We’re glad that you took some time to do some research and reading before owning, raising, and breeding your rabbit. And truly, we must be prepared when it comes to taking care of our pet rabbits. We need to have the right knowledge and understanding of how to properly provide care for them. Apart from knowing the behaviors of our beloved pets, it’s also essential that we know what kind of tools, equipment, or supplies we must have.
If you’re looking for a simple guide about what kind of bunny supplies you must have to successfully raise a pet rabbit, then this article is definitely for you. In this article, we’ll provide you a list of the top 15 supplies rabbit owners must-have. This should help you become more prepared. We’ll also provide you tips on where you can find and how to choose the right items.
Things to Consider
Before we provide you a simple list of the most useful bunny supplies, it’s vital that we also give you some advice first before you buy these things. First of all, we recommend that you consider your budget. Some of the items that will be mentioned in this article are expensive, and some are cheaper. This really depends on your preferences, but one this is for sure, though, you’ll spend some cash to acquire these things. Ask yourself if you are ready or not to spend some money to supply the needs of your beloved pet.
After considering your budget, the next thing that you need to consider is your time and energy. While it’s true that you don’t have to be a rabbit expert in raising a rabbit, you still need to spend time and effort to keep them safe, healthy, and happy. Also, you need to note that your rabbit can also get sick. Therefore, make sure that you also have time to send them to a veterinarian for checkup or treatment.
Finally, be sure that you also check whether or not you are indeed mentally and emotionally ready to take care of rabbits. Know the purpose why you’re raising these cute and friendly pets. Is it for business? For your kids or family? For hobby? Regardless of what your reasons are, you should know your goals and purposes for you to be encouraged and motivated, especially during challenging times of raising rabbits. If you’re ready, then we’re ready!
Top 15 Bunny Supplies Rabbit Owners Must Have
1. Housing
The most important thing that you need to prepare in the house or cage of your beloved pet. Cage, enclosure, or house that you’re going to buy or install must be spacious enough for them to hop and roam around. Some breeders prefer to use ex-pen or a bunny gate. Meanwhile, there are also those owners that prefer to set up housing for their rabbit on their own. Be sure that the cage or housing is tall enough for your rabbits to stretch their ears without touching the top part of the enclosure.
2. Food and Water Bowls or Dishes
You must place a bowl or a dish inside their cage. It’s also recommended that you get something that can hold their hay. Be sure that you clean the bowl regularly. The bowl or dish should be made from safe and quality materials.
3. Litter Boxes
Apart from installing a cage or enclosure, it’s also recommended that you buy litter boxes. Your rabbit will live a healthier and happier life if they have a “home base” and a shelter outside. Clean these litter boxes regularly to avoid any health problems brought about by bacteria and viruses. Buying rabbit-safe litter can also be very helpful.
4. Rabbit Pellets
Another important supply that you must have when raising rabbits is pellets. You should consider the quality of the pellets before you by them. Check whether or not it’s healthy for your pet. It’s recommended that you look to buy those that are made from timothy or alfalfa.
5. Fruits and Vegetables
It’s not healthy that you only feed your rabbits with commercial food items, but you should also make sure that you feed them with fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure that the fruit or vegetable that you’re going to feed them is good for them and won’t give them any health problems in the future.
6. Vitamins and Other Supplements
Many rabbit owners wanted to provide vitamins and other supplements to their pets. Vitamins can be very helpful since it helps boost the immune system of rabbits. However, before you start buying these supplies, you should ask for recommendations from the veterinarian first.
7. Hay
Rabbits can feel bored at times with their food. For this reason, you should provide them a wide variety of foods or items that they can chew. It’s recommended that you provide your rabbits with an unlimited supply of hay. You can use Orchard, Brome, Grass, Timothy, Bermuda, or even Meadow. Also, don’t forget to check the quality and the freshness of the hay before you give it to your beloved pets.
8. Care Book
For beginners, it’s recommended that you buy a care book. This will serve as your guide on how you can provide proper care for your pet. Remember that the goal of every rabbit owner or breeder is to ensure that their pets are safe, happy, and healthy. One example of an excellent care book is the House Rabbit Handbook, which was written by Marinell Harriman, who is also the founder of the House of Rabbit Society. Taking care of your bunnies become a lot easier if you have this book.
9. Carrier
An annual checkup is important if you want your rabbits to stay healthy all the time. This means that you need to go to the veterinarian once in a while. But traveling your rabbit to the clinic can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where you’re going to put them. Hence, buying a carrier makes things a lot easier and less stressful. High-quality rabbit carriers should last a lifetime. This supply is very useful in case of emergencies.
10. Toys
These pets can be very playful, and they appreciate toys. It’s said that bored rabbits are naughty, and they do stuff which they are not supposed to, such as eating chewing their cage, cables, bowls, and any other items inside their cage. To ensure that your rabbits won’t get bored, you have to place toys inside their cage or enclosure.
11. Grooming Supplies
Although rabbits are naturally clean and hygienic, it’s still our responsibility to ensure that they remain clean. We must have brushes ready in case their fur or hair gets tangled. Adding combs and nail clippers are also very useful and should be part of the supply. Buying styptic powder is also necessary if you want to get rid of flea problems.
12. Cleaning Materials
Rabbit hairs can be very messy, and it can be everywhere. You don’t want your home or your property to be filled with rabbit hair. Therefore, you need to have a broom, dustpan, and a vacuum cleaner ready all the time. Make sure that you’re cleaning not only their cage or enclosure but also the whole area where you’re going to raise them.
13. Furniture or Baseboard Protection
You want to make sure that your rabbit also gets to experience being freed from their cage. It’s a good idea that you let them roam around your house. The problem is, these rabbits can eat or chew your furniture and other wood panels. To ensure that this won’t happen, it’s recommended that you buy furniture or baseboard protection.
14. Wire Covers
These rabbits don’t have a clue about what they are chewing on. They will continue to gnaw on everything. This is because their teeth grow continuously over the years. For safety purposes, we recommended that you buy wire covers such as flex tubing to cover the wires inside your home or property.
15. Baby Gates
Another useful supply that you should have when raising a rabbit is baby gates or puppy pens. This idea is very useful if you want to block off certain areas inside your home. Another reason why you need this item is that there are times when you want to let your rabbits roam around outside. What baby gates or puppy pens do is that they make sure that your rabbit won’t escape or go to areas where they can hurt themselves.
Buying Tips
Now that you already have an idea about the top 15 supplies rabbit owners must have, it’s time for you to find these items. Make sure that you always check the quality of the items. It’s also essential that you check the reputation of the supplier or pet store that sells these items. You should only buy from suppliers that have received many positive reviews and feedback from their customers.
Do not hesitate to lask for tips or pieces of advice from your friends or families who have bought these items before. Ask them where’s the best place to buy these supplies and if they can recommend a certain buyer or supplier. Do these following tips, and it’s a guarantee that all your supplies will be high-quality. Enjoy your new pet, and cherish your bond.
