Rabbits are wonderful, delicate creatures that thrive on routine and consistent care.
As prey animals, they can be sensitive to changes in their environment or care, making it essential to establish a regular daily routine that ensures their health and happiness.
Whether you're a new rabbit parent or a seasoned bunny caregiver, having a structured care routine is crucial for your rabbit's wellbeing.
In this blog post, we’ll break down a simple yet effective daily routine for rabbit care. Plus, at the end, you'll find a free downloadable checklist to help you stay on top of your bunny’s needs!
Morning Routine
Check on Your Rabbit’s Wellbeing - Start each day by greeting your rabbit and making sure they are alert and active. Look for any signs of illness such as lack of movement, labored breathing, or unusual droppings.
Clean Water Supply - Always ensure your rabbit has access to fresh, clean water. Use a bowl that your rabbit prefers, and wash it daily to prevent bacterial buildup.
Provide Fresh Hay - Hay should make up the majority of your rabbit's diet. In the morning, top up their hay supply to ensure they have a continuous source throughout the day. Good quality timothy or meadow hay is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and keeping their teeth in check.
Healthy Breakfast - Feed your rabbit a small portion of fresh vegetables (like leafy greens) to accompany their hay. Provide pellets relative to the size of your rabbit. Pellet brands usually include a feeding guide on the packet. Avoid overfeeding pellets, as too many can lead to health issues. Ensure they have a balanced diet to keep them energetic.
Social Time and Exercise - Rabbits need time outside their enclosures to exercise and interact with you or other bunnies. The morning is a great time to let them out for supervised play. Provide toys like cardboard boxes or tunnels for stimulation.
Grooming and Litter Box Check - Depending on the breed, regular grooming may be required to keep your rabbit’s fur in good shape. Check their litter box to make sure it's clean. If it's dirty, give it a quick spot clean.
Evening Routine
Dinner and Treats - Offer a small portion of rabbit pellets along with fresh veggies as a healthy dinner. Make sure their hay is topped up again. You can also provide them with a few treats, like a small piece of fruit or a bunny-safe snack. Check out my homemade treats recipe here!
Pen and Litter Box Cleaning - Clean your rabbit’s living space by removing any uneaten food, soiled bedding, and droppings. Maintaining a clean environment reduces the risk of illness and keeps your rabbit comfortable.
Evening Playtime - Before bedtime, give your rabbit one last play session to keep them active and prevent boredom. Make sure they get plenty of mental and physical stimulation before settling in for the night.
Final Water and Hay Check - Before bed, check that your rabbit has enough water and hay to last through the night. Replenish as needed.
Free Downloadable Checklist!
To make your daily rabbit care routine even easier, we’ve created a Daily Rabbit Care Checklist. Download it and print it out to keep track of your tasks and ensure your bunny's care is consistent every day.
Taking care of a rabbit can be rewarding but requires dedication and consistency. By following a structured daily routine, you can ensure that your bunny stays healthy and happy. Use the checklist to help manage your rabbit’s needs efficiently, and enjoy the bonding time that comes with caring for your fluffy friend!