Are you bringing home a rabbit (or two) for the first time? There are many supplies and toys needed to make the transition of a new furry family member in your home as easy as possible. Big box pet stores sell items marketed for rabbits but these items aren't always the best for rabbits. Some things you will need won't even be at a pet store. Here is a list of items with examples of the not so fun items you will need.
X-Pen
An x-pen is a great way to contain your house rabbit when needed. It folds down so it is portable and has two versions, with or without a door. It comes in several heights, but I recommend the 48" high pen as most rabbits won't try to jump out. If your bunny is jumping out, clipping a sheet over the top will keep the bunny contained in most cases. An x-pen is large enough for a rabbit to stand on its hind legs, as well as, stretch all the way out laying down.
Order one for around $70: https://amzn.to/3FbP6Sk
Waterproof Blanket
If your bunny is going to be on carpet or wood, a waterproof blanket is a life saver! Rounded edges will keep liquids contained and protect your floor from spilled liquids or accidents outside of the litter box. Soft fleece and washable this is the perfect blanket for your bunny! At 50 x 60 inches it is quite large and ideal for under an x-pen.
Find yours here: https://amzn.to/3ZRO99A
High Sided Litter Box
Rabbits are prey animals and because of this they like to keep their scent contained to one spot. Make clean up time easy with a high sided litter box that has an lowered opening in the front optimal for bunnies of all ages. Rigid sides and durable plastic litter boxes like this are harder to come by but great for rabbits up to about ten pounds.
Wood Pellet Non Clumping Litter
For the best odor control in your bunnies' litter box, kiln dried pine pellets tend to work the best. They are absorbent and able to be composted. It is important to use non-clumping natural litter, as clumping litter can get in a rabbit's delicate lungs and kill them. Rabbits may also get curious and nibble on their litter from time to time. Small Pet Select makes Pelleted Pine Cat Litter that you can order from Amazon right to your door!
Order here: https://amzn.to/3yzTM0k
Pet Pads
Some rabbit parents prefer to use pet pads in the bottom of their litter box. They then cover it with litter. This will save your litter box for a little while longer and can make clean up easier. This is simply a matter of preference and not required.
Get some here: https://amzn.to/42eZsui
Alfalfa Hay
If you are bringing home a rabbit six months or younger, they will alfalfa hay until they are more mature. Small Pet Select makes it easy to never run out of hay for a tiny munching mouth with hay delivered directly to your door! A benefit of buying from Small Pet Select is their quality control process against RHDV2 that can be transmitted in hay. According to their website, "The hay we are currently selling has completed our quality control processes, which includes securely storing this hay for at least 105 days. In fact, our current hay exceeds these quality standards—it was fully wrapped and stored for eight months before it was available for sale." This gives you the piece of mind that your bunny is safe from RHDV2 before they are eligible for vaccination.
Find it here: https://amzn.to/3lcxVJo
Timothy Hay
A rabbit six months and older requires daily timothy hay, a pile the size about that of the rabbit. Small Pet Select carries multiple cuts and varieties making it a simple choice when it comes to the best hay for your bunny. If your bunny is picky about hay give Small Pet Select a try. It comes in several different weights so you can order just a little bit if you would like. Bunnies should have free access to hay at all times and with auto-ship it is so easy to always be fully stocked!
Order it here: https://amzn.to/3ThVltn
Calm Carrier
Eventually, you will need to transport your bunny. To make it as stress-free as possible, consider a Calm Carrier. The base of the carrier slides out making it much easier to remove your rabbit when needed. Large enough for most rabbits and even some pairs, this carrier is a great addition to your rabbit care collection.
Buy one here: https://amzn.to/42bZ8ww
Weighted Water Bowl
Rabbits are notorious for flipping their water bowls. Beat them to the punch with an anti-skid, weighted water bowl! This three and a half inch high bowl holds eight cups of water and weighs a little over a pound and a half. The weight is enough to keep the bowl from being flipped and is also insulated to keep your rabbit's water cool all day long!
Find it here: https://amzn.to/3Zc5KrS
Snap'y Fit Bowls
An alternative to a weighted bowl are Snap'y Fit bowls. These bowls affix to the side of a x-pen, but don't hold as much water. Some bunny parents prefer to use these types of bowls but fasten a few to the inside of the x-pen or dog crate to make sure their rabbit always has access to fresh water. The bowls are easy to attach and snap into the holder.
Buy yours here: https://amzn.to/3ZbTQ1r
Gravity Water Bowl
The last of the water bowl options is a gravity water bowl. It is weighted enough by water to not be flipped and supplies fresh water at all times. This specific model holds five cups of water and features cute bunnies, carrots, and lettuces printed on the water feeder. Although the unit mentions using it for food, most adult rabbits should not have unlimited pellets. This would be suitable for baby rabbits that require unlimited pellets at all times.
Find it here: https://amzn.to/3JxQQ9C
EquiGroomer Deshedding Brush
After using what feels like hundreds of combs and brushes for rabbits, EquiGroomer is by far the best brush. It is used by gently going against the hair grain of the rabbit to remove shedding hair. It removes hair and mats with ease and comes in a few different sizes. It works amazing on thick Holland lop feet fur and everywhere in between. Check out the raving reviews on Amazon! You won't be disappointed! Every bunny owner needs this brush!
