Rabbit care sheet
A 10-year commitment that is far more trainable than people expect. This is the complete rabbit care guide: housing, feeding, cleaning, routine, handling, life stages and the setup checklist.
On this page
Quick facts
- Typical lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Adult size
- 2–11 lb depending on breed
- Diet base
- Unlimited grass hay (80% of intake)
- Danger temperature
- Above 80°F (27°C) is dangerous
- Trainable
- Yes — litter training comes naturally to most
Environment: 60–70°F (16–21°C) is ideal; over 80°F (27°C) is dangerous. Humidity 40–60%. Natural cycle, avoid direct hot sun. Activity: Crepuscular. Diet: Herbivore — hay, leafy greens, few pellets.
Housing & setup
- Give an enclosure large enough to take three full hops in a row plus a separate exercise area; wire floors cause sore hocks.
- Rabbits overheat easily — above about 80°F (27°C) they are in real danger. Keep them indoors or in shade with airflow.
- Litter training works well: put a litter box with hay in the corner they already chose.
- Bunny-proof cables and baseboards; rabbits chew everything within reach.
Feeding
How often: Unlimited hay always, fresh greens daily, a small measured pellet portion once or twice a day.
How much: Hay should be about 80% of what they eat; pellets roughly 1/4 cup per 5 lb of body weight per day; about a cup of greens per 2 lb.
- Timothy, orchard or meadow hay is the staple. Alfalfa is for young rabbits only — it is too rich for adults.
- Introduce new greens one at a time to avoid digestive upset.
- Avoid iceberg lettuce, and never feed avocado, rhubarb or chocolate.
- Fresh water daily, in a bowl or bottle — many rabbits drink more from a bowl.
Cleaning & hygiene
- Spot-clean the litter box daily.
- Rabbits groom themselves and should not be bathed — spot-clean with a damp cloth if needed.
- Brush weekly; daily during heavy shedding (they shed in large seasonal moults).
- Nail trims every 4–6 weeks.
- Brush teeth are checked by your vet; unlimited hay is what keeps them worn down.
Care routine
Daily
- Unlimited hay topped up
- Fresh greens
- Fresh water
- Litter box spot-clean
- Supervised free-roam time
Weekly
- Brush
- Full litter change
- Weigh monthly rather than weekly
- Wash bowls
Monthly
- Nail check/trim
- Full enclosure clean
- Check for flystrike risk in warm weather
Handling
- Support the chest and hindquarters fully — a rabbit that feels unsupported will kick hard enough to injure its own spine.
- Never pick up by the ears or the scruff.
- Most rabbits prefer all four feet on the floor; sit on the floor with them instead of holding.
- Move slowly and speak quietly; they startle easily.
Life stages
Young (0–6 months)
Alfalfa hay, higher pellet allowance, litter training, neutering discussion with a rabbit-savvy vet around 4–6 months.
Adult (6 months–6 years)
Timothy hay base, stable weight, daily exercise, regular nail care.
Senior (6+ years)
Softer bedding, easier access, more frequent weight checks, watch for arthritis and dental problems.
Setup checklist
Everything you want in place before your rabbit comes home:
- Large enclosure plus an exercise pen
- Unlimited hay rack
- Litter box with hay
- Heavy ceramic water bowl
- Hideout and tunnels
- Chew toys and untreated wood
- Nail clippers and a soft brush
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your animal is injured, lethargic, off food for an unusual length of time or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
How much hay does a rabbit need?
Effectively unlimited — hay should be around 80% of everything they eat. It keeps their continuously growing teeth worn down and their gut moving.
Can rabbits be litter trained?
Yes, most train themselves once you put a box where they already toilet. Put hay in the box, keep it clean, and leave a little soiled litter in it at first.
How hot is too hot for a rabbit?
Above roughly 80°F (27°C) rabbits are at real risk of heatstroke — they cannot sweat and do not pant efficiently. Provide shade, airflow, cool tiles and frozen water bottles; treat overheating as an emergency.