Did you know that rabbits molt twice a year? If you notice your bunny losing a lot of fur during the spring and fall, it’s likely due to this seasonal shedding cycle. But caring for your rabbits through a molt doesn’t have to be difficult — we’ll share our top tips for keeping your bunny comfortable when the fur flies.
Why do rabbits molt?
When you find fur all over your rabbits’ run, or notice them looking shaggy or unkept all of a sudden, you’re likely witnessing one of their molting cycles. Rabbits will molt twice a year — once in the spring, and once in the fall. This natural process is triggered by the amount of sunlight and the temperature of where your rabbit is kept. Your rabbit will molt:
In the spring to shed their thick winter coat in preparation for warmer weather
In the fall to grow a thicker, heavier coat for winter
As babies to grow their adult coat
As a result of stress or illness
The entire molting process takes between 2-6 weeks. Rabbits that complete their molt in 2 weeks will lose hair rapidly, leaving large amounts of fur behind. Those that take the full 6 weeks will shed their fur more slowly, so you won’t be as likely to notice the change.
You may also notice your rabbits being slightly more irritable during the molting process. They may also scratch, bite, lick, or rub at their coat in an effort to remove loose hair. Your rabbits may not want to be held during their molting cycle, as their skin will be sensitive while growing a new coat.
Care tips for your rabbits’ molt
There are a few things you can do to help your rabbits through their molting cycles. By helping them shed as efficiently as possible, you’ll be able to get back to your favorite bunny-bonding activities.
Housing and exercise
As part of the essentials needed to care for rabbits, your bunnies’ home should be clean and accommodating. It helps to have an easy-to-clean rabbit hutch — especially during molting seasons. Excess hair in your rabbits’ hutch or run can attract insects and accumulate unwanted debris, so it’s important to remove it as often as possible.
Grooming
Brushing your bunnies can help them shed their coat faster. The buildup of fur in the process of shedding can create painful mats or restrict your rabbits’ natural insulation methods. Using brushes designed to loosen undercoat fur will help prevent matting, and help keep them comfortable. Removing loose hair also helps prevent your rabbits from ingesting too much fur through self-grooming.
If your bunny doesn’t enjoy being brushed, you can also gently pull the displaced tufts of fur from their undercoat. Only attempt to pull on tufts that are obviously extended beyond the length of their top coat — otherwise, you may risk pulling hairs that are still attached.
Diet
Your rabbits should always have access to fresh, clean water, timothy hay, and quality pellets — especially during molting seasons. Growing a new hair coat takes a lot of energy, so be sure you’re giving your bunnies everything they need to fuel their bodies. Offer healthy treats like fresh leafy greens in a Caddi Rabbit Treat Holder to give their immune systems a boost during their molt.
Abnormal rabbit shedding
Healthy outdoor rabbits will molt in spring and summer, with minimal shedding in between in order to maintain a healthy coat. Indoor rabbits that aren’t exposed to as much natural light or fluctuating temperatures may gradually shed their coats throughout the year, giving the impression that they shed year-round.
If you notice your rabbits losing an excessive amount of fur outside of fall or spring, or see inflamed patches of skin during a molt, you’ll need to contact your veterinarian. Rabbits can lose or pull their fur for other reasons, like:
Illness or skin infections
Stress
Pregnant females preparing a nest to have their litter
Fighting
Unsanitary living conditions
Provide your rabbits with consistency throughout the year to keep their stress levels low. Avoid keeping intact males together to prevent aggressive behaviors, and keep intact males and females separated to prevent unwanted litters. Monitor new rabbits closely to see if cagemates become stressed, and try to avoid frequent changes to their diet. And, always keep your rabbits in a secure, comfortable home like the Eglu Go rabbit hutch to help them feel safe in their surroundings.
Omlet and your rabbits’ molt
If you’re thinking of upgrading your rabbits’ run this fall to help them through their seasonal molt, it’s never been a better time to transition them to the ingenuously designed Eglu Go rabbit hutch. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, pair the Eglu Go rabbit hutch with other rabbit essentials for full fur-shedding support all year round.
Creating your rabbits’ perfect summer setup goes beyond just making sure they have cool water and frozen treats. Rabbits can actually enjoy being outdoors during the hottest months of the year when they have the right hutch and accessories. Find out how Omlet helps your rabbits not only weather the summer heat, but thrive in it.
Rabbits and summer
Rabbits are amazingly resilient in most weather conditions. In the wild, rabbits don’t have the luxury of spending time in climate-controlled settings. But can their domesticated cousins thrive outdoors when temperatures rise?
There are many things you can do to help your rabbits keep cool in the summer. Many owners try to mitigate the risk of heatstroke in their bunnies by providing frozen water bottles and other treats, but the reality is that these round-the-clock tasks aren’t always practical or sustainable.
What rabbits really need is the right setup to thrive during the summer months. By having the right rabbit hutch, run, and accessories, you can greatly reduce the amount of time spent freezing bottles, brushing your bunnies, or worrying about flystrike in your rabbits.
Eglu Go rabbit hutch
A great rabbit hutch is one that is well-ventilated, easy to clean, and can be moved if necessary. Conventional wooden rabbit hutches don’t fulfill these requirements, bringing stress to both rabbits and their owners.
The Eglu Go rabbit hutch is the solution for every rabbit and owner. The twin-insulated walls keep the internal temperature of the hutch lower on even the warmest days, and the ample ventilation allows air to circulate freely without compromising heat barriers. And, with optional rabbit hutch wheels and handles, you can easily move your bunnies to shadier spaces throughout the day.
Best of all, the easy-to-clean plastic of the Eglu Go ensures that keeping your rabbits’ home fresh is never a dreaded chore. In just a few minutes a day, your bunnies will have a comfortable, clean abode that won’t attract flies or other pests — unlike traditional wooden hutches.
Zippi rabbit run
Rabbits thrive in space – so giving them as much as possible is vital for their health and happiness. That’s why Omlet created Zippi Rabbit Runs and Playpens.
Our pens make it easy for you to spend time with your rabbits inside of their run. With plenty of space to add dig boxes, play tunnels, or other rabbit run accessories, you and your rabbits will never feel the boredom that the dog days of summer bring. And, with the addition of rabbit run covers, you can instantly create shady spaces.
Zippi Platforms
Building a pen to enjoy with your bunnies will build your bond as well. With our Zippi Rabbit Platforms, you can add both functionality and shade to your rabbits’ run. By giving them an elevated space, you’ll be able to interact with them on a whole new level, and your bunnies will be able to enjoy shade beneath the platforms.
Use your rabbits’ Zippi Platforms for training, treating, or to best utilize their run space. No matter how you use Platforms with your rabbits, they’ll benefit from the added element and exercise opportunities.
Zippi Tunnel System
In the wild, rabbits use burrows for many things – including keeping cool. To help foster this behavior in domestic rabbits, we’ve developed the Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System. This fully customizable tunnel system can connect any rabbit hutch or run to other playpens or spaces. Each tunnel has cooling vents to allow airflow while your rabbits scurry along their routes – keeping them shaded and cool.
The more tunnels you link together, the more space your rabbits have to expel energy or relax in the shade that the Zippi tunnels have to offer. Make your bunnies’ burrows as extensive or straightforward as you’d like, and watch them take to your backyard like they would a warren in the wild.
Zippi Rabbit Shelter
For added solace from the sun, adding Zippi Rabbit Shelters to your rabbits’ run provides opportunities to escape the rays. These multipurpose hideouts are perfect for summer and winter, or to help easily stressed bunnies relax away from outside stimuli. And, with two entrances, multiple rabbits can easily share their space.
Omlet and your rabbits
Rabbits can enjoy every season outside when they’re provided with everything they need to keep them comfortable and safe. At Omlet, we’ve designed our Zippi Rabbit Runs and Playpens, Zippi Rabbit Platforms, and Zippi Rabbit Shelters to not only provide enrichment, but to create a more natural environment for your bunnies to thrive in. Bring it all together with our Zippi Tunnel System, and your rabbits can enjoy their Eglu Go rabbit hutch outdoors all year round.
Thankfully, rabbits and flystrike aren’t a common pairing when bunnies are well cared for. Healthy rabbits that can groom themselves and have a clean environment are not easily affected by flystrike. But as prey animals, rabbits are very good at masking their discomfort – so it’s important to know what flystrike is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
What is flystrike?
Flystrike, also known as myiasis, is a condition where animals that live outdoors become infested with fly larvae (maggots). In rabbits, flystrike begins when Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) lays eggs on their skin. When the maggots hatch, they take up residence on your rabbit – eating through the skin and eventually invading the deeper tissue beneath. As awful as this condition is, it’s not common in healthy bunnies. The majority of rabbits that suffer from flystrike are:
Those that cannot groom themselves due to obesity or other illness
Living in unsanitary housing conditions
Soiled from urine or feces, or wounded
If your rabbit’s coat becomes overly dirty (caked on droppings, urine-soaked, or constantly damp from the weather) or their living conditions become so soiled that droves of flies are drawn to them, they are at risk of flystrike. Flies are part of living outdoors and small numbers of these flying pests are not usually cause for alarm. But, when flies are attracted to the dirty, smelly coat of a rabbit in less-than-ideal conditions, trouble sets in.
Flystrike is most common during the summer months when flies are the most active. Warmer temperatures are hospitable for maggots, and flies are in abundance this time of year. And, with more rabbits laying in the cool grass or shade during the heat of the day, flies can easily seek them out. Bringing your rabbit indoors during the hottest part of the day may help abate the nuisance from flies.
Do indoor rabbits get flystrike?
Indoor rabbits can get flystrike, but it is much less common than if they lived outdoors. The same conditions apply for indoor rabbits to become affected by flystrike, and it’s less likely that those living indoors would have unsanitary coats or living conditions. And, houses tend to have fewer flies inside than the outside world.
Keeping your home clean with indoor rabbits is essential to avoiding flies. If you’re bringing your outdoor rabbits inside for brief periods during the day, make sure you’re not bringing flies in with them. Clean their indoor spaces daily to deter flies from accumulating.
6 signs & symptoms of flystrike in rabbits
Flystrike can occur rapidly, as maggots can hatch within mere hours of eggs being laid. Maggots seek out a food source as soon as they hatch, meaning your rabbit is in imminent danger of becoming a host for them. Bunnies may exhibit any of the following signs if they’re suffering from flystrike, so it’s important to perform regular rabbit health checks to evaluate their health.
1. Presence of maggots
The first symptom of flystrike is the presence of maggots. Fly larvae start out small and are worm-like in appearance. Flies lay their eggs on the part of the animal they are most drawn to. In the case of rabbits, this will usually be around the tail where urine and feces are most likely to be present.
2. Lethargy
Your rabbit may appear listless or dull when they’re in pain. Flystrike causes extreme discomfort, so your bunny is likely to be less active and will be hesitant to move in most cases. Lethargic rabbits may also spend more time inside of their hutch.
3. Loss of appetite
Most animals (rabbits included) will be off of their feed when they aren’t feeling well. If your rabbit isn’t eating or drinking, there’s a good chance there’s something going on with them. Flystrike can cause a weakened or dehydrated rabbit to go downhill rapidly.
