Shopping list for your New Pet Rabbit

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RABBIT PROOFING:

Your home should be rabbit proofed before you
bring the rabbit into her new environment. Cover cords with hard
plastic covers, split flex tubing, PVC pipe, or computer cord
covers.


HOUSING:

A cage or pen can be used for the rabbit's living
quarters. The cage should be large enough for your rabbit to move
around freely at her adult body size. There should also be room
enough to contain a litter box and food bowls. A standup pen is
easily rearranged to fit your rabbit's needs and it allows your
rabbit more mobility than a cage.


LITTER BOX:

Be prepared to start with several litter boxes until
the rabbit is house broken. One can start with cookie sheets so
the rabbit does not have to make much of an effort. When your
rabbit uses the litter box successfully, change to a larger pan.


LITTER:

The litter should be dust free and safe for the rabbit if
ingested. The best litters are organic and are plant fiber,
recycled paper, hardwood, or citrus based. Some brands to look
for are Carefresh, Natural Harmony, Good Mews, Crown, Citrafresh,
Critter Country, Aspen Fresh, and Feline Pine. Alternatively, you
can use wood stove pellets or simply line the litter box with
newspaper and top with hay or straw.


BOWLS:

You will want three heavy bowls; one each for pellets,
fresh vegetables and water. Heavy, flat-bottomed bowls work best
so the rabbit cannot tip them. Do not get bowls that are too
large as the rabbit may choose to sit in them and contaminate
their contents.


HAY RACK:

A hayrack can be placed on the side of the cage. This
keeps the hay from becoming contaminated.


WATER CONTAINER:

A water bottle is the best way to keep the water
fresh and clean. Use a water bottle with the double ball system.
This kind does not seem to stick or drip as often. Remember to
check the bottle regularly to ensure it is not sticking.
Supplying a water bowl is also recommended. This will increase
your rabbit's water consumption and allow her to use what she
prefers. If one is knocked over or sticks the other is available.


RESTING BOARD:

This is a necessity if the rabbit is to spend time
in a cage with a wire bottom. The board should be at least twice
the size of the rabbit. Other ideas include: straw doormats (sea
grass), floor tile (also used to give rabbit a cool place to lie
in summer months) and carpet (if the bunny does not chew on
fibers). Cardboard works well until the rabbit is litter box
trained.


TOYS:

Toys are important not only for stimulation but also to
keep the rabbit out of trouble. Ideas include: wood bird toys,
hard plastic baby toys (rattles, key rings), wire cat balls, a
towel to push and bunch, empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls,
cardboard boxes made into forts and tunnels... Use your
imagination.

PELLETED FEED:

Pellets should be high quality and contain at
least 16% fiber. Store in an airtight container and the pellets
will last approximately six months. Pellets can be stored in the
freezer and thawed when needed. Do not feed "gourmet" brand food
as the rabbit will soon learn to pull out the goodies and leave
the pellets.


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