Rabbits do not need shots or regular vet care. However, they do have a sensitive digestive system; so anything that you do food-wise, do gradually. Some people recommend that you do not give treats or fruits or vegetables until a rabbit is 6 months old. I do recommend giving some treats as it helps with bonding and making that good association with people. But do limit the number of treats, fruits & vegetables. Instead of giving a whole baby carrot, just cut off a few slices to give to your bunny. Just give little bits at first and go easy on these things until they're 6 months old. Dandelion leaves (make sure they're untreated) make great treats and are actually super good for rabbits. 

 

Do not give rabbits chlorinated water. You can use well water or non-chlorinated drinking water. I recommend putting a bit of apple cider vinegar in their water for good health (1 tsp for a small water bottle or a tablespoon for a quart size water bottle). A rabbit can have orange and even reddish urine. This is generally caused by either the rabbit not getting enough water or by being stressed (such as significant changes or predators). Avoid stressing out a rabbit much as that will weaken its immune system.

 

Try to stick with the same rabbit feed. Whenever you have to switch, mix their current feed 50/50 with the new feed to provide a gradual transition. I do not have a recommended brand besides Manna Pro that we get at Tractor Supply. But pet rabbits don't need more than 16% protein, and ideally find a feed that is high in fiber, 17% or more. A uniform pellet feed is generally better because with the fancy looking stuff, rabbits tend to get picky and only eat what they like best. There are just a few fruits & vegetables that rabbits should not have, absolutely no iceberg lettuce, sugary foods, chocolate, or avocados. In general, give unlimited Timothy hay (or hay that is primarily Timothy hay if mixed) and limit the amount of food pellets. A rabbit will get fat with too much food pellets, and it will eat less hay. A good amount is 1/4 cup per day for bunnies (around 2 lbs) and 1/3 cup for 3-4 lb rabbits, more for bigger rabbits.

 

The best preventive care you can give rabbits is to monitor their droppings. If their droppings are significantly smaller than normal, the rabbit is likely constipated. If you see sticky or soft droppings or if you see more than one grape cluster looking dropping, the rabbit is a little off bacteria-wise. In either case, take away the food pellets and treats and give just Timothy hay for a few days or so until their droppings get normal and firm (they will usually be lighter colored, too, from all the hay). Then reintroduce the food pellets in limited amounts. If a rabbit totally stops eating or has diarrhea, it is life threatening. Take it to a vet immediately. However, if you take my advice above, this should never happen to your bunny.

 

A rabbit’s toenails should be kept trimmed. Give your rabbit a block of wood (untreated) or small animal chew stick/toy, or stick (not pine or cedar) to chew on to keep their teeth from growing too long. Chewing on hay also helps with this.

 

A lot with rabbits are what they are used to. Rabbits tend to get scared more easily than some other animals, but they also get used to stuff. We hold our bunnies nearly every day so that they are used to being held and interacting with people. Rabbits do go through an adolescent stage from about 3-6 months old where they are more hormonal. Next is a teen type stage from 6-12 months old where they are less hormonal and figuring out their place. Then they mellow out after that. But it is important to continue holding them and interacting with them during those stages even if they don't always want to be held. It is still good for them to have that interaction/bonding, and they will appreciate it later even if they don't always appreciate it in some stages.

 

When you hold a rabbit, support its backside, keep it close to your body, and the rabbit will feel more secure. If a rabbit gets spooked, put your hand over its eyes/foreheads, and that will immediately calm it down. You can also put your hands over its eyes/forehead if the rabbit misbehaves from being hormonal or territorial, as it is also a sign of authority. You are in charge. You don't spank a rabbit. You can give negative consequences (or withhold privileges) for bad behavior, and rewarding good behavior is even more effective.

 

Rabbits do litter box train easily because they like to go to the bathroom in the same spot. I recommend pressed paper (like unscented carefresh) or paper pellets in the litterbox. Heat-treated pine shavings are also fine, but NO cedar chips or scented litter. Cleanup after the bunny, putting its droppings, etc. in the litterbox until it is litterbox trained. You could also put the food dish in the side of the litter box since young rabbits tend to use the bathroom when they eat. 

 

Invest in your bunny by holding and spending time with it. It will pay off! Rabbits can make great pets, and I hope you enjoy yours!