Rabbits have a way of winning people over the moment they meet them. Between the twitching noses, the happy little hops, and the surprisingly big personalities, it’s easy to see why so many families start thinking about rabbit adoption after a visit to our shelter.
At Nevada SPCA, we love matching bunnies with new homes, and we’ve found that the happiest adoptions start with a clear picture of what daily life with a rabbit looks like. Rabbits are wonderful companions, but they aren’t the low-maintenance starter pets many people expect, so here’s an honest look at what your new friend will need from you every day.
Fresh Hay, Greens, and Water Every Single Day
Hay is the foundation of a healthy rabbit diet, and it should make up about 80% of what your bunny eats. Adult rabbits do best with unlimited grass hay available around the clock. Chewing hay keeps their digestive system moving and wears down their teeth, which never stop growing.
On top of that, your rabbit will need a daily serving of fresh leafy greens such as romaine, cilantro, parsley, or dandelion greens, along with a small, measured amount of high-quality pellets. Fruit and carrots are best saved for occasional treats since they’re high in sugar. Fresh, clean water should always be available, and you’ll want to refill and clean the bowl or bottle daily.
A Safe Home Base With Room to Move
Rabbits need a secure space to call their own, but a small cage from the pet store usually isn’t enough. We recommend an exercise pen or a large enclosure where your bunny can stretch out, stand up on their hind legs, and hop a few times in a row. Inside that space, they’ll need a hiding spot, a litter box, and plenty of hay.
The good news is that most rabbits take to litter training quite well. Fill the box with paper-based litter, pile hay on top, and scoop it daily to keep things clean and odor-free. Avoid clay, clumping, and cedar or pine litters, since they can cause health problems for rabbits.
Exercise, Enrichment, and Time With You
Rabbits are active, curious animals that need several hours outside their enclosure each day to run, explore, and play. Before you let your bunny roam, you’ll want to rabbit-proof the area by covering electrical cords, blocking off tight spaces, and moving anything you don’t want chewed. Cardboard boxes, tunnels, and untreated wooden chew toys are a great way to keep them entertained.
They’re also social animals that enjoy spending time near their people. Many rabbits prefer quiet companionship on the floor over being picked up and held, so sitting with them and letting them approach you on their own terms is a great way to build trust.
Daily Health Checks
Rabbits are experts at hiding when they don’t feel well, so it helps to keep an eye on a few things each day. Make sure your bunny is eating, drinking, and producing plenty of normal droppings. A rabbit who stops eating or pooping for even half a day may be dealing with a serious digestive issue called GI stasis, which needs a vet’s attention right away.
Beyond daily checks, your rabbit will need regular nail trims, brushing during shedding season, and yearly visits with a veterinarian experienced with rabbits. It’s also worth remembering that rabbits often live 8 to 12 years, so bringing one home is a long-term commitment similar to that of a dog.
Keeping Cool in the Nevada Heat
Our desert summers are especially hard on rabbits, which can overheat quickly once temperatures climb past the low 80s. Rabbits in the Las Vegas Valley should live indoors in a climate-controlled space, and a frozen water bottle or ceramic tile in their enclosure can give them an extra way to stay comfortable on hot days.
Not Quite Ready to Adopt? Consider Fostering
If you want to get a feel for rabbit care before making a lifelong commitment, fostering is a wonderful option. When you foster a rabbit through Nevada SPCA, you give a bunny a break from the shelter while learning firsthand what their daily routine involves. Many of our foster families discover they’re a perfect fit as a new pet, and others simply enjoy helping rabbits get ready for their forever homes.
Find Your Bunny at Nevada SPCA
When you’re ready to adopt a rabbit, we’d love to help you find the right match. As Southern Nevada’s original no-kill shelter, we take the time to get to know each of our animals, so we can point you toward a bunny whose personality fits your home and lifestyle. Browse our adoptable animals online or stop by the shelter to meet our rabbits in person, and allow our team to help you find the perfect companion for your household.
