San Francisco Veterinarian Clinic

Sharing your Home with a House Rabbit

It’s just their cute ears and ability to leap great heights that sets rabbits apart from other small pets. Unlike most guinea pigs or hamsters, rabbits can be potty trained and kept as house pets, rather than caged for most of the day. If you are interested in keeping a house rabbit in your home, here are a few quick tips to get you started.

Step one

Bunny proof! This is the most important thing to do before you even bring your new friend home from the store or pound. There are many dangers to small animals around the average home, especially because of their tendency to chew anything they can reach. For this reason, be sure to:

• Keep electrical wires above rabbit reaching distance whenever possible. If a wire must be close to the ground, cover it with a plastic tube or sleeve.
• Provide plenty of toys and hay so your rabbit has something good to chew.
• When your rabbit comes home, be sure to give it plenty of attention and love. Not only will this allow you to supervise its behavior, but an occupied rabbit is less likely to be destructive.

Step two

Give your bunny its own home. Although rabbits seem to enjoy having the freedom to explore, they also require small, enclosed areas where they can feel safe. Cages, boxes, dog pens, or custom-built enclosures can provide comfy places for your rabbit to hide and sleep. Most rabbits also prefer an enclosed area as a "potty," so you may want to purchase a litter box with a cover.

Step three

Stock up on good food. Store-bought pellets are not enough to keep a pet rabbit healthy. Be sure to provide lots of leafy green vegetables and hay to chew on. Fruit or yoghurt drops can also be offered as the occasional treat.

Visit a San Francisco Veterinarian Clinic

For more information about rabbit care, contact your local San Francisco veterinarian clinic.