teeth grow continuously, so dental problems can occur if they don't wear them down properly. Symptoms include drooling, difficulty eating, and weight loss.
Parasites: Bunnies can be affected by external parasites like mites and fleas, as well as internal parasites like worms.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause frequent urination, blood in the urine, and pain when urinating.
Snuffles: This is a respiratory infection that can cause sneezing, coughing, and discharge from the nose.

What to Do if Your Bunny is Sick

If you notice any signs of illness in your bunny, it's important to contact an exotic veterinarian who specializes in rabbit care right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in their recovery.

Finding an Exotic Vet

Not all vets are experienced in treating bunnies. It's important to find an exotic vet who has specific knowledge and experience in rabbit care. You can ask your local animal shelter or rescue for recommendations, or search online for exotic vets in your area. We use Westpark Animal Hospital and see Dr Stubbs for most of our vet services.

Preventing Illness

Cleanliness is Key: Keep your bunny's enclosure clean and dry to prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.
Balanced Diet: A balanced diet with plenty of hay, fresh vegetables, and water is crucial for maintaining good health.
Stress Reduction: Stress can weaken the immune system, so provide a calm and comfortable environment for your bunny.
Regular Vet Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with an exotic vet to monitor your bunny's health and catch any potential problems early on.

Your Bunny's Health: A Partnership for Life

Remember, you're not alone on this journey! At Serenity Guinea Pig and Friends Rescue, we're always here to support you and your bunny. If you have any questions or concerns about your bunny's health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're happy to offer advice, resources, and a listening ear.

By working together and staying informed, we can ensure that our bunnies receive the best possible care and live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. After all, their happiness is our happiness! ❤️