Order one now: https://amzn.to/3K26lIp
Hair Buster Comb
Another comb to add to your bunny grooming arsenal is the Small Pet Select Hair Buster Comb. This comb is needed for long haired or thin haired rabbits and great for removing mats. The comb has rounded tines to keep from poking and jabbing your bunny while keeping your bunny looking and feeling their best.
Buy one here: https://amzn.to/408H19i
Guillotine Nail Clippers with Safety Guard
Many people think that small clippers for cat nails will work for rabbit nails. Rabbit nails are thick and used for digging and are much more like dog nails. It is important to have a strong pair of guillotine clippers to clip a rabbit's nails once every few weeks. This specific pair has a guard to prevent cutting too much of the nail into the quick.
Find it here: https://amzn.to/3lzEhTm
Styptic Powder
Styptic powder is used for minor cuts and scrapes to stop bleeding. The most common use for this is if you have hit the quick while cutting a rabbit's nails. A rabbit's quick can bleed profusely, so it is important to have styptic powder on hand when needed.
Add to your first aid kit: https://amzn.to/3z0tAMD
Oxbow Natural Science Papaya Support
Rabbits are unable to vomit and can become obstructed rather easily, so it is important to maintain their digestive health. Papaya supports the digestive system of a rabbit and this formula in particular is high in fiber. Recommended by veterinarians and rescues alike, this supplement is a great choice for daily use.
Get some here: https://amzn.to/408JQXW
Oxbow Natural Science Digestive Supplement
Another great way to support your rabbit's digestive health, along with free access to hay, are these Digestive Support Wafers from Oxbow. Rabbits tend to love them and think of them as a treat but they are high in fiber with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Follow the instructions on the bag and give according to weight, daily.
Find them here: https://amzn.to/42EKGh0
Oxbow Animal Health Critical Care
If your rabbit stops eating due to illness, this is an emergency! You may be required to feed your rabbit Critical Care. Critical Care is high in fiber and low in sugar and specially formulated to support small animal digestive health. It is important to have Critical Care before it is needed and rabbits always seem to need this at the most inconvenient times. Critical Care should only be give after it has been confirmed with a vet that the rabbit isn't experiencing a blockage.
Make sure you have some: https://amzn.to/40vhoiR
Sherwood Pet Health Appetite Restore
Sherwood Pet Health Appetite Restore is another great tool to have in your first aid kit. It is full of electrolytes and helps restore appetite and energy. This is always my first go-to when a rabbit is in GI Stasis because it will not cause harm if there is a blockage. Typically, a rabbit will start eating within an hour or two after receiving a dosage. This product cannot be found in stores that I know of so it is extra important to order before you need it.
Order some now: https://amzn.to/40db7se
Curved Tipped Syringe
If you are going to syringe feed your rabbit due to illness or GI Stasis these make it really easy! Slide behind their front teeth and you are now where you need to be to feed or give water. This is just one of many variations of syringes available.
Buy some now before you need them: https://amzn.to/3O1Enz4
Chew Resistant Heating Pad
Heating pads are a great tool when a rabbit has hypothermia from GI Stasis or other health related issues. This situation is unfortunately common and can result in death. Buy a heating pad before you need one! This heating pad features a washable cover, waterproof PVC heating pad, and chew resistant cable in the event that your rabbit feels well enough to start some trouble. Easy to use and clean with a shut off function ranging from four to twenty four hours this is the perfect heating pad for a rabbit.
Order yours today: https://amzn.to/3nP1Oki
Digital Thermometer
According to Rabbit.org, a rabbit’s temperature should be 101.3-104 Fahrenheit. The best plan of action can vary based on your rabbit's temperature, so having a thermometer on hand is extremely important when your rabbit is sick. A rabbit's temperature is taken rectally, so it is critical to know how to do this before a stressful situation. Have your vet show you how to do this at your next check up. If your rabbit's body temperature is too low, this could be signs of GI stasis and a heating pad may help until you can get into a vet. If it is too high, this may signal critical illness. Both cases warrant a vet visit but having a little information before hand will help you keep your rabbit as comfortable as possible in the meantime.
Order one here: https://amzn.to/3Icokur
Vaseline
In order to comfortably insert the thermometer, you will need Vaseline. Put on the tip of the thermometer generously for easy insertion. I keep a jar just for my bunnies in the event that I need it.
Order a jar: https://amzn.to/41AK0rd
Clear Aloe Vera Gel
Did you know you may need to clean your bunnies' scent glands? These are pockets located on either side of the genitals. Most bunnies do this on their own, but some bunnies can't due to old age or health issues. If your bunny has that barnyard smell, you may need to clean their scent glands for them. This can be done with clear, unscented aloe vera gel and a q-tip. Your vet can show you how to do this if you have questions.
Order some here: https://amzn.to/3M31ir3
Terramycin Eye Ointment
Rabbits can suffer from a multitude of eye issues. Terramycin helps with conjunctivitis, ulcers, inflammation, and other eye problems. It is an antibiotic ointment that is applied to the water line of the eye. Terramycin is great to have on hand before seeing a vet but does not replace seeing your veterinarian.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3W0LnOu
Sheepskin for Sore Hocks
Does your rabbit have sore hocks or arthritis? A sheet of synthetic sheep skin is a great cushion that is super soft and absorbent. Designed to be used over and over it is washable and dry-able.
Rabbits also need toys to keep them stimulated. The next Bunny Blog will feature bunny approved toys and fun!
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