Here are links to where you can purchase the items you will need for your future bunny! I would be happy to discuss the reasoning behind my recommendations of any of the items on this list, just shoot me an email! The long-term health and happiness of my Holland Lops is very important to me, which is why I do my best to educate new owners so that their rabbits can live long, healthy lives.
My recommendations are based on 15 years of experience raising rabbits, and would be the recommendations of any reputable breeder. The results speak for themselves, as my Hollands live long, happy, healthy lives. If you would like to learn more about proper rabbit care, check out The Nature Trail, Shiny Satins Rabbitry, or Holly's Hollands Rabbitry, or the Rabbit Care articles on my site.
My recommendations are based on 15 years of experience raising rabbits, and would be the recommendations of any reputable breeder. The results speak for themselves, as my Hollands live long, happy, healthy lives. If you would like to learn more about proper rabbit care, check out The Nature Trail, Shiny Satins Rabbitry, or Holly's Hollands Rabbitry, or the Rabbit Care articles on my site.
Wire Cage
A high quality wire floored cage is an essential to keep your rabbit safe and clean, and to prevent hutch burn and sore hocks. Avoid all solid floored housing options. For my reasoning behind using wire cages, feel free to read this article. :) Litter
You will need to put litter in the tray that comes with the wire cage. Most feed stores supply rabbit litter. Aspen is generally best. You can also look for horse stall pellets. Water Bottle
I recommend a 32 oz bottle. Clear is best so you can more easily see the water level. I like the water bottles with floating ducks in them for the same reason. Food Bowl
I recommend a bowl that screws onto the side of the cage. Some rabbits like to play with their bowl, so this prevents them from tipping out their pellets. |
Rabbit Pellets (I feed Bar Ale)
Feed a high quality show rabbit food with 16% protein. Avoid brands marketed toward pet owners. Manna Pro is the most accessible show feed for pet owners. Bar Ale, Modesto Mills, and Templeton are other good options, but can be difficult to find depending on your location. Timothy or Orchard Grass Hay
Feed a handful or two of high quality hay per day. Get a big bale from a feed store rather than a small, poor quality bag from the pet store. Dried Papaya
Feed a small piece every day or two to break down any ingested fur and prevent blockages. Rabbits aren't able to vomit, so hairballs are dangerous. Comb
Rabbits molt 2-3 times per year, and need to have their excess hair removed so it doesn't get ingested and cause a dangerous blockage. I really like this particular brand of metal combs as they're gentle but effective at getting out all the dead hair. |
Toys
Toys can be a fun thing to provide your rabbit for their entertainment! Many rabbits enjoy chewing toys or tossing them around. You do have to be careful that they are safe - I really like hanging cage toys for that reason. Transport carrier
Here is a good option for a carrier to bring your rabbit home in. Avoid plastic carriers if you can, as they are a little slippery. |
Critical Care (and a syringe)
SUPER important!!!! Rabbits have very sensitive digestion, so if they stop eating or pooping, syringe-feed Critical Care mixed with water. With rabbits that stop eating, 9/10 times I'm able to save their life by giving them Critical Care. Nail clippers
You will need to trim your rabbit's nails approximately every 6 weeks. Small cat nail clippers are ideal; avoid larger clippers such as those used for dogs. |
Avoid buying these items:
Flat-bottomed cage...….Unsanitary and unsafe for the rabbit. Causes sore hocks, and increases risk of injury.
CareFresh bedding...…..Way overpriced!
Exercise pen...……………..Rabbits will start to enjoy being wild and crazy more than they enjoy interacting with humans!
Fruits...………………………..Too sugary, can cause bloat, diarrhea, GI stasis, and diabetes.
Vegetables...………………..Too watery, big risk of fatal bloating, gas, diarrhea, and GI stasis.
Pet store pellets/hay......Poor quality, poor ingredients, contamination, wrong balances of protein, fiber, etc..
Pet store treats...………….Very unhealthy, it would be like feeding them fistfuls of Twinkies or donuts!
Willow balls...……………….Rabbits can get their head stuck and cause severe injury. Choose a different shape instead.
Alfalfa hay...………………….Rabbits get all the alfalfa that they need through show pellets, which are a complete feed.
Flat-bottomed cage...….Unsanitary and unsafe for the rabbit. Causes sore hocks, and increases risk of injury.
CareFresh bedding...…..Way overpriced!
Exercise pen...……………..Rabbits will start to enjoy being wild and crazy more than they enjoy interacting with humans!
Fruits...………………………..Too sugary, can cause bloat, diarrhea, GI stasis, and diabetes.
Vegetables...………………..Too watery, big risk of fatal bloating, gas, diarrhea, and GI stasis.
Pet store pellets/hay......Poor quality, poor ingredients, contamination, wrong balances of protein, fiber, etc..
Pet store treats...………….Very unhealthy, it would be like feeding them fistfuls of Twinkies or donuts!
Willow balls...……………….Rabbits can get their head stuck and cause severe injury. Choose a different shape instead.
Alfalfa hay...………………….Rabbits get all the alfalfa that they need through show pellets, which are a complete feed.