The Basics

• Life Span & Health

  • Rabbits live from 10 to 12 years indoors.

  • They are considered exotic pets and need to see a veterinarian who is versed in Rabbit health and behavior.

  • Like cats and dogs, rabbits need to be spayed or neutered to improve health and behavior.

  • Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis) is the most common affliction and cause of death in rabbits. Click here to learn about preventing and treating GI stasis.

• Housing

  • Rabbits should live indoors.  They need to be protected from predators, poisons, temperature extremes, electrical cords, and rough handling.  They want to be part of your family and daily routine!

  • Rabbits can be litter box trained, respond to their name and other commands.  In order to fully enjoy their playful personality, daily freedom to explore rabbit-proofed areas of the home and to socialize with their human family is strongly recommended.

  • They like to chew, and “bunny-proofing” is important.

• Diet

  • Rabbits need unlimited access to water and hay/grass.  Fresh leafy greens should make up the next largest part of their diet, followed by pellets and a few treats.

• Behavior

  • Rabbits like to be part of the family, they are not “cage” animals.  As crepuscular creatures (most active at dusk and dawn), they are on the same schedule as many working households.

  • Most rabbits do not like to be held. They prefer to sit beside you.

  • Rabbits like to play with toys. Some examples can be found in our Toys for Bunnies brochure. Rabbits need to have things of their own to chew on (or they might nibble on your stuff).

  • Rabbits can purr when contented, and it is adorable!

• Rabbits are not good gifts

  • We don’t suggest getting a rabbit (or any animal, for that matter) as a gift for another person. The best way to get someone a rabbit as a gift, is to help them through the process of adopting. That way, they get educated on proper rabbit care and behavior, and can decide which rabbit is the best companion for their lifestyle. You can always contact MCRS and let us know that you’d like to pay the adoption fee as your gift.