Best-practice care

Domestic rabbits are living beings who deserve to be treated humanely at all times. SBRR follows all best-practice care ​recommendations by local exotics and rabbit-savvy veterinarians to ensure the welfare of all rabbits in our care.

Select each heading to learn more!

Enrichment

Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need enrichment to live a happy life! They ​enjoy socializing with another rabbit as well as with people, zooming and ​binkying, or playing with toys such as:

• Non-coloured wood pieces
  
• Wooden or cardboard playhouses
  
• Treat balls or wobble toys
  
• Toys to shake, roll, and toss (i.e. baby toys with no small parts)
  
• Foraging games such as dig boxes or snuffle mats
  
• Space for exercise
  
• Interaction and socialization
  

Avoid:

• A wheel or running ball
  
• Toys with glue
  
• Toys with unnatural colours
  
• String, plastic or fabric toys unless supervised
  

Bonding Bunnies

Did you know that rabbits are social animals who love to be in the ​company of another rabbit? It’s true! In fact, in some countries, it is ​considered abuse or neglect to have only a single rabbit. That said, it ​is important to know that for rabbits to live together happily, they ​must be bonded.

Adding a second rabbit to your home requires careful consideration! ​While 2 bunnies is not necessarily double the work, it is double the ​supplies and vet bills. The bonding process can also require ​significant effort to form a well-established and safe bond between ​rabbits. Doing research into bonding and making sure you are ​prepared for the challenge, is the first step in getting a second ​rabbit!

Have questions about bonding? Want resources about the bonding ​process? Send us an email!

Living ​Accommodations

Think of rabbits like cats! They can be litter box trained, free roamed, ​and need lots of space to meet their energy needs!

• Free roam or ex pen
  
• Ex pen must be a minimum of 4ft x 4ft
  
• Plus 4ft per additional rabbit
  
• Allow 2/+ hours of exercise outside of the pen AT LEAST twice ​per week
  
• Litter box
  
• Note: Must be cleaned at least twice weekly.
  
• Water bowl
  
• Note: Wash once per week
  
• Soft flooring (foam or tight knit carpet)
  
• Hidey house + toys
  

Diet

One of the most important part of rabbit ownership is ​providing a proper diet. A daily diet might look like:

• Unlimited Timothy hay (i.e. dust-free, green, fresh, ​smells like cut grass)
  
• Unlimited water (in a bowl)
  
• 1⁄4 cup Oxbow or Martin’s Little Friends Timothy age-​appropriate pellets
  
• 1 cup leafy greens (i.e. romaine lettuce, green leaf ​lettuce, red leaf lettuce, parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, ​carrot tops, etc.)
  
• Note: New veggies must be introduced in small ​amounts
  
• No more than 1-2 thumbnail size piece(s) of fresh fruit ​(i.e. banana, apple, berries, carrot, peaches, etc.)
  
• Note: Generally avoid citrus like oranges, lemons, ​etc.
  

Healthcare

Just like any pet, rabbits require an annual wellness check by a ​veterinarian as a preventative healthcare measure. Additionally, ​spaying and neutering rabbits is considered essential healthcare due ​to the extreme likelihood that unfixed rabbits will get reproductive ​cancer. Just as important as vet care is the day-to-day maintenance ​care that rabbits require, including:

• Daily pen tidying
• Twice per week minimum litter box cleanings
  
• Weekly or bi-weekly brushing
  
• Monthly or bi-monthly nail trims
  
• NO baths ever
  
• If anything, give a butt bath and use a cloth to spot-clean
  

Please note that SBRR is not providing medical advice. We recommend always consulting with your veterinarian for professional medical care.