Recommended Supplies for Your Rabbit Notes: Not all of these items are necessary, but we wanted to give a list of ideas to help you get started! Please scroll to the bottom of this page to click a link and read warnings on what rabbits should NOT eat.
Primary Feed...
We recommend Oxbow feed which can be purchased at Tractor Supply. We feed our rabbits Formax rabbit pellets which can be purchased at some farmer's co-ops (not readily available unless shipped direct).
Treats...
Dried fruit is a yummy snack for bunnies 6+ months old (do not feed to bunnies any younger) when given in small portions. Bunnies should not have much sugar, so make sure the dried fruit you get is "no sugar added" and still only offer a couple treats a day. Cheerios are a favorite treat in our rabbitry! The plain (not honey) kind is best. Oats are also super fun munchers for the adult rabbits. It helps them stay plump and healthy!
Food and Water Dishes...
These food and water supplies can be purchased at Tractor Supply or Amazon. A favorite is the Sikawai feeder. It holds hay and pellets at the same time!
Potty Training Supplies...
These can all be purchased at Tractor Supply. The pelletized bedding is a favorite. It keeps odor down. Avoid using litter and bedding that your rabbit will try to eat (they eat paper, but shouldn't!).
Bunny Homes...
These hutches/cages can all be purchased at Tractor Supply or on Amazon. The 2-story hutch is highly recommended (we have owned several of these) and it can easily house 2 bunnies.
Toys...
These particular toys can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Amazon. Bunnies love to chew on things, and it is actually good for their teeth! Make sure your rabbit's toys are not choking hazards or a potential threat to block the digestive tract if swallowed! Avoid any toys with dye that may dissolve when rabbits chew on it.
Grooming Supplies...
These items can be purchased at Tractor Supply or Amazon. Grooming is a continual process! Start nail trimming when your bunny is 4-6 months old and keep them in the routine of monthly trimming. This will keep them used to it. Combing needs to take place as often as possible - especially for the fluffy breeds like Lionheads and TeddyWidders. The Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs need minimal brushing (maybe twice a month unless they are shedding). The spot cleaning spray (below) can be used very sparingly and only when needed for an extra dirty spot in the bunny's fur. Always avoid getting a rabbit completely wet.
Safe-guard Dewormer & Apple Cider Vinegar We highly recommend this dewormer form Tractor Supply. Rabbits should be treated with this monthly according to the dosing on the bottle label. You can also add Apple Cider Vinegar to the rabbit's water for all natural parasite prevention (plus it helps with odor control in the rabbit's waste!). The ratio is 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 quart of water.
Moore 'n' Moore Bunnies Q&A
Q. What do you feed your bunnies? A. We feed them fresh rabbit pellets from our local co-op. It is called Formax, and very few co-ops carry it. We will send a baggie of feed home with each bunny so that you can mix it with whatever feed you choose to use (see recommended feed above). Dwarf breeds such as Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs need a good quality feed that is higher in fiber and lesser in protein. 1/4 cup of pellets a day is recommended. Veggies can be introduced to the diet when your bunny is 6 months old. See this website for advice on what your bunny can and cannot have: http://hollyshollands.weebly.com/diet.html If you want your bunny to have a treat, they love cheerios. 5 a day is best. This is also a great trick to keep them tame! Hay is great for your bunny's diet, and highly recommended! Alfalfa and Timothy hay are the best types.
Q. Do I need to de-worm my bunny? A. Yes, bunnies need once a month deworming. We use Safeguard (it's for livestock) from Tractor Supply. See image above. Also offer a salt/mineral lick to your rabbit.
Q. I've read that we should get two for them to be happy - do you find that to be true? A. We have kept most of our bunnies separate, and they are fine. Actually, the bucks tend to fight when they are together. In the case that someone does get 2 or more rabbits from us, we highly recommend spay/neuter when your rabbits reach approximately 4-6 months of age. Do the research first to make sure you have a vet in your area that will do surgery on rabbits.
Q. Do they create a strong odor? A. Yes! To be honest, rabbits stink, but not nearly as bad as other rodent pets. Tractor Supply has some neat products for stinky animals that we advise indoor bunny owners to look into if the odor is a problem. The product (Pelletized Bedding) recommended above really cuts back on the stink!
Q. Is there a big difference between the bucks' and does' temperaments? A. It seems to us that the bucks are actually more "snuggly" and calm, but it all depends on the disposition of each individual bunny and how they are raised. As far as cleanliness and easy care goes, we have found that does keep themselves and their cages more clean than bucks do.
Q. How big do Holland Lops get? A. They should be between 3-4 pounds full grown.
Q. How big do Netherland Dwarfs get? A. 2-2.5 pounds full grown (ours are bigger on average).
Q. How big do Mini Rex get? A. 3-4 pounds full grown.
Q. How big do Teddywidders get? A. 2-4 pounds full grown.
Feel free to contact us to ask more questions, and we will try our best to answer them for you!