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Giving Every Species a Second Chance! RESCUE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Rabbit Care: The "Recovery Pets" Standard
1. The Environment: Space & Flooring
• The "Starter Cage" Myth: Rabbits should never be kept in small, wire-bottomed cages. They require a minimum of 8–12 square feet of living space, plus a large, rabbit-proofed exercise area for several hours a day.
• Flooring: Rabbits have sensitive feet. Avoid wire flooring entirely to prevent "sore hocks" (pododermatitis). Use solid flooring with soft rugs or fleece pads.
• Litter Training: Rabbits are easily litter-trained! A large, low-sided box with paper-based bedding (no pine/cedar shavings) and a pile of hay inside is the gold standard.
2. Nutrition: Hay is Life
• Hay (80-90% of Diet): Unlimited access to fresh Timothy hay is non-negotiable for dental and digestive health.
• Greens: Daily servings of fresh, rabbit-safe leafy greens (e.g., romaine, cilantro, parsley).
• Pellets: A high-quality, plain timothy-based pellet. Avoid "muesli" mixes with seeds, nuts, or colorful bits—they cause dangerous digestive blockages.
• Treats: Limit fruit (like apple or banana) to tiny, occasional rewards. They are high in sugar and can disrupt their sensitive gut flora.
3. Social Dynamics: The Power of Pairs
• Bonding: Rabbits are intensely social animals. While some humans can provide companionship, they are happiest in a pair or group of other fixed rabbits.
• Behavior: They are prey animals. They express happiness through "binkies" (joyful jumps and twists). If your rabbit is lethargic or hiding consistently, it is a red flag.
4. Health: The "Recovery" Red Flags
• GI Stasis: This is the #1 medical emergency for rabbits. If your rabbit stops eating or pooping for even 12 hours, this is a life-threatening crisis. Seek an exotic-specialist vet immediately.
• Dental Health: Overgrown teeth are common. Watch for drooling or a change in eating habits.
• Spay/Neuter: Mandatory. Reproductive cancers are extremely common in unspayed female rabbits.
5. Recovery Approved Sustainability Tip
• Upcycling: Use old, clean blankets or towels as cage liners. Create tunnels out of large cardboard boxes—they love to chew and reshape these, providing excellent (and free) enrichment!
• Check out our Starter Kits & Fundraiser page to see how we turn recycled materials into premium rabbit habitat setups.
The Reality Check
Rabbits are a 10+ year commitment. They are delicate, high-maintenance animals that require specific exotic-veterinary care, daily cleaning, and significant indoor space. If you are looking for a pet that stays in a cage, a rabbit is not the right choice.