4. Increased digging
Agitated rabbits in pain may dig more in an effort to relieve their discomfort. Look for signs of your rabbits digging in corners in particular. Claw marks on the inside of hutches, outside in the run, or in bedding can be telling of a rabbit in pain.
5. Odor from enclosure
As you can imagine, flystrike causes a foul odor. The smell of the decaying flesh that the maggots leave in their wake is not a subtle sign. This sign usually occurs as flystrike progresses to a dire level.
6. Shock
The final stage of flystrike is shock. Shock sets in when a rabbit’s body is overwhelmed by pain, infection, or external stressors. Flystrike brings all of these conditions, making it very dangerous for rabbits. Symptoms of shock include:
Rapid breathing
Pale mucous membranes (eyes, gums)
Seizures
Unconsciousness or collapse
Death
If you notice any maggots on your rabbit, or any of the above signs or symptoms, be sure to contact your bunny’s veterinarian right away. Prompt treatment is necessary to combat flystrike.
Which rabbit breeds are more prone to flystrike?
Any breed of rabbit can fall victim to flystrike, but some may be more susceptible than others depending on environmental factors. Lionheads or Angora rabbits have longer coats than other breeds that can become soiled quickly without regular grooming. Large breeds like the Flemish Giant are more prone to obesity due to their size, and overweight rabbits can’t groom themselves as thoroughly as bunnies that are the ideal weight.
How to prevent rabbit flystrike
Keeping your rabbit’s home clean is one of the most important and effective ways to prevent flystrike. Cleaning your rabbit’s hutch and refreshing their bedding daily in the summer is essential to combating flies. The Eglu Go Plastic Rabbit Hutch by Omlet can be thoroughly cleaned in just a few minutes each day, and has ample ventilation to prevent odors from building up. The expandable attached run gives rabbits plenty of room to run and lounge, spreading out their droppings to further deter flies from gathering.
Flystrike is a medical emergency and you should contact your rabbit’s veterinarian right away to prevent irreversible damage. Do not attempt to treat or remove burrowed maggots yourself, as pieces can break off inside of your rabbit and cause infection. Rabbits with flystrike will need prescription antibiotics and pain medication to make a full recovery.
Omlet and caring for your rabbit
Omlet’s rabbit products help keep your rabbits healthy and happy. Our easy-to-clean designs were created to help owners spend less time cleaning and more time playing with their pets. The Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch, Zippi Rabbit Platforms, and Zippi Tunnel System are all easy to keep clean, and encourage more movement from your bunnies to promote overall health. Combat flystrike and other dangerous conditions when you house your rabbit in expertly crafted setups by Omlet.
With so many different species of animals to choose from, many parents find themselves asking: Are rabbits good pets for children? The short answer is yes, as long as there is mutual understanding between rabbits and their owners. Bunnies can be wonderful pets, full of personality and adorable antics when they’re able to exhibit their natural behaviors. With complete rabbit setups from Omlet, your children will begin bonding with their bunny right away, and for years to come.
Why rabbits can make great pets for children
Rabbits are intelligent, sociable, and relatively low-maintenance. These attributes are some of the reasons why bunnies make great first pets for children. Rabbits can be housed indoors or outdoors, but are happiest when they are provided with as much space as possible. In the wild, rabbits live in extensive underground burrows and tunnels – and their domesticated counterparts share the same desire to navigate these structures.
Omlet’s Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System simulates the tunnels and burrows that rabbits would construct in the wild. Combined with our Zippi Rabbit Runs and Platforms, your bunnies will be scurrying, bounding, and exploring just as they would naturally. And, you can let your children pick out rabbit run accessories to further customize their pets’ space.
Our Eglu Go Rabbit Hutches are the perfect size bunny abodes for both pets and children. The easy-to-clean structure will enable your kids to clean their pet’s home with ease, and will keep your yard smelling fresh. And, with optional wheels and handles, our Eglu Go hutches and attached runs can be maneuvered around the yard with ease.
Creating a rabbit’s ideal space is just one of the many ways to bond with your bunny. Our rabbit products are designed to bring you and your bunny closer than ever. With the right setup and some quality time, your family will have forged a relationship with your rabbit that will last a lifetime.
Rabbits and children: 3 things to consider
While it’s true that rabbits can make excellent first pets, it’s important to set realistic expectations for both your bunny and your children. Make sure your kids are prepared for the responsibilities associated with owning a rabbit, and are familiar with bunny behaviors and body language.
1. Bunnies should have buddies
Rabbits do best in groups of two or more. In the wild, colonies of rabbits can consist of anywhere from two to dozens of bunnies. A lonely rabbit can act out or display attention-seeking behaviors. Adopting a pair of bonded rabbits is the best way to start off on the right foot, but you can also adopt young rabbits to raise together. Make sure that any males are neutered – even if you only keep males. Intact male rabbits can become territorial when kept together, and unaltered males kept with females will result in unwanted litters. Intact females can usually be kept together with no issues.
2. Rabbits are a long-term commitment
The life expectancy of rabbits is 8-12 years, so they can be a long-term commitment. Make sure plans are in place for when your children and rabbits are older. Will they take their pets with them when they move out? Do you have younger children to care for the rabbits once their siblings are grown? Or, are you willing to continue caring for the rabbits yourself?
The Eglu Go Plastic Rabbit Hutch is the only home you’ll need to buy for your rabbits. Designed to last a lifetime, our rugged construction of heavy-duty plastic and rot-free materials will stand the test of time. It should be noted that only rabbits over the age of 6 weeks old should be housed outdoors. Younger rabbits have more trouble regulating their body temperature, and will fare better when gradually introduced to outdoor temperatures. This also applies to older rabbits that were raised indoors. Introduce rabbits to life outdoors in small increments over the course of a couple of weeks to make the transition as smooth as possible.
3. Bunnies need boundaries
Any rabbit can be housed outdoors, and most fare better when they’re allowed to live outside. Not only does it mimic their natural habitat, but being outside gives them reprieve from the hustle and bustle of a household. Understanding your bunny’s body language will clue you in on how they’re doing in their surroundings. And, as with most pets, giving your rabbits as much space as possible will help ensure they’re healthy and happy as possible.
Omlet’s Zippi Rabbit Playpens help create boundaries for your bunnies in any setting. Perfect for designated spaces outdoors, or as indoor playpens for a change of scenery, our Zippi Playpens are easy to move and are predator-resistant for peace of mind.
The attached run of the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch can also be extended to up to 12 feet long, giving your rabbits plenty of room to roam.
Best rabbit breeds for children
Once you’ve decided that rabbits will be a good fit for your family, it’s time to decide on the breeds of bunnies you’ll want to keep. Choosing the right rabbits largely comes down to personal preference and your space or climate.
For example, breeds like the Lionhead rabbit are excellent for children due to their docile nature, but may not be suited to life outdoors in hot or humid weather. Californians are considered to be a hardy breed in all climates, as well as being known for their sweet temperaments. Other breeds that are good for children include:
Flemish Giants also make excellent pets, but due to their size require plenty of space.
Omlet and your pet rabbit
Omlet aims for owners to raise their rabbit-readiness status quickly and easily. Our line of bunny products like the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch, Zippi Rabbit Playpens and Platforms, and Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System are all designed to make rabbit ownership truly remarkable. At the end of the day, parents have to ensure that their children are caring for their pets properly, but with Omlet, helping your children with chores becomes a joy. With Omlet, you’ll bring your entire family closer together – both with each other and with your pets.
Keeping rabbits for beginners doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, these gentle animals are perfect for first-time pet owners due to their relatively easy care. With the right rabbit setup and research, you’ll be bonded with your bunny in no time.
Which rabbit breed?
There are many breeds of rabbits available as pets. They vary widely in appearance, size, and temperament. Some require more maintenance than others, mostly because of their long coats and heat or cold tolerance.
For example, Lion Heads have long coats in need of regular brushing to prevent mats from forming. They also aren’t as heat tolerant as other breeds due to their excess hair. On the other hand, breeds like the Californian are very heat tolerant and have short haircoats that don’t require grooming.
Rabbits may have erect or “lop” (long, floppy) ears. The anatomy of their ears doesn’t affect them much, except in the case of breeds like English Lops, as they are prized for their very long ears. These large, long-eared rabbits may be more prone to stepping on their ears in enclosures that are too small for them.
The breeds considered to be best for beginner bunny keepers include:
The type and age of the rabbit you choose is largely a matter of personal preference. Most breeds have the same basic care needs, but be sure to research the breeds you’re considering thoroughly before making a final decision.
You’ll also want to decide if you’d like to start with a young bunny or an adult. Rabbits of all ages need to be handled regularly in order to bond with their new owners, but young rabbits may forge this bond faster than adult bunnies that have had previous owners. Like other pets, bunnies have their own individual personalities that may not be apparent right away. Give your rabbit time to adjust to their new home, and you’ll soon see their personality shine through.
How many rabbits should I get?
Rabbits are social animals that thrive off of bonds with each other. It’s always advised to keep at least two rabbits together to avoid a lonely bunny. In the wild, rabbits live in large groups called “colonies” and all live together in a network of tunnels and burrows called a “warren.” Colonies can consist of just two or three rabbits, or in the dozens.
Domesticated rabbits share many of the same characteristics as their wild cousins, so the need for companionship runs deep. Decide how many rabbits you’d like to keep together, which will determine how much space they’ll need to be comfortable. To avoid accidental litters, only keep neutered males with females, or stick to females only. If you plan to keep more than one male, they should all be neutered to prevent territorial displays.
Your new rabbits’ home
Omlet has created the perfect home for pet rabbits. The Eglu Go Plastic Rabbit Hutch is designed to meet all of your bunnies’ needs, as well as yours. Our easy-to-clean design keeps your rabbits fresh and clean and makes caring for your bunnies easier than ever.
Our plastic rabbit hutches have revolutionized rabbit-keeping. Gone are the days of rotting, moldy, smelly wooden rabbit hutches. With an Eglu Rabbit Hutch, you’ll never have to worry about maintaining the ideal environment for your bunnies.
Since rabbits need as much space as possible to keep fit and active, we’ve come up with several solutions that are conducive to any outdoor area. The attached run of the Eglu Rabbit Hutch can be extended up to 12 feet long, or your rabbit can explore new areas of your yard with an Outdoor Rabbit Run. Place your rabbit’s hutch inside of one of these rabbit runs, or connect the attached hutch run to the secondary run with our one-of-a-kind Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System. Designed to mimic tunnels and burrows in the wild, your rabbits will have their own backyard warren to keep them safe and happy all year round.
All of our rabbit products are predator-resistant, and feature optional anti-dig floor mesh to help prevent your bunnies from tunneling out. Optional handles and wheels can also be added to your rabbits’ hutch to move them around to fresh patches of grass, or shady areas of your yard.
New rabbit checklist
All pet rabbits need the same basic care and supplies. To complete your new rabbit checklist, be sure to have:
High-quality feed, ideally pellets comprised mainly of timothy hay
Free-choice timothy hay
Fresh water available at all times
Chew toys to trim their ever-growing teeth
A good veterinarian that’s familiar with rabbits
Bunnies thrive best when they’re given enrichment opportunities. Our outdoor rabbit runs combined with Zippi rabbit tunnels will help keep your rabbits’ minds and bodies active. Add weather protection to your rabbits’ run so that they can enjoy time out of their hutch – rain or shine.
