Here’s a comprehensive, detailed manual for the housing and care of rabbits, perfect whether you’re a first-time owner or building out a best-practice rabbitry.

🐰 The Complete Rabbit Care & Housing Manual

1. Understanding Rabbit Needs

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who thrive with proper care, enrichment, and a secure environment. Whether kept indoors or outdoors, their welfare depends on your understanding of:

• Nutrition
• Housing
• Health care
• Social needs
• Grooming & enrichment

2. Housing Your Rabbit

🏡 Indoor Housing (Recommended)

3. Enclosure Requirements

• Minimum space: At least 3m² per rabbit (e.g. an exercise pen or bunny-proofed room)
• Height: Rabbit must be able to stand upright without ears touching the top
• Flooring: Avoid wire mesh; use solid surfaces with washable mats, rugs, or fleece
• Litter tray: Use a cat-sized tray with paper-based, non-clumping litter

1. Free Roaming

• Bunny-proofed rooms can allow for full-time roaming
• Remove or protect:
  • Electrical cords (use cord protectors)
  • Toxic plants (e.g. lilies, aloe, philodendron)
  • Small items they might chew

1. Temperature & Environment

• Optimal temperature: 15–21°C
• Avoid:
  • Drafts
  • Direct sun
  • Loud environments or predators (cats/dogs)

🐇 Outdoor Housing (Only in mild, safe climates)

1. Hutch Basics

• Size: Minimum 180cm x 90cm x 90cm for a pair
• Always include a large attached run with grass or soft substrate
• Must be:
  • Predator-proof
  • Weather-resistant
  • Elevated off the ground
  • Insulated and ventilated

1. Weather Considerations

• Summer: Provide shade and frozen water bottles
• Winter: Add straw insulation, cover hutch at night
• NEVER keep rabbits in extreme temperatures or exposed environments
• 3. Nutrition & Feeding

🍽️ Daily Diet

1. Hay (80–90% of diet)

• Unlimited supply of high-quality grass hay (timothy, orchard, oaten, meadow)
• Essential for dental and digestive health

1. Fresh Greens (10–15%)

• Daily variety: e.g., romaine, bok choy, kale, basil, mint, parsley, dandelion
• Rotate types to avoid overfeeding calcium-rich greens

1. Pellets (5%)

• Plain, timothy-based (for adults), no dried fruit or seeds
• ~¼ cup per 2kg of body weight

1. Treats (1–2%)

• Occasionally: apple slices, carrot tops, banana
• Avoid: sugary fruits, cereals, crackers

1. Water

• Fresh, clean water daily (bottle or bowl—rabbits often prefer bowls)

4. Social & Emotional Needs

• Rabbits are social—pairs or groups are ideal (must be bonded)
• Spaying/neutering helps prevent aggression and health issues
• Spend time daily with your rabbit for trust and stimulation
• Introduce other pets cautiously, if at all

5. Health & Veterinary Care

🧑‍⚕️ Routine Care

• Spay/Neuter: Essential to prevent uterine cancer and behavioral issues
• Vaccinations (where required): e.g., RHDV in some countries
• Nail trimming: Monthly
• Teeth checks: Hay helps prevent overgrowth, but vet checks are vital

⚠️ Signs of Illness

Act quickly if you notice:

• Not eating or pooping
• Lethargy
• Drooling or wet chin
• Sneezing or discharge
• Tilting head, imbalance

🩺 Emergency: GI stasis is life-threatening. If your rabbit stops eating or pooping for 12+ hours—see a vet immediately.

6. Grooming & Maintenance

• Brushing: At least weekly, daily during shedding (especially for long-haired breeds)
• Nail trimming: Use small animal clippers
• Litter tray: Scoop daily, clean fully weekly
• Ear & eye care: Monitor for discharge or mites

7. Enrichment & Exercise

🧠 Mental Stimulation

• Tunnels, cardboard castles
• Puzzle feeders
• Hiding places

🏃 Physical Exercise

• Minimum 4 hours/day of supervised, safe exercise outside the cage
• Outdoor time (only if supervised and in secure enclosure)

8. Litter Training

• Use a large, uncovered tray
• Line with newspaper or pee pads, and add a layer of hay
• Place tray in the corner they choose to use naturally
• Clean soiled areas outside tray with vinegar solution
•  

9. Bonding Rabbits

• Introduce slowly in neutral territory
• Use “pre-bonding” method (housing side-by-side)
• Monitor for aggression, don’t rush
• Only bond desexed rabbits

10. Checklist: Rabbit Supplies

✅ Housing (pen, hutch, or room)
✅ Water bowl or bottle
✅ Hay rack or dispenser
✅ Litter tray + paper-based litter
✅ Timothy hay
✅ Fresh greens
✅ Quality pellets
✅ Grooming brush
✅ Nail clippers
✅ Enrichment toys
✅ Hiding box or castle
✅ Carrier for vet trips

📌 Bonus Tips

• Never bathe a rabbit: It can lead to shock or injury. Spot-clean only.
• Never keep rabbits with guinea pigs: Different needs and disease risks.
• Avoid wire-bottom cages: They can cause sore hocks and feet.