Rabit Care Tips

 

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals that require proper housing, diet, grooming, and daily interaction. While American Teddywidders, European Teddywidders, and Holland Lops have slightly different grooming needs, their overall care is very similar.

Daily Diet Basics

80% Hay

  • Timothy hay (adult rabbits)
  • Orchard grass
  • Meadow hay
  • Alfalfa hay (babies under 6 months)

10% Fresh Greens

Safe vegetables:

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Carrot tops
  • Dandelion greens
  • Bok choy

5% Pellets

  • Plain rabbit pellets (no seeds or colored pieces)
  • About 1/8–1/4 cup per day for adult rabbits

5% Treats

  • Small piece of carrot
  • Apple slice
  • Banana slice
  • Strawberry
  • Blueberries

Fresh water available at all times

Avoid:

  • Iceberg lettuce
  • Bread
  • Dairy
  • Chocolate
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Sugary treats

Do NOT feed vegetables to rabbits under 6 months, offer unlimited hay and pellets only.

 

Grooming

American Teddywidders

  • Brush at least 2 times per week
  • Trim hair around eyes if needed
  • Trim nails every 4–6 weeks
  • Check for mats behind ears and under tail

European Teddywidders

  • Brush at least 2 times per week
  • Trim nails every 4-6 weeks
  • Trim sanitary area regularly
  • Never let wool become matted to the skin

Holland Lops

  • Brush once per week if necessary
  • Brush more during shedding
  • Check ears weekly
  • Trim nails every 4–6 weeks

Important: Rabbits should NOT be bathed. Use a damp cloth for dirty areas.

Potty Training Rabbits

Rabbits are naturally very easy to litter train.

How to Litter Train

  1. Place a litter box in the corner where the rabbit urinates.
  2. Use paper bedding or wood stove pellets.
  3. Put hay in or above the litter box.
  4. Move droppings into the litter box daily.
  5. Clean box every 2–3 days.

Most rabbits become litter trained within 1–2 weeks.

Bonding With Your Rabbit

Rabbits are social and enjoy interaction.

Bonding Tips

  • Sit on the floor and let the rabbit come to you
  • Offer small treats by hand
  • Speak softly
  • Pet forehead and behind ears
  • Do not pick up often (rabbits prefer the ground)
  • Spend time with them daily

Signs your rabbit trusts you:

  • Flopping on side
  • Licking you
  • Following you
  • Binkies (happy jumps)
  • Tooth purring when pet

 

Housing

Rabbits need more space than most people think.

Housing Requirements

  • Minimum 4x4 ft enclosure
  • Exercise time daily
  • Solid floor (not wire)
  • Litter box
  • Hay feeder
  • Water bowl
  • Hide house
  • Toys
  • Chew sticks

Good flooring:

  • Mats
  • Rugs
  • Blankets
  • Plastic resting boards

Avoid:

  • Small cages
  • Extreme heat

Ideal temperature: 60–75°F
Rabbits can overheat easily above 85°F.

Toys & Enrichment

Rabbits need toys to prevent boredom and chewing.

Good toys:

  • Apple sticks
  • Willow balls
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Tunnels
  • Dig boxes with paper
  • Hay stuffed toys
  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Untreated wood blocks

 

Healthcare

Watch For Signs Of Illness

  • Not eating
  • Small or no poop
  • Runny eyes
  • Head tilt
  • Sneezing
  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea
  • Matted fur
  • Weight loss

Rabbits must always be eating.

If a rabbit stops eating for 12–24 hours, it is an emergency.

Important Rabbit Facts

  • Rabbits live 7–12 years
  • Rabbits can be litter trained
  • Rabbits need hay at all times
  • Rabbits should not be bathed
  • Rabbits can be spayed/neutered
  • Rabbits chew everything
  • Rabbits are social animals
  • Rabbits need space and exercise
  • Rabbits hide illness very well
  • Rabbits can overheat easily

 

Frequently asked questions

What are the most important things new rabbit owners should absolutely know to keep their rabbit happy and healthy?

For new rabbit owners, understanding the basics of diet, housing, and socialization is crucial. Rabbits need a constant supply of fresh hay, a balanced diet of pellets and fresh greens, and access to clean water. Their living space should be spacious, safe, and include a litter box. Regular handling and interaction from a young age are essential for developing a friendly temperament. We offer specific rabbit care tips for Holland Lops, European Teddywidders, and American Teddywidders to help you provide the best environment.

What common mistakes do people make when caring for rabbits, and how can they avoid them?

Common mistakes include providing an inadequate diet (too many sugary treats, not enough hay), keeping rabbits in cages that are too small and not providing enough mental stimulation or social interaction. To avoid these, prioritize a hay-heavy diet, ensure a spacious and enriching habitat, find a rabbit-savvy vet, and dedicate time daily for play and bonding. Remember, rabbits are social creatures and thrive on interaction.

Are there any specific care tips or needs unique to Holland Lops, American Teddywidders, or European Teddywidders that you want to share?

Yes, each breed has unique characteristics. Holland Lops, with their adorable lop ears, require occasional ear checks to prevent wax buildup or infections. American and European Teddywidders, known for their soft, woolly coats, need regular grooming to prevent matting and wool block. This includes daily brushing, especially during shedding seasons. All three breeds benefit from early socialization, as they are naturally curious and friendly. Our program at Heartland Homestead & Rabbitry focuses on raising healthy rabbits, paying attention to genetics, coat quality, and overall health to ensure they are wonderful companions or show-quality animals.

Beyond the ordinary

This is where our journey begins. We are committed to quality and great service in raising our Holland Lop, American Teddywidder, and European Teddywidder rabbits. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.

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