3 tips for beginning rabbit keepers
Excited to get started on your rabbit-keeping journey? Below are the top tips to help ensure success from the start.
Conduct rabbit research
Before bringing your bunny home, you’ll want to research the breeds you’re interested in keeping, along with their enclosure and dietary needs. Some breeds require more space than others, while some breeds have different protein requirements in their diet. It’s always recommended to find your rabbits through a reputable breeder. Breeders are excellent resources for first-time bunny keepers and can help you with the specifics of the breed you’ve chosen.
Establish a rabbit routine
Your routine with your rabbits will be unique to you as an owner, but a realistic schedule should look something like this:
Morning:
Fill food bowl with pellets
Refill hay feeder
Refresh water bottle
Afternoon:
Playtime
Refill water if needed
Evening:
Clean hutch and refresh bedding
If your rabbit has a long coat in need of grooming, you’ll need to make time to brush them a few times each week. Check your rabbits’ toenails monthly to see if they need a trim. Keep in mind that bunnies that have access to fresh earth will wear their nails down faster through play and digging than those kept in wire cages. If your bunny needs a nail trim, be sure you’re comfortable doing so on your own. Otherwise, your veterinarian can trim their nails for a modest fee.
Bond with your bunny
To have the best relationship with your rabbit, you’ll need to spend time with them each day. Once you get to know them, you’ll be able to understand your bunny’s body language. Handle your rabbits often to get them comfortable with you, and offer treats to reinforce desired behavior. Fresh fruits and vegetables are great rewards for training, as well as nutritious additions to your rabbit’s diet. Serve them in a Caddi Rabbit Treat Holder to keep your rabbit occupied in your absence.
Talk to your rabbits every time you interact with them to get them accustomed to your voice. Your bunny may be nervous the first few days in their new home, but with patience and care, you’ll earn their trust. Happy rabbits have clean, safe hutches, a well-balanced diet, and plenty of room to run around in. And, as any rabbit keeper will tell you, a happy rabbit is a joy to be around.
Omlet and your rabbit-keeping journey
Omlet’s rabbit products have been designed to keep rabbits and their owners happy — no matter where they are on their journey together. From seasoned rabbit owners, to complete beginners, our rabbit hutches, Zippi tunnel system, and outdoor rabbit runs bring joy to bunnies and their humans alike. You can rest easy knowing that your rabbits are living their best lives in their Omlet setup, and enjoy being a rabbit keeper with our easy-to-clean, zero-maintenance rabbit products.
Rabbits and guinea pigs need exercise – and lots of it. Bunnies and cavies can become bored quickly without enough physical and mental stimulation, and a lack of activity can create these small pets to gain an unhealthy amount of weight. Adding levels to your rabbit or guinea pig’s enclosure through the use of platforms encourages more exercise and builds strength.
Physical and mental well-being
Exercise is important to rabbits and guinea pigs to keep them both physically and mentally fit. Keeping small animals at an appropriate weight is essential to their longevity. Accomplished through a balanced diet and plenty of space to be active, a rabbit or guinea pig kept at a healthy weight will remain active far longer than their overweight counterparts.
Omlet’s Zippi Platforms for rabbits and guinea pigs are designed to add extra space to your pet’s run. More space in their enclosure offers more opportunities for enriching activities and accessories. Teach your bunny or cavy new tricks on their platform to further stimulate their critical thinking skills.
Prevent the risk of injury and obesity
Rabbits and guinea pigs that spend the majority of their time in their enclosures aren’t able to exercise as much as their cousins in the wild. Wild cavies and hares run long distances, burrow, scurry, and don’t have constant access to food. Our pets that descended from these wild animals have slower metabolisms as a result of breeding and circumstance and rely on care from their owners to remain fit and healthy.
The use of ramps to access Zippi Platforms strengthens muscles and offers mental stimulation. Our platforms can be easily repositioned for rabbits especially to add more height. By exercising at an incline, your rabbit or guinea pig will utilize their muscles in ways that a one-dimensional enclosure can’t offer.
Overweight pets are prone to joint pain, health issues such as diabetes or other metabolic diseases, and decreased lifespan. Regular veterinary checkups can help you determine if your rabbit or guinea pig is receiving adequate nutrition and exercise. You can also do a quick check at home to see if your pet is overweight by gently pressing along the sides of your rabbit or guinea pig’s abdomen. Can you feel their ribs? You should be able to feel the distinct ridges of your pet’s ribcage without having to press too firmly. If you can’t feel their ribs, they’re likely overweight.
Along with exercise, diet is critical in keeping your rabbit or guinea pig healthy. Offer high-quality pellets that are timothy hay-based, and offer free-choice loose timothy hay or orchard grass. Treats should be given sparingly, and should consist of fresh greens rather than store-bought treats. Other guinea pig and rabbit-safe treats can be offered, but are best utilized during training sessions or other special occasions.
Platforms: a multitude of possibilities
Rabbits and guinea pigs grow bored easily in their surroundings. By adding platforms to their run, the topography of their environment can be changed regularly. Try feeding them on their platform one week, and below the platform another week. You can also place their favorite bed or toy at the top of the platform to encourage climbing up and down the ramp.
Small pets are also prey animals, which means they appreciate a higher vantage point. Your guinea pig or rabbit will appreciate the opportunity to scamper and scurry to the top of their platform to get a new look at their world.
Create the ultimate playspace for your rabbit or guinea pig. Omlet’s Zippi Platforms can be easily adjusted to a height that accommodates your pet’s personality and skill level. They can also be repositioned easily around the run to change up your bunny or cavy’s enclosure regularly. Our non-slip design builds confidence in your pets, allowing them to navigate the ramps and platforms with ease.
An easy way to have fun together
An elevated space in your rabbit or guinea pig’s run gives you a chance to interact with them on a higher level – literally! Sit with them at eye level, train on a flat and accessible surface, and customize their run with the use of Zippi Platforms. A designated training space will help you train your rabbit or guinea pig to perform tricks, giving you a clear, easily accessible area to work with your pet.
The first training opportunity you’ll find with your rabbit or guinea pig is getting them comfortable with their ramp and platform. Offer your rabbit or guinea pig’s favorite treats in a Caddi Guinea Pig or Rabbit Treat Holderplaced at the top of the ramp. This will be the easiest way to help your pet get the hang of going up to the platform – especially if they are food-motivated. Once they are comfortable using their ramp and platform, you can begin teaching your rabbit or guinea pig additional skills.
Omlet and your small pets
Omlet is dedicated to designing products that thrill both pets and their owners. From unique rabbit and guinea pig shelters, to our customizable and versatile Zippi Tunnel System, we’ve got what you need to create the ultimate experience for your small pets. Foster your rabbit or guinea pig’s natural instincts while providing a visually stunning enclosure to enjoy in your yard or garden. With Omlet, owning and caring for your pets has never been easier.
Rabbits make excellent pets for owners of all ages. Once you have all of the rabbit care essentials you need, bunnies are easy to take care of. They can be litterbox trained similarly to cats, are capable of bonding with their owners, and are a joy to watch. Like all pets, bunnies need love, attention, and proper housing to live a healthy and happy life.
Omlet has designed products that meet your rabbit’s needs, while making caring for them as easy as possible for you. Our line of rabbit products set you up for success with your bunny from the very beginning, and for the years to come. Let’s explore what life with rabbit products by Omlet looks like.
The perfect rabbit hutch
Does the perfect rabbit hutch exist? We think so! The Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch checks all the boxes for both bunnies and their keepers. Here are some reasons why:
The dual-insulated walls of the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch keep your bunny cool in the summer and warm in the winter
All plastic construction and a removable bedding tray make cleaning a breeze
An easy-access rear panel and pivoting hutch door keeps your rabbit accessible
The attached run has anti-dig flooring and can be expanded for even more space
Plastic vs wooden rabbit hutches
Your rabbit’s hutch is where they will spend the majority of their time, so it’s important to choose the right one. There are a lot of rabbit hutch options out there, but a quality rabbit hutch should be safe, well-constructed, and built to last for years.
Plastic rabbit hutches are far superior to traditional wooden hutches. Most notably, rabbits have a natural desire to chew in order to keep their ever-growing teeth trimmed short. But, this spells trouble for wooden hutches, as they quickly become a chew toy for your bunny. Over time, chewing weakens the structural integrity of wooden hutches, which makes your rabbit vulnerable to unwanted visits from predators.
Omlet’s Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch will never succumb to rot like wooden hutches, and will never need touch-up paint or re-roofing. Plastic is not appetizing to rabbits, so you won’t have to worry about your bunny gnawing on their house. And unlike wooden hutch wire, our heavy-duty wire panels that make up the attached run are complete with mesh flooring to prevent your bunny from burrowing out of their enclosure.
Accessorize your rabbit’s home
Rabbits are extremely active animals. From wild hares to pet bunnies, rabbits need exercise and enrichment to stay physically and mentally fit. They need plenty of space to run, hop, and scurry, so you’ll need to give them as much room as possible.
Our Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System can extend your rabbit’s domain while fostering their natural burrowing behavior. Zippi Tunnels can be attached to any type of wooden hutch or wire run, and have multiple customization options. Expand and change your rabbit’s Zippi Tunnel System at any time with connection pieces, additional tunnels, and accessories.
Add vertical space with Zippi Rabbit Platforms inside their run for maximum space-enhancing fun. Using platforms with your rabbits allows for training and exercise opportunities, as well as shady areas below for rest after a long day of play. Platforms are great places to keep your rabbit’s food and water, as they are accessible and easy to clean.
What about indoor rabbits?
If you choose to house your rabbit indoors, it’s still a good idea to have a safe space for them outside to stretch their legs. Bunnies love to nibble on fresh grass and other rabbit-safe vegetation. You can even add rabbit-friendly plants to your garden to make your bunny’s outdoor space even more enjoyable.
Our Zippi Rabbit Runs and Playpens are excellent options for rabbits to spend some time outside. Floor panels keep your bunny from burrowing out, while still allowing plenty of grass through to be nibbled on. And, Zippi Runs and Playpens are easy to move around your yard to give your rabbit new areas to explore.
Make sure your home is rabbit-proof if you keep your bunny indoors. Even if your rabbit isn’t left to its own devices indoors, if an accidental hutch escape occurs you don’t want them getting themselves into trouble. Common household hazards to rabbits include:
Low-hanging power cords
House plants, many of which can be toxic to rabbits
Silk or artificial plants (if they look real, your rabbit is likely to try a nibble)
Other pets such as dogs or cats
Doors that lead outside
Rabbits are very adaptable to life outdoors, so unless your area experiences extreme heat or extreme cold, housing your rabbit outside in an Eglu Go Hutch and Run is a great alternative to keeping them inside. For extremely hot days, you may want to have a temporary indoor enclosure to bring your bunny inside during peak temperatures. In sub-freezing temperatures, supplemental Extreme Temperature Jackets for the Eglu Go Hutch can be used for an additional layer of insulation.
A good quality diet
Now that your rabbit has the perfect home, it’s time to select their feed. There are so many commercially available rabbit feeds that it can be overwhelming to choose which is best for your bunny. Knowing what breed of rabbit you have and how old they are will help you determine which food is best for them. For example, younger rabbits need more protein in their diet than adults.
All rabbits need quality pellets that are made primarily from timothy hay. Rabbit feed that has treats or other elements added in may look appetizing, but they don’t provide a balanced diet for your bunny. Rabbits also need free-choice timothy hay to keep their teeth short and to promote healthy digestion.
Food and water bowls
You’ll also need appropriate food and water containers for your rabbit. Metal feed bowls are best, as they are easily cleaned and can’t be chewed on or broken. No-tip bowls are a great choice, having a wide base and being harder to turn over. Some rabbits will hop into their food bowls while they eat, or accidentally knock into them during play, so having a bowl that won’t tip over is important.
Water bottles are one option for your rabbit to drink from. Most rabbits do fine with this type of drinker, but during the hot summer months, water bottles may not dispense water fast enough for a parched rabbit. Water crocks can be hung on the sides of your rabbit’s run to prevent spilling, and have an open top for your rabbit to drink their fill. You can also place a no-tip water dish inside their run, but keep in mind they will likely kick grass or other debris into a ground-level bowl.
Rabbit toys
Finally, offer some toys to your rabbit to keep them occupied and engaged in their setup. Toys are great for busting boredom and to encourage natural behaviors. Try offering small balls made from timothy hay, applewood chew toys, or a Caddi Rabbit Treat Holder from Omlet.
Hang the Caddi Treat Holder from the top of any run or enclosure to elevate snack time. Fresh fruits, vegetables or hay are perfect for the Caddi to serve up to your bunny. Watch as they stretch and use their critical thinking skills to nibble their way through their Caddi offerings.
Omlet and rabbit care
We’ve invented the products you need to grow your relationship with your rabbit. Our line of rabbit hutches, rabbit runs, rabbit tunnels, and toys for rabbits are all designed to help your rabbit live life to the fullest and to make taking care of them easy and fun for you. Create the ultimate bunny abode when you choose Omlet for your rabbit’s needs.
Did you know that you can raise an animal for your 4-H project? Not only that, but you can raise your 4-H project animal out in the country, or right in the middle of the city! With Omlet, raising a small animal for your 4-H project is easy and enjoyable.
The National 4-H Council has many different opportunities for projects, and raising animals is part of most local 4-H groups. We’ll help you get started with your new 4-H project by helping you decide which animal would be the best fit for you. And, we’ll talk about how to care for your 4-H project animal, how to get ready for show day, and what to expect along the way.
What is 4-H?
4-H stands for: “head, heart, hands, and health.” These four aspects are what 4-H programs foster in kids ages 8-18 years old. From science, community outreach, agriculture, to healthy living programs, there’s something for everyone!
Projects for 4-H are chosen on an individual basis. These projects are completed over the course of several months, and are usually shown at an exhibition or county fair. If you’ve been to a county fair or stock show, you’ve probably seen 4-H exhibitors displaying their projects. Projects like art, leather working, welding, and livestock or small animals are commonly shown at these events.
Find your local 4-H group to see what types of projects your area supports. Most local 4-H groups will have animal projects as an option. Most animal projects are considered “livestock” under the category of agriculture, but many animals can be raised as a 4-H project. If you live in a city or are short on space, you may be particularly interested in small animals like rabbits, cavies (guinea pigs) or even chickens.
Choosing an animal for your 4-H project
Before deciding on your project, you’ll need to become a member of your local 4-H group and see which animal projects they support. Your group leader can help you choose the best animal for your project, and how and when to show them. Animal exhibitions usually take place at county fairs, stock shows, and group or association-sponsored shows. Show schedules are usually published well in advance, and can help you decide which animal you’d like to raise, and how soon you’ll need to get started.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens are great projects for children of all ages. They’re all easy to handle and care for, and come in a variety of breeds to choose from. These small animals don’t need much space, and can teach valuable animal husbandry skills to kids of all ages.
Raising your animals for your project is part of the work (and fun!) of being part of a 4-H group. Most animals need to be purchased as young as possible so that you have time to bond and fully raise your project. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens all mature quickly,
Caring for your 4-H project animal
Whichever animal you choose for your 4-H project, they’ll need housing and proper care to thrive. It’s important to set up their housing and purchase their feed and accessories before bringing them home. We’ve outlined some basic care needs for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens to help you decide which animal project is the best fit for you.
Caring for rabbits
Taking care of a rabbit is a big responsibility, but with the right products can be easy and enjoyable. Bunnies bond with their owners, are fun to show, and there are a variety of rabbit breeds to choose from. To successfully keep a rabbit for your project, you’ll need:
Feed that meets the nutritional needs of the breed you choose to raise
Free-choice timothy hay
Fresh water
It’s important that your rabbit has enough room to run and build muscle. Body composition is one of the criteria that your rabbit will be judged on, so keeping them fit is essential. Some breeds may also require mild to moderate grooming. All rabbits will need their nails trimmed routinely and given chew toys (preferably those made from apple wood) to help keep their continuously-growing teeth filed down. Handling your rabbit daily will help prepare them for their routine grooming sessions and for the show table.
Caring for guinea pigs
Taking care of guinea pigs is similar to caring for a rabbit. The exception is that while rabbits can thrive being kept by themselves, guinea pigs do best in pairs. To avoid unwanted litters, make sure to get two guinea pigs of the same gender! You may not necessarily show both of them, but it’s best to get your pair while they are young so that they can bond and mature together.
Guinea pig-specific feed that’s fortified with vitamin C
Free-choice timothy hay
Fresh water
Like rabbits, some guinea pig breeds will require grooming beyond regular nail trims. Handle your guinea pigs daily and help them get used to being placed on a table for showing. Omlet’s Guinea Pig Platforms are a great tool for getting your cavies used to being on a table-like surface.
Caring for chickens
Taking care of chickens is surprisingly easy once you understand their basic needs. Even though they’re commonly associated with farms, chickens can actually thrive in urban settings too. Since chickens aren’t common backyard pets in cities, make sure you check with your city zoning office to get permission to house chickens, and if there are housing requirements for your flock.
There are many different breeds of chickens to choose from. If you choose laying hens to show, you’ll get to benefit from fresh eggs once they’re old enough to start laying. It’s important to remember that chickens are flock animals by nature, so you’ll want to keep a minimum of 2-3 birds at a time.
Breed-specific care
Each breed has their own standards by which they will be graded on by a judge. Their coat or feather coloring and patterns, body composition, conformation, overall health, and size will all be taken into account. It’s also important to choose your project animals from reputable breeders.
Some flaws in breed standards will be grounds for disqualification or score docking. While mixed breeds make excellent pets, only purebred animals are allowed to be shown. Once you’ve selected the breed of rabbit, guinea pig or chicken that you’d like to show, familiarize yourself with the breed standard so that you can select quality animals. You may want to ask your 4-H leader or other seasoned-show person to go with you when you pick out your young animal.
Preparing for your show
You’ll have your project animals for months before showing them, which gives you time to prepare both yourself and your animals for show day. Your 4-H group will likely have meetings that are held regularly to support you throughout your journey. Some meetings may require you to bring your animal along with you so that your leader can check their progress.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens will all be weighed on show day, so it’s important to weigh them at home to make sure they’re getting proper nutrition. Keep a record of each weighing session to share with your 4-H leader so that they can help you determine if your animals are over or underweight.
For the majority of the show, your rabbit, guinea pig, or chicken will be placed in a wire cage until it’s time for the judge to handle them. Practice having your animal stay in the same cage that you will use to transport them to the show a few times each week to get them used to being confined outside of their hutch and run.
When it’s your rabbit, guinea pig, or chicken’s turn, the judge will remove them from their wire cage and handle them. They will place them on a table, feel their muscles and fur or feathers, and look at their overall appearance. Ask your 4-H leader to help you with proper table placement and how to hold your animals the same way the judge will. A well-mannered, trained 4-H animal stands out to a judge!
What to expect after the show
You may have offers from potential buyers for your rabbit, guinea pig, or chicken after a show – especially if they’ve won a ribbon! It’s completely up to you if you’d like to sell your project animal, or if you’d like to continue on with their show career. Some people sell their animals at a show in order to try a different breed or type of animal for their next project. Others may decide that they want to keep their project animals as family pets, or as breeding stock for future projects.
If you don’t have offers for your animals at the show, that’s okay too. You can still decide to sell them later, or keep them as family pets. Take notes from the judge to review and see if the marks are something your animal can overcome through nutrition or exercise. If your animal was disqualified for not having breed-standard coloring or build, then they should be retired as a beloved family pet.
No matter the results, you should feel immense pride after completing your first show! Lots of time and effort goes into taking care of animals – whether they be show animals or family pets. Some of the great opportunities 4-H has to offer are teaching children responsibility, hard work, and dedication. And, sometimes not winning a ribbon is one of the greatest learning opportunities of all.
Omlet and your 4-H animal project
Omlet has housing solutions for your 4-H animal projects. By having easy-to-clean hutches and coops, you can keep your animals’ home clean and comfortable in minutes, saving you valuable time to train and work with your rabbit, guinea pigs, or chickens. Choose from our line of enriching products to build both your relationship with your 4-H project animals and their muscles:
What do you think of when you hear the word whisker? You may envision a 5 o’clock shadow on the face of a man, or maybe even a kitchen gadget. But chances are that the first thing that comes to mind is the face of an adorable animal such as a kitten or a rabbit.
We all know that rabbits have whiskers – as children, we learn to draw them onto the faces of our bunny artwork, and that they’re an essential part of any good rabbit costume. But do whiskers serve a practical purpose beyond just adding cute-factor to the muzzles they grace?
Virtually every mammal has whiskers! Whiskers have much more sensitive follicle bases than regular hairs, so while nerves do not run through the whisker itself, they are able to relay sensory input through touch. These naturally-acquired facial accessories serve the same two main functions in all species:
To sense surroundings in dark conditions
To serve as a measuring aid when assessing small spaces
So as a pet, does your rabbit still need these capabilities? And as an owner, is there any special care to be taken with these sensitive appendages?
The wonder of whiskers
Your pet rabbit uses their whiskers on a daily basis. In fact, they provide a virtual sixth-sense for your bunny! Rabbits don’t have the same focus or depth-perception to their vision that humans do, so their whiskers provide them with tactile sensory feedback to fill in the missing details. Even when they’re in a familiar space such as their rabbit hutch or rabbit playpen, rabbits utilize their facial “feelers” when it’s too dark to see their surroundings.
Before just bounding into any ol’ burrow, your rabbit uses its whiskers to determine whether or not they’ll fit into a tight space. Even as your rabbit runs through their Zippi Rabbit Tunnels, they’re being felt out by a rabbit’s whiskers to make sure they’ll fit!
And, new studies suggest that like other animals, rabbits are able to tell the texture of an object by vibrating their whiskers against it! Rabbits can also sense vibrations and the movement of air and water with their whiskers.
Rabbits are able to twitch and move their whiskers in an action called “whisking.” While this type of whisking may not produce baked goods, it does bring joy to the observer! Whiskers are also the first points of contact when meeting another rabbit or fellow animal with whiskers – almost like a handshake!
Whisker length and arrangement
A rabbit’s longest whiskers are as long as their bodies are wide on each side! They’re also arranged according to a specific pattern above their eyes, on their nose, and under their chins for a full range of spatial awareness. The whiskers start off shorter by their nose, and get longer in each row going toward their cheeks and tops of their heads.
The whiskers toward the front of their face act as tactile tools for feeling around in the dark, or for sensing objects directly in front of them. Due to the placement of their eyes, rabbits cannot see something that’s directly in front of their nose – they rely on their other senses to perceive what is right in front of them.
The longer whiskers above their eyes look very similar to false eyelashes! Not only does this give them a doe-eyed expression, these longer lashes also keep debris from getting into a rabbit’s eyes.
A rabbit’s longest whiskers are used primarily for gauging spaces, orienting themselves, and feeling for vibrations.
Does my rabbit need a shave?
It’s very important to never cut your rabbit’s whiskers! Since the whisker itself does not have blood or nerve supply, cutting it will not cause pain, but it will interfere with a rabbit’s natural abilities and coordination. Think of it as if you were taking eyeglasses or contact lenses away from someone who is severely near-sighted. They would be able to walk, certainly, but they would stumble, bump into things, second-guess themselves and not move nearly as quickly or efficiently as they did before. If a rabbit were to suddenly lose its whiskers, it would have to re-learn how to interact with its surroundings.
If you were to trim rather than shave the whiskers off at the base, it would relay incorrect information to the rabbit. By trimming the whiskers shorter, they would no longer be as long as the rabbit is wide. Your rabbit may then try to squeeze into spaces they have no business trying to fit into!
Whisker worries
Why are my rabbit’s whiskers falling out?
Just as they do with their coats, rabbits will shed their whiskers in a routine fashion. So, if you find a stray whisker in your rabbit’s environment every once in a while – don’t be alarmed! It’s a perfectly normal process, and soon a new whisker will grow in its place.
Will your rabbit be alright without a whisker? Don’t fret – if your rabbit is down a whisker or two, they likely won’t notice the difference!
What if my rabbit’s whisker is bent?
A bent whisker will either eventually fall off at the break, or fall out as part of the natural shedding process and will regrow as usual. Refrain from trimming the broken part of the whisker yourself because you could accidentally cut or more whiskers in the process!
Why is my rabbit bleeding from the base of a whisker?
If a whisker is pulled or twisted during rough play, it may either fall out completely, or be partially detached at the base. Whiskers are as sensitive as they are because the roots are in a hair follicle with a blood supply. A small amount of blood is normal for the sudden, unexpected removal or loss of a whisker, but if your bunny is bleeding actively, call your veterinarian! Other reasons for concern over a whisker that warrant a call to the veterinarian include:
Inflamed base of a whisker, with or without swelling
Oozing blood or yellow fluid from the base of a whisker
A partially detached whisker that has not fallen out on its own after a couple of days
Whisker loss beyond normal shedding – this could be losing multiple whiskers all at once, or whiskers not growing back
Whiskers above the eye that turn inward, causing them to rub against your rabbit’s cornea
Create spatial awareness
Even with the use of super-appendages, rabbits need a space designed to foster and encourage their natural behaviors. Rabbits are very sensitive animals, and their whisker-wielding ways only adds to the amount of stimuli they process.
By providing the optimal environment, you’ll create a space for your rabbits to feel safe when they perceive danger, playful when they feel safe, and relaxed when they feel secure. Our line of rabbit products do exactly that, taking the guesswork out of creating the ideal habitat for your rabbit!
Our products have been thoroughly “whisked” over by hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of rabbits from around the world. And all of the whiskers agree – Omlet has the hutches, play tunnels, shelters, and accessories to keep your rabbit’s sixth sense performing its best.
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season. With fall well underway and winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with your small furry friend and enjoy the mid-season changes.
And let’s not forget the food! Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays for a “foodie,” and if you share a home with a rabbit or guinea pig, you know they’re foodies too! Thankfully, there are several holiday treats that you can share with your food-loving-friends – just hold the seasoning and spices.
What are your Thanksgiving meal staples? If you’re like most Americans, your Thanksgiving spread probably includes turkey or ham, stuffing or dressing, various vegetables, sides, and breads, punctuated with decadent desserts. And with all that meal-prep, there are lots of scraps and trimmings that you can give your rabbit or guinea pig as a special holiday treat!
Treats for your bunny
Rabbits and carrots go together like turkey and dressing. But what other trimmings can you save for your bunny when you’re prepping for your holiday meal?
Rabbit-safe Thanksgiving meal ingredients that you can share with your bunny include: carrots and their tops (though in moderation, as carrots are high in sugar- which is why rabbits love them!), celery, cranberries (fresh or unsweetened and dried), fresh green beans, and leafy greens such as lettuce and cabbage. And if your Thanksgiving meal doesn’t stick to the traditional menu, a list of rabbit-safe foods can be referenced to see what you can feed your bunny from the kitchen.
The easiest way to keep your rabbit’s treats separate from what gets tossed and what gets seasoned is to keep a bunny-bowl on the counter. Any trimmings that are meant for your rabbit can be scooped into a bowl and offered once you’re done with your meal prepping – just make sure all of your helping-hands in the kitchen know what this is for!
If you’re really feeling festive, you can also find many recipes online for rabbit-friendly baked goods like carrot cake or banana treats to make their holiday extra-special!
Guinea pig goodies
Guinea pigs follow a diet that resembles a rabbit’s, except that they need more vitamin C as they cannot manufacture their own. The same foods that you reserve for your rabbit can be safely offered to your guinea pig, but some additional considerations for cavies are: small amounts of orange or orange peel, bell peppers (yellow, red, or orange are best), broccoli, apple slices, and berries.
Part of the cuteness of cavies is their build, but with their little legs and larger bodies, it’s important not to overfeed them! Ideas for guinea pig baked goods can also be found online, but any holiday goodies should be served as a one-time treat.
Keep a cavy-cup handy in the kitchen during holiday baking and meal-prep. Guinea pigs need no more than ½ cup of fruits and vegetables per day in addition to their regular diet. If possible, refrigerate excess scraps to offer at a later date if your cup “runneth over!”
Holiday hazards
While there are many delicious and nutritious foods to share with your rabbit or guinea pig, there are also holiday staples that should not be shared! Avoid feeding:
Nuts and seeds
Potatoes (especially if raw!)
Sugary or baked goods
Breads
Meat
If your rabbit or guinea pig happens to sneak a taste of something they shouldn’t, identify what it was and how much they ingested and call your veterinarian. The holidays are the most common time of the year for pets (large and small!) to get into something they shouldn’t, so take precautions to ensure your bunny or cavy aren’t able to sneak a bite. Make sure your rabbit or guinea pig is safe in their hutch or run, or set up a rabbit or guinea pig playpen to keep your furry family members out of the kitchen and away from falling foods and cooking utensils!
Special occasion treats and year-round feeding
Rabbits and guinea pigs both need a quality pellet feed (ideally timothy hay-based), and unlimited access to timothy hay or orchard grass and fresh water, with guinea pigs needing additional vitamin C. Around 90% of both your rabbit and guinea pig’s diet should consist of these staples, with treats being given no more than a few times a week.
The best treats are those that incorporate into a well-balanced diet for bunnies and cavies, such as vegetables or fruits that offer nutritional value. Anything indulgent should be offered on special occasions like holidays or your pet’s birthday – otherwise it might upset their digestive systems or influence their food preferences!
Feeding treats in a Caddi rabbit treat holder or a Caddi guinea pig treat holder is a great way to keep their favorite treats all together and up off the ground. It’s also a nice “plating” option when serving up special holiday fare!
A home for the holidays
The holiday season should be a time of comfort and joy for both you and your furry family members. This time of the year also brings colder temperatures and freezing precipitation, so be sure your rabbit or guinea pig is housed in an insulated rabbit hutch or guinea pig hutch for optimum coziness. And bring on the joy with Zippi tunnels and playpens for endless fun so guinea pigs and rabbits can warm up their bodies and appetites!
With a warm home, full bellies, and loving humans, your small furry family members are sure to have the best holiday season!
Are you considering adding a rabbit to your family? Or thinking about bringing an outdoor bunny indoor for a season, or even permanently?
Like other small pets, rabbits are very interesting companions to share a home with. They’re easy to care for, build bonds with their families, and don’t require a large amount of space. But unlike other small pets, rabbits are highly adaptable when it comes to their lodging. They can be housed indoors or outdoors, and adapt quickly to a wide variety of environments.
Keeping rabbits indoors allows for closer interaction with them, and also eliminates certain risk factors that come along with outdoor living – such as predators and harsh weather. By keeping your rabbit inside, you’ll also be able to observe their personality and behaviors much more closely. By sharing your living space with your bunny, you won’t have to miss out on a single binky, flop, sprawl, or purr from your furry-family member!
As with any pet, you’ll need to maintain your bunny’s abode to keep it smelling and looking fresh. But with proper placement and cleaning measures, having a pet rabbit indoors can be an aesthetically pleasing and enriching addition to your home!
Boundaries for your bunny
Like small children, bunnies are very curious and don’t always know what’s friend or foe before testing it! It’s very important to take the following rabbit-proofing measures before allowing your bun to explore the inside of your home:
Make sure your rabbit does not have access to electrical wires such as electronic cables, lamp cords, etc.
Close off any small spaces that your bunny may try to squeeze into.
Let everyone in your home know when your rabbit has run of the house to make sure no outside doors get left open.
Consider blocking off access to wooden furniture that may be enticing to chew on, as treated wood is harmful to rabbits.
While you should aim to give your rabbit as much room to stretch their legs outside of their hutch as possible, it’s a good idea to limit your rabbit to specific areas of your home to explore, such as one room or in a rabbit playpen. You’ll be able to keep up with your bunny much easier than if they had free-rein of your house, and having boundaries will make them feel safe and secure.
Litter boxes are not just for cats
Did you know that you can litter box train your rabbit? Like cats, rabbits can be taught to utilize a litter box when nature calls!
Rabbits don’t have quite the instinctive drive to use a litter box as their feline friends, but with a little practice and patience they’ll get the hang of it.
Basic litter box training for rabbits:
Placement is key! Find where your bunny likes to relieve themselves (usually a corner or other secluded spot) and place their litter box in the exact same location.
Use some of your rabbit’s eliminations to “bait” the litter box. Pick up some of your bunny’s droppings and empty them on top of the litter. You can also mop up some urine with an unscented tissue or paper towel to place in the litter box.
Choose a litter box or pan that is an appropriate size for your bunny. If your rabbit uses a corner as their toilet, consider buying a corner-mounted litter box.
Use a rabbit-appropriate litter (not cat litter!) for your bunny’s litter box.
Keep your bunny’s litter box in close proximity for the first few weeks. After they get the hang of using it, you can move it to a specific room or keep it in their hutch for them to scurry off to when nature calls!
Be patient when training your rabbit to use a litter box, and expect accidents to happen! For more information on litter box training your rabbit, check out: How to Litter Train Your Rabbit.
When and how often to clean your rabbit’s home
Even if your rabbit is litter box trained, their enclosure will need to be cleaned regularly. Many factors determine how often your bunny’s home needs to be refreshed. Male or female, spayed or neutered, and the size of their enclosure all play a part in how often bedding and hutches will need to be cleaned.
A male rabbit that has not been neutered will have a natural “musky” smell, both from his scent glands and in his urine. Intact male rabbits are also more likely to spray to mark their territory, making eliminations outside of their litter box a regular occurrence (high-sided or enclosed litter boxes are ideal for male rabbits!). Intact females are also known to mark with urine more so than spayed females. However, thanks to their anatomical differences from males, they aren’t quite as messy with their marking!
Use an unscented bedding for your rabbit’s enclosure and litter. While it may sound nice to have a scented bunny enclosure, many added perfumes or scents can be irritating to a rabbit’s sensitive sniffer! Stick with natural odor-absorbing beddings such as recycled paper, pine shavings or pellets, or aspen shavings. Avoid using any bedding that is made from cedar, as the oils can be toxic to your bunny. Straw makes for interesting bedding, but will mold easily once it’s wet, resulting in more frequent changes.
Plastic rabbit hutches are much easier to keep clean than their wooden counterparts, as they do not absorb odors. They’ll also last longer since rabbits nibble on wood to trim their ever-growing teeth! Hutches such as the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch offer ample ventilation to help air out any stale odors and allow for faster drying times after cleaning.
Rabbit-friendly cleaners
There are many commercially available rabbit-friendly cleaners and sprays that can be used safely around your bunny – just be sure to check the labels for use around rabbits specifically. Sprays formulated with enzymes are great for a quick refresh in the room your rabbit is housed in or in between cleanings – particularly if you have a male rabbit! Simply spray on your bunny’s bedding, litter, or hutch to neutralize odors for up to 24 hours. Again, just be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle!
A quick and easy DIY cleaning solution can be made by mixing equal parts vinegar and warm water for your rabbit’s hutch and accessories. Vinegar is one of the safest and effective cleaning agents for use around bunnies, but if you don’t like the smell of vinegar, this mixture can be diluted even further – up to 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water while still maintaining its cleaning ability. Refrain from adding any “smelly” agents such as essential oils, scent boosters, or other extras to your homemade cleaning solution.
Cleaners to avoid around your bunny
A common additive to cat litter boxes for odor-elimination is baking soda, but it is one of the substances that is toxic to bunnies in large amounts.
Other harmful cleaners or odor-eliminating substances that are hazardous to rabbits include:
Aerosols, or air fresheners
Chlorine bleach or ammonia
Detergents or dishwashing liquid
Powdered cleaning chemicals
Floor cleaners, both for hard flooring and carpets
Wood furniture cleaners and conditioners
It’s important to keep any areas your rabbit may explore free of these substances, including any rooms of your home that they will have access to. Bunnies may try to dig or nibble on carpets, baseboards, or furniture legs, so be sure to either keep them away from these objects, or to only clean your home with rabbit-safe options.
As always, if you suspect your rabbit has ingested or come into contact with a harmful substance, contact your veterinarian right away.
Your rabbit and us
At Omlet, we strive to help you reduce time cleaning and maintaining your rabbit’s area so there’s more time for play! With our extensive line of rabbit products, you’ll find everything you need to make indoor-rabbit ownership easy and enjoyable. Zippi rabbit runs, playpens, and tunnels allow you to customize the ultimate indoor rabbit playground, with plenty of space for them to “binky”, zoom, sprawl, and hop to their heart’s content! Our products are fully customizable to your space and preferences, and can be modified as often as you’d like to keep your rabbit’s space engaging and enriching.
Whether you’re bringing your rabbit indoors for the season, or making a more permanent housing change, we’re here to help! Have questions about transitioning your outdoor rabbit indoors or about products that will help your rabbit adjust to life indoors? Message us below!
Winter is highly anticipated by some, and a source of apprehension for others. Depending on where you live, your outdoor rabbit could fall into either category! Rabbits that live in states that experience long, hot summers look forward to winter with glee. However, bunnies living in states that experience bitter cold in the winter may not share the same excitement with their neighbors to the south. The good news is that rabbits are naturally able to handle the cold better than excessive heat, and with a helping hand from their human, they’ll be ready to withstand the cold winter months.
Your pet rabbit’s wild counterparts have multiple ways of managing their wellbeing in the cold. For instance, rabbits have a burrowing instinct, as the underground is more insulated and temperature-regulated than the outside air and at the mercy of the weather. But since burrowing down in the ground all winter isn’t an option for most domesticated rabbits, we’ve created rabbit hutches and accessories at Omlet to simulate the ideal conditions for your rabbit to withstand wild weather of all varieties!
With a few minor adjustments to your rabbit’s diet and routine, along with products designed by Omlet to keep the weather out and the warmth in, your rabbit can spend the winter months in their element – safe from the elements!
Cold-natured
Rabbits have dense coats that insulate them from both heat and cold. In the summertime, you’ll notice your rabbit “blowing” their coat frequently in an effort to release their dense undercoat in favor of the longer “guard hairs” on top. As the days shorten and grow colder, outdoor rabbits will shed less and grow out their insulating undercoat once again in preparation for winter. You’ll notice your bunny looking particularly poofy by the time cold weather sets in!
Once they’ve donned their winter coats (courtesy of nature!), bunnies are right at home in the cold! Like their wild counterparts, most pet rabbits will appear more energetic and playful in the colder months. But their increased activity isn’t just out of joy for the season – it’s also to create more energy and heat to warm themselves up. Nevertheless, it’s fun to watch pet rabbits increase their body temperatures through zoomies, hopping, binkies, and social play!
Multiple factors such as breed, size, housing conditions, and age need to be taken into consideration when determining how cold is too cold for your rabbit. As a general rule, most rabbits should be comfortable in temperatures above freezing. Once the weather hits 32℉, it’s time to evaluate how your bunny is faring.
Rabbits don’t mind a little snow, but if you’re in an area that experiences hard frosts and blizzard conditions, you’ll need to bolster your bunny’s shelter!
One of the best ways to keep your outdoor rabbit warm is to mimic their natural tactics in the wild. Bunnies burrow, nest, and huddle together for warmth – all of which you can recreate for your pet rabbit. Insulation, both in the wild and in your backyard, is a rabbit’s best friend in the cold.
Think of your rabbit’s hutch as their burrow. At Omlet, we’ve invented all of our rabbit products to maintain ideal temperatures and conditions for rabbits – just like they seek out in the wild. By selecting a well designed home for your bunny, such as the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch, they will have an insulated hideaway from the cold that provides ample ventilation without sacrificing warmth. But unlike a bunny-engineered burrow, the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch is waterproof and predator-resistant for when critters come lurking.
For frigid cold snaps, an Extreme Temperature Blanket is an excellent added layer of insulation for your rabbit’s hutch. Like any good insulation, the material won’t become waterlogged when the snow begins to melt, and traps extra heat underneath to further warm the hutch.
Wild winter weather
The winter season is unpredictable at best, and downright wild at its worst! Cold fronts can come out of nowhere, bringing temperature drops and heavy sleet or snow.
Rabbits, being the intuitive and sensitive animals that they are, can sense when a storm is coming. They can sense atmospheric pressure changes, which will drive them to seek shelter and hunker down. When seeking shelter, rabbits will choose the closest cover available. By placing a few Zippi Rabbit Shelters in their run, you can make sure your rabbit has ample opportunity to escape from the elements.
But you can also create a silver-lining to those winter storm clouds by creating a winter wonderland play-scape for your bunnies! By using a combination of Zippi Rabbit Tunnels, Zippi Rabbit Platforms, and Zippi Rabbit Shelters, you can design a winter-friendly playground that will make your bunny binky with joy!
Health and dietary considerations for winter
Rabbits need different care in the cold months vs the warmer months. You’ll want to inspect your rabbit’s coat before the first cold snap of the season. Check to make sure their undercoat is thick and healthy, and that they don’t have any patches where their hair has not grown in fully (rabbits may have bare or thinned patches of fur from rubbing, playing with each other, or from nervous grooming habits).
Make sure all water bottles or crocks are either insulated or heated to prevent freezing. Heating water on the stove or in the microwave several times a day to add to your rabbit’s watering device is another way of keeping their water thawed and palatable.
Rabbits also ramp up their metabolisms in the winter, and they’ll need more calories to support and maintain their increase in body temperature. They may pass on a hot cup of tea or cocoa, but your rabbit will thank you for extra hay and hay-based pellets during cold weather! You can give treats as usual, but additional treats aren’t necessary. Thanks to their unique digestive system, rabbits benefit the most from foods high in fiber – the longer it takes to digest, the more heat gets generated. Timothy hay, orchard grass, oat hay, and meadow hay are all energy-lending options that should be available at all times to your rabbit. Pelleted feed made primarily from hay should be free-fed as well. If you’re feeding your rabbit a blend (feed that has colored pellets, cracked corn, or seeds) once or twice a day, you’ll want to transition to feeding a pellet feed before the winter. You can save their blended feed for a special treat to be given in small amounts a few times a week!
It’s important to remember that rabbits do not hibernate. In fact, they become even more active during the colder months! If you notice your rabbit acting lethargic or sluggish, bring them inside and contact your veterinarian. An underactive bunny in the winter is either too cold, or will become too cold very quickly!
It’s all in the design
Preparation is the best method for caring for your rabbit in the cold months. But wouldn’t it be nice to have rabbit-housing solutions that work not only in the cold, but also in the heat?
We don’t want you to have to swap out setups every time the seasons change! That’s why we’ve invented one-product-suits-all solutions for caring for and enjoying your pets.
The Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch was designed to keep your rabbit’s thermostat at an even level all year long. And, with an added Extreme Temperature Blanket, you’ll give your bunny the highest level of comfort possible to not only endure the winter months, but to enjoy them!
And don’t forget that while creating a happy winter-home is important for your rabbit, playtime doesn’t have to fall to the wayside just because it’s chilly! An Outdoor Rabbit Run gives you plenty of space to create a fun playground for your rabbit that you can walk in and enjoy with them!
No matter where you spend your winter, Omlet is here to help you and your rabbit enjoy this season together. Whatever the weather – from temperate to frigid- we’ve thought up the products to cover your rabbit from every angle!
The story of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter paints a fairly bleak picture of a rabbit’s life in a garden. In fact, rabbits earn a bad reputation around the world as garden menaces. Their fast metabolism and curious natures drive rabbits to seek the tastiest and most nutritious vegetation, which inevitably lands them in a predicament much like Peter found himself in! But with a little planning and mindful designing, your garden can be free of the strife that Mr. McGregor experienced!
Our domesticated rabbits have the same instincts as their wild counterparts. In the wild, rabbits live in almost every climate imaginable, and can be found on every continent except Antarctica! This means they have to be able to eat a wide variety of plants to sustain themselves. Wild rabbits are also expert excavators, capable of digging extensive networks of tunnels and burrows. Unfortunately, both of these behaviors can spell bad news for a backyard gardener.
But what if our pet rabbits could live in harmony with our backyard plants, just as wild rabbits cohabitate with their native vegetation? What if digging and burrowing could work to the gardener’s advantage while encouraging our pet bunnies to foster their natural instincts?
A rabbit-ready garden
Rabbits are seriously misunderstood as gardening-assistants! If the proper care is taken when designing a backyard garden, pet rabbits can actually be very helpful when tending plants. They’ll trim the ends and edges of plants they are allowed access to, turn the soil through digging and burrowing, and mow stray patches of grass and invasive weeds. As an added bonus, those round bunny poops are actually little nuggets of garden gold! Rabbit manure is one of the best fertilizers for gardens, with many rabbit-keepers saving a stash to add to their compost and natural fertilizers.
But what plants are rabbit-safe? And how much is too much?
Here is a list (which is by no means exhaustive!) of gardening favorites that are both delicious and nutritious for your backyard bunny:
As with most tasty things, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much! In order to keep your bunny from overeating (both for their sake and that of the plant!), you’ll need to wrap or surround your plants and shrubs in rabbit-proof mesh to restrict nibbling, or elevate your plants by using planters, plant stands, or raised flower beds. Multi-level gardening can be visually stunning, and your back will thank you when tending to vegetation in raised plant beds!
It’s important to remember that hay (such as timothy or orchard grass) should make up the majority of your pet rabbit’s diet – 75% to be exact! The other 25% of foods offered should be allocated for veggies, pellets, and small amounts of fruit.
Rabbit red-flags: plants to avoid
Not everything that grows in a garden is safe for your rabbit to consume, and they won’t know the difference between friend and foe when it comes to snacks. Anything plant-like looks appetizing to a rabbit! Take extra care not to plant any of the following where your bunny can accidentally sneak a nibble:
Azalea
Blue Bell
Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet)
Buttercup
Christmas Rose
Columbine
Daffodil
Dahlia
Foxglove
Hemlock
Hyacinth
Iris
Ivy
Lupine
Lily of the Valley
Milkweed
Mistletoe
Narcissus
Nightshade
Periwinkle
Poppy
Primrose
Rhododendron
Tulip
Wisteria
Yew
If you are concerned that your rabbit may have gotten a taste of a toxic plant, or is acting ill after consuming any vegetation, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away. It is also helpful to bring a sample of the plant that was ingested, or a picture of the plant in question for your veterinarian to identify.
Rabbit-friendly fertilizers and weed killer
Since rabbits like to dig and burrow in the ground, caution needs to be taken when conditioning your garden’s soil. Commercially bought fertilizers and weed killers contain many substances that are harmful to bunnies, and should be avoided.
Thankfully there are many alternatives to name-brand garden products – and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry to make them yourself!
The best fertilizer for your garden is made through composting. Compost is super-food for plants, with the added bonus of being super-easy to start and maintain. Made from organic waste such as: food scraps, coffee grounds, dead leaves, grass clippings, weeds, etc., you can start composting as soon as your next meal! Compost piles can be made in a secluded part of your backyard or garden, or you can invest in a composting bin. No matter which method you choose, after a small amount of effort you’ll have an easy and nutritious boost for your plants that won’t harm your rabbits!
You can also add individual composting ingredients directly to the soil without waiting for them to break down. Some of the most common soil additives include coffee grounds, egg shells, banana peels, and manure (like what your bunny leaves for you!).
Be sure to exercise caution when adding things like coffee grounds or grass clippings to soil within your bunny’s reach, as ingestion could create digestive upset. It’s best to add actual compost at ground level, and individual ingredients to plants out of your rabbit’s reach.
While rabbits are excellent in helping to clear weeds, some stubborn varieties need a helping hand. This list of DIY weed killers offers rabbit-safe options:
Vinegar and dish soap
Rubbing alcohol and water
Boiling water
Any of these solutions should be applied while your bunny is safely in their hutch to avoid any direct contact. Once the solutions have dried, it will be safe for your rabbit to resume outdoor activities!
Bunny boundaries
No matter how much space you allow your bunny to roam, you’ll need to make sure it’s both escape-proof and predator-resistant.
The Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch is an excellent option for the free-roaming rabbit. It’s compact enough to not take up too much real estate in your backyard, and sturdy enough to keep even the most persistent of predators out. Plus, the added run with an integrated no-dig wire floor is an instant outdoor housing solution for your bunny! Incorporate the wire run into your gardening aesthetic by planting rabbit-safe trailing vines, or by placing potted plants alongside the run for easy-access bunny snacks.
If your rabbit roams in a larger space, be sure to have their area covered with wire, or provide lots of plants that offer shade and foliage to hide from flying predators such as hawks and owls. Even if your rabbit is too large to be swept away by a bird of prey, these flying hunters can inflict injury on your bunny by attempting to pick them up. You can also provide escapes with the Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System of your own design, or functional garden decor for safe rabbit-retreats.
To dig or not to dig
Rabbits are diggers by nature. They create tunnels, burrows, or simply move dirt to create a soft and cool spot to settle into on a warm day. When allowed to dig in appropriate places, rabbits fulfill their innate desires and upkeep their physical health – which means happier bunnies and shorter toenails!
It’s important that any rabbit enclosure nestled on the ground have a dig-resistant liner all along the bottom. Even if you forgo having a designated run for your rabbit in favor of free-rein of the garden, all fences should be at least 3 feet tall, with wire-mesh buried at least 6 inches down to prevent escapes. As an added layer of protection, wire-mesh can be fixed to the bottom 6-8 inches of the fence, forming a 90 degree angle with another 6-12 inches tacked into the ground using landscape staples.
Be sure to check your boundary lines daily for any new tunnels that may present a problem. Rabbits are quite proud of their handiwork, and will often spend time in their new constructions, so watch for extending tunnels and burrows. It’s a good idea to mark tunnels to note their progress and to avoid stepping on the hollowed-out ground between an entrance and exit. Plant marking signs make adorable additions to your garden, and can be useful when marking rabbit construction zones!
Any tunnels that aren’t headed in a safe direction should be filled with dirt or gravel to prevent escape. And be sure to watch your step – rabbit tunnel entrances and exits are just the right size to swallow a shoe and turn an ankle! For more ideas on housing your bunny outside, check out: Rabbit-Proofing the Garden.
If allowing your rabbit to tunnel is not a safe or desirable activity for them, creating a network of Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System components is a fun and safe way to curb their tunneling cravings! By connecting Zippi Rabbit Runs and Playpens together, and adding physically and mentally challenging components such as Zippi Lookout Towers or Zippi Rabbit Run Platforms, your rabbit will be able to fulfill its frolicking needs!
Weather considerations
Rabbits are naturally equipped to handle a wide variety of weather conditions, but a little help from their humans goes a long way! If you are transitioning an indoor rabbit to staying outdoors, be sure to take temperature into consideration and avoid excessively warm or cool days at first. The ideal temperature for a rabbit is between 55℉ and 70℉, so aiming for days with mild temperatures will give your rabbit the smoothest transition possible.
Of course not every day will have ideal temperatures, but after getting acclimated to life outside, your rabbit’s coat and instincts will adapt to the weather. But to give them an advantage, rabbit weather protection and rabbit rabbit run covers can bolster your bunny’s natural defenses against the elements. Rabbits have a dense coat that will insulate them once they are accustomed to being outdoors in winter months, but an insulated hutch is a particularly good idea if you live in an area that experiences sub-freezing temperatures.
Rabbits fare better in cold temperatures than hot, so if you live in an area with excessive summer temperatures, be sure to keep a close eye on the thermometer as well as your bunny. Signs of rabbit heat stroke include:
Rapid breathing or panting
Drooling
Lethargy
Bring your rabbit inside and contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect heat-related illness. Frozen water bottles or ice packs placed near your bunny’s favorite resting spot is one of the best ways to stave off overheating. Your bunny will appreciate having something cool to snuggle up to!
Omlet for the outdoors
At Omlet, we want your pets to live their most natural lives in the safest way possible. Our line of rabbit products are designed to allow your bunny to enjoy the great outdoors without compromising their security. Whether you have a background garden for your rabbit to prune, or keep them housed in a hutch/run combo with strategically placed herbs and edible plants to nibble on through the wire, we have the products to create the ultimate outdoor play space! Easy to set up, clean, and maintain, you’ll love your rabbit’s new setup almost as much as they will!
Bunnies were built to bounce, and in their natural habitat can even reach a super speedy 45mph! Whilst your domesticated floppy-eared pets don’t move as quickly as their friends in the wild, they still need to be provided with an exercise routine. We’re not talking rabbit aerobics or bunny boot camp, but by expanding their living space, you can help your bunnies to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Unsure of how you can offer your rabbits more room to stretch their legs? Let’s hop to it!
Run rabbit run
Your gym bunnies need space to keep on top of their workout routine! Whilst a good hutch like the Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch is great for keeping your rabbits protected from backyard predators and the elements, providing them with an outdoor rabbit run offers them the additional space they desire.
You can extend your Omlet Outdoor Rabbit Run at any time should you need to create even more room for your active rabbits. It has a full height stable door, meaning easy access for you to interact and bond with your bunnies.
Alternatively, add a run up to 13ft to your Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch, perfect for children to get up close to their pet in the backyard. And since evidence suggests that rabbits that bond with their owners live longer and happier lives, enjoying quality time with your bunnies is even more important than once thought.
What if you could give your rabbits the warren their instincts demand with no digging in the backyard? Our product designers once thought the same, which is why we made the Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System! Simply attach the tunnel to your hutch and provide your rabbits with a safe and secure route to their exercise space whenever they want!
Hop on in!
If your bunnies live inside all year round, or you’re considering moving your rabbits indoors for the winter, then a playpen is ideal. Whilst bunny-proofing your home is a given for those keeping indoor rabbits, allowing them free range of the house at all times isn’t always an option. The solution? An indoor rabbit playpen! Fencing off an area with a large indoor rabbit playpen is ideal for creating more space for your pets for those times when they’re not wandering through the house, whilst you can be assured they are in a safe, confined area. You can also accessorize your indoor run using Omlet’s play tunnels – designed by our genius product designers to mimic their natural instinct to burrow!
Upgrade to a 2-storey apartment
What if your rabbits could see the world from our perspective? Rabbits significantly benefit from having an additional floor in their enclosure, so upgrading their home, and creating vertical space for your bunnies will give them a new outlook on the world. And now that you’ll almost be face to face with your rabbits, platforms allow you to interact with your pets at an even closer level! Use Omlet’s Zippi Rabbit Platforms in your rabbits’ run to give them their own bunny adventure playground – perfect for pets who live in a smaller space. Platforms are also great for strengthening your rabbits’ muscles. A fit bunny is a happy bunny, and just like us, exercise is fantastic for improving their mental well-being. Since these animals are nervous by nature, a regular fitness routine helps to take the edge off, as well as being a brilliant boredom buster.
Creating more space for your rabbits is one key to successfully having your bunnies live hop-pily ever after! After more advice on enriching your rabbits’ environment? Take a read of our How to Make Your Rabbit Happy blog.
Fall is the perfect opportunity to take some time to make sure your bunnies are happy with their setup in the garden. After a scorching summer, the more comfortable temperatures of fall will be warmly welcomed by us and our floppy-eared friends. The change in season brings a cooler breeze, beautiful crisp leaves, and plenty more exciting sights and smells for bunnies to explore around their homes. Before the real winter chill hits, now is the perfect time to upgrade your rabbit run. So, how exactly can you transform your pet’s summer hideaway to a cosy rabbit retreat?
Extensions
First of all, take a good look at your run and assess if it is good enough for your beloved bunnies, or if there is room for improvement. Whether they have an Eglu Run, Outdoor Rabbit Run or Zippi Run, you can make it larger with practical and easily assembled extension panels. That way your bunnies have more space to run around on, and you can add more fun accessories that will keep them busy in the colder months.
Caddi
Leftover food and treats lying around the run not only makes it look a bit sad and untidy, it can also attract rodents and other pests, and if you’re not vigilant with your cleaning your rabbits might accidentally ingest something that has gone mouldy.
A great way of upgrading your run, and feeding your pets yummy and nutritious treats, is to get a Caddi Treat Holder. Fill it with fresh grass, allotment veg or some chopped up fruit, and hang from the top of the run. The rabbits will love the swinging motion of the holder as they try to grab a delicious mouthful, and the spillage will be minimal. Additionally, you will be able to keep track of when you gave your rabbits which treats, so you can alternate between different ones and make sure nothing that has gone off is still in the run.
Platforms
Everyone knows that rabbits love to hop! Adding platforms to your rabbit’s run is a great way to let your rabbit bounce to their heart’s content, whilst you make the most of the usable space that you have in their Zippi Run. Platforms will provide your fluffy friend with more places to explore, which in turn will help to strengthen their muscles as they jump up and down on their new adventure playground. The Omlet platforms are also suitable for use all year round, so you can still get the most out of this feature for when the weather gets cooler over fall.
Shelters
The Zippi Shelters will be a great addition to your run this fall, as they provide both (surprise surprise) shelter and an invitation to stimulating play. Rabbits have a natural instinct to seek a hidey hole, and in the wild they create ‘rooms’ in their warrens where they can come to relax and have a nap. The Zippi Shelters will provide exactly this, but in your pet rabbits’ run. They will also love running in and out of, or jumping on top of the Shelter to survey their surroundings.
Although the rabbits will always have their hutch to retreat to when it gets wet or windy, it’s great to have another spot where they can get away from the inevitable fall showers. The shelters are sturdy and waterproof, and your rabbits will love hopping in to relax.
Treats
As it gets colder your rabbits will use more energy to stay warm, so it’s the ideal time to stock up on treats for the cupboard. Make sure you find a good balance between fresh fruit and veg and shop bought treats to put on the run.
For more inspiration and ideas on how you can improve your rabbit’s fall setup, take a read of our 8 Tips for Making Your Pets’ Run More Fun This Fallblog. And to make sure your bunny has everything they need to make this special season amazing, discover everything the Omlet Rabbit Shop has to offer.
If you’ve ever needed to get inside your Zippi run to refresh food and water, or pick up your pet, you will likely have noticed the smaller openings make it difficult to reach inside, and removing a whole panel is rarely worth the hassle. The Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs have been designed to solve this problem.
How do the Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs work?
Available in varying pack sizes to suit your needs, the locks allow you to replace clips between mesh panels on three straight edges of any panel you wish to open up.
The Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs encases the edge of two mesh panels and secures them together in the same way as a run clip, however, once unlocked both mesh panels are still held in position until all locks are opened to lift open the panel you wish to use as an entry point, without it collapsing into your run and endangering your pets.
Can I use multiple Easy Access Locks for Zippi at once?
You can even use multiple Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs to convert adjoining panels of larger runs so you can open up a larger door or run roof. Simply follow these handy diagrams to see how many locks you need to create your desired run opening.
How will the Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs help me and my pets?
With this improved accessibility to your run it is much easier to reach or climb in to feed your pets, tidy and clean the run floor and accessories, pick up your pet to take out of the run, or play with them inside. Making it easier for adults and children to access the run and play with their rabbits and guinea pigs inside ensures pets get as much playtime as possible to be happy, healthy and closely connected to you. To find out more about how the Zippi Runs and Playpens could help your rabbits to have more space and plenty more playtime and exercise, take a read of this blog.
The locks are durable, predator resistant and super simple to operate – even little hands can do it! The integrated safety button requires you to push and turn simultaneously in order to open the lock, making it harder for unwanted visitors to gain access.
Watch the Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs in action in this YouTube video…
The new Easy Access Lock for Zippi Runs are now available online, from $3.00 each.
For more rabbit and guinea pig products, shop the Omlet website to ensure that your furry friend has everything they ever need!
Why should you forage for treats to give your rabbits?
Well, even if there are plenty of great pre-made treats for your pets, it’s sometimes fun to know exactly what you’re giving them. Wild plants are nutritionally balanced, high in fiber and really yummy. Apart from that, they’re also free!
Things to know before foraging for rabbit treats
Before we get going, here are some things to think about:
If you’re not completely sure that you have identified a plant correctly, don’t pick it. It’s useful to have photos of the plants you’re looking for at hand and compare what you find with them.
Try to avoid collecting treats for your rabbits by busy roads with lots of emissions from cars. It’s best to find spots where you’re relatively confident no pesticides or other chemicals have been used, and where cats and dogs will not have peed or pooped on the plants.
If you want to you can wash your finds when you get home, but in most cases, this is not necessary. If you’re introducing something new to your rabbits, start slowly and give only small amounts of the new food at the time. Some treats can upset the rabbits’ very sensitive stomachs. Also remember to only feed these greens in moderation, as a treat on top of the rabbits daily amount of pellets and hay.
Now we’ve got that done, here are 6 plants that most people will be able to identify, that can easily be found on most park walks, and that rabbits of all sizes and ages will love!
6 plants you can forage
Images above from top left to right.
1. Dandelion
Most people will be able to recognize this very common plant. Lion teeth leaves, thick, hollow stems and yellow flower heads that turn into spherical clocks after flowering. Rabbits can eat the whole plant: leaves, stems and flowers, and they are great for drying if you want to keep them for winter.
2. Stinging Nettle
The less pleasant aspect of the nettle, the sting, doesn’t deter rabbits from this lovely green. Although you will need gloves to pick the nettles, the rabbits don’t feel the sting, and will munch through both leaves and stems. Stinging nettles can be found in most woodland areas, and you will recognize them by the serrated leaves and the tassel-like flowers at the top. They also dry well for your winter supply.
3. Blackberries/Brambles
Blackberry bushes flower from early May with pale pink flowers that turn into small green berries that then become shiny black. Brambles grow high in hedgerows and ditches, and have prickly thorns, so be careful when picking. Rabbits can eat the stems and leaves, you don’t even need to remove the prickly bits.
4. Plantain (Ribwort)
Plantain grows low among grass and has broad or long light green leaves. The leaves have three or five parallel veins running through them, and if you tear it apart it’s stringy, almost like celery. Plantain is a hit with most rabbits and can be served both fresh and dried.
5. Chickweed
This is another common weed that is often found in lawns and other places with slightly moist soil. It has sleek stems that can grow up to 1.3 ft. in height, and small while flowers. The whole plant can be given to your rabbit in moderation.
6. Goosegrass
Goosegrass is the long hairy plant that sticks to your clothes and is one of many types of grass that rabbits love. It spreads incredibly quickly, so shouldn’t be difficult to find, even in your own backyard or garden. Although maybe not the easiest to pick, it’s both nutritious and delicious for rabbits.
How to give your rabbits fresh treats
Now that you’re done foraging, you’ll of course want to treat your rabbits with the delicious plants that you’ve found! Using a rabbit treat holder is a great option for giving your rabbit fresh treats, ideal for not only feeding your floppy-eared friends but fantastic for enriching their environment too. Simply fill your Caddi Rabbit Treat Holder with the plants that you have foraged (or fresh fruit, vegetables, or hay), and hang from your rabbit’s run or rabbit hutch.
One of the most commonly asked questions from pet parents of smaller breeds of animals is whether or not rabbits and guinea pigs can live together. They are both small, cute and cuddly, live in hutches (or a super stylish Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch!) and like vegetables but that is pretty much where the similarities end.
It used to be fairly standard practice for Guineas and Bunnies to live together, this was because neutering smaller animals wasn’t seen as a safe option. Things have most definitely changed since then and this is no longer a concern. The other reason behind this cohabitation is that the saying “breeding like rabbits” is very true! It was thought that by keeping guinea pigs and rabbits together it would prevent mass breeding.
A rabbit’s reproductive cycle is pretty fast, almost immediately after giving birth they can conceive again, and even though the average litter size is 5, it could be even higher! The largest recorded rabbit litter is 24, born to two New Zealand rabbits! So, if a plethora of bunnies is not for you then your option would have been to let them share the living space with a guinea pig. It’s company after all, right? Wrong, in an ideal world, it would be perfect, however, it is not always meant to be.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs are not really recommended to share their living quarters. Here, we look into the reasons behind why this seemingly suitable match made in heaven and lifelong friendship, won’t always be ideal.
They have different diets
Many consider these small pets to be similar in many ways, however, their dietary needs are quite different. Even though both mammals require hay, vegetables and fruit for a balanced diet there is something fundamentally different about how they process their vitamin intake. Guinea pigs need Vitamin C to ensure they have a healthy diet because just like humans, they are unable to synthesize the vitamin alone, due to a gene deficiency. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and is necessary for survival. Rabbits, on the other hand, can synthesize this particular vitamin, and if they are given too much then it could make them sick.
Housing them together and allowing them to share a food bowl, may only be meeting the needs of one, which could cause health problems down the line for the other.
Rabbits bully Guinea pigs
This may seem like a bold statement, but it is a possibility and one to be wary of. Our floppy-eared friends are bigger and somewhat stronger than their smaller counterparts. When it comes to food, especially if they are sharing, Peter Rabbit could quite easily push little Mini Guinea out of the way and assert their authority over them. This would result in a tempestuous relationship, especially if your guinea pig is being deprived of food! Rabbits also love to bounce and hop around as they are very energetic creatures, so playtime could be slightly one-sided and maybe a little rough for your guinea pig who is a little more docile.
They communicate differently
Picture this, you’ve got your feet up, you’re comfortable and have a cup of coffee on the side and are ready to read the Sunday papers, and all of a sudden, your housemate decides to throw a Hawaiian themed party and invite the whole neighborhood. That’s a little bit like living with a rabbit (from the perspective of a guinea pig!). Despite both being quite sociable little creatures, guineas do like their own space and time to relax, whereas rabbits tend to thrive from attention, either from regular mating or huddling together with their companions, grooming each other. This type of behavior can be quite stressful for a guinea pig.
They are a different species after all and will not speak the same language. If they cannot communicate with each other then they could suffer from boredom and loneliness. Whereas if there are lots of rabbits and guinea pigs, they will feel happier being with their own kind.
There are health risks
Both animals can be affected by Bordetella bronchiseptica which is a bacterial infection that can lead to bronchitis. It is more severe for guinea pigs, whereas rabbits display very few symptoms. Another potential threat is Pasteurella which is passed through saliva, for example biting. Again, this is less of a threat to rabbits but more dangerous to guinea pigs. If rabbits and guinea pigs are living together, it could cause health risks which could be detrimental to a safe environment.
How to keep them safe if they do live together
Despite the recommendation that rabbits and guinea pigs should not house share, there may be some exceptions. Introducing them to each other when they are kittens and pups means they may grow to love one another and see each other as friends, not foes. Bringing in a new guinea