Pet Rabbits
GENERAL CARE SHEET
Pet Rabbits
General Care Sheet
Pet Rabbits are descended from the European wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. There are well over
50 breeds, including giant, medium, and dwarf breeds. Rabbits are classified as lagomorphs, not rodents,
because of the presence of an extra set of upper incisors called “peg” teeth. Both the incisors and molars
continue to grow throughout a rabbit’s life. Rabbits are herbivores and feed continuously. In the wild,
rabbits eat grasses primarily. Digestion in rabbits occurs primarily in the hindgut (cecum), and this high
fiber grass maintains normal gastrointestinal activity and fermentation. It is normal for rabbits to eat
their “soft” stools (cecotropes) during the night. These re-ingested fecal pellets provide important
proteins and vitamins.
Nutrition
Recommended daily diet (for each 5 pounds of body weight)
• Unlimited Grass Hay (timothy, orchard grass, Bermuda grass)
• Alfalfa hay is NOT recommended for adult house rabbits as it is too high in calcium and
calories.
• Alfalfa hay can be offered as a daily choice to young rabbits.
• Trusted brands of hay include Oxbow and Farmer Dave’s Pet Supply, among others.
• Ideally, adult rabbits should eat 1st cut hays, as they are higher in fiber.
• Leafy Greens and Vegetables (1-4 cups daily)
• Feed low-calcium veggies such as romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, beet greens,
large carrot pieces and carrot tops, endive, green peppers, raspberry leaves, pea pods (not
the peas), squash and radicchio.
• Avoid or feed only limited amounts of high calcium vegetables such as kale, dandelion,
collards, turnips, parsley, and basil.
• Limit high sugar foods such as baby carrots.
• High Fiber Pellets
• Give 1/4C- 1/2C maximum per day of a Timothy-based pellet for adult rabbits.
• Recommended brands include Oxbow and Supreme Select.
• Young rabbits should be fed an alfalfa-based pellet until 6-8 months of age.
• Limited Fruits
• If not overweight, a very small amount of low-sugar fruit is OK, totaling no more than 1-2
teaspoons daily, including melon, raspberry, papaya, blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, and
pineapple.
• Avoid sugary fruits such as banana and grapes.
• NO High Fat or Carbohydrate Treats
• Do not feed cereals, breads, oats, corn, seeds, nuts, or rabbit treats with sugar or corn syrup
in them.
Common Diseases and Problems in Rabbits
Gastrointestinal Stasis: GI stasis (abnormal motility) is the number one problem in pet rabbits and is the
most common cause of decreased appetite in an otherwise healthy rabbit. An improper diet is the prima-
ry cause and may be exacerbated by stress. Rabbits that have fine fur and are heavy shedders are also at
increased risk. Rabbits with stasis will have a decreased number of fecal pellets, small, and/or soft stools.
In very rare cases, acute death from abnormal fermentation and bacterial growth (enterotoxemia) occurs.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea can develop secondary to GI stasis or as a separate syndrome. Diarrhea is usually a
result of bacterial overgrowth. True diarrhea needs to be discerned from an overproduction or decreased
ingestion of cecotropes; in this case, there will be periods of normal stool production interspersed with
very soft stool.
Dental Disease: Dental problems are very common and caused by several factors, including an improper
diet, tooth root infection, and genetics. Rabbit teeth grow 4-5 inches a year and will often overgrow and
develop tooth root abscesses, spurs, points, and abnormal wear. Rabbits with dental disease will often
stop eating certain foods, such as pellets, have a decreased appetite and may drool.
Obesity: Obesity is common in pet rabbits and is due to an improper diet and lack of exercise. Obesity can
lead to lameness and sores on their feet, inability to groom, and GI stasis.
Upper Respiratory Disease/ Conjunctivitis: Upper respiratory infections (snuffles) manifest as sneez-
ing, ocular and nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. These infections are usually caused by bacteria,
with Pasteurella multocida as one of the most common causes. Chronic infections can be associated with
infection of the middle or inner ear, causing head circling and loss of balance.
Vestibular Disease (head tilt): Head tilt in rabbits is usually caused by one of two diseases: bacterial
infection of the ear (otitis) or infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a microscopic parasite that infects
the brain. In both diseases, rabbits can show either a mild head tilt or severe circling or inability to stand.
Urogenital Disease: Kidney disease occurs in older rabbits and may be caused by infections, toxins,
cancer, or infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Uterine tumors are very common in older, unspayed
females. Urinary infections and urinary stones can occur from excess calcium secretion from an improper
diet.
Recommended Veterinary Care
Yearly Physical Exams:
• Dental examination • Baseline bloodwork in mature rabbits 1-2 years old
• Weight determination and nail trim • Spay at 6-9 months; neutering of male rabbits is
• Review diet optional
Signs of Illness:
• Decreased or loss of appetite • Difficulty breathing
• Decreased or absence of stools • Head shaking
• Diarrhea • Head tilt/difficulty hopping
• Discharge from eyes or nose • Skin mass
• Abnormal swelling on the jaw
• Lameness
Please call the Animal Medical Center at (212) 838-8100
to schedule an appointment with the Exotics Service.
Note: Our Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is equipped to see
Exotics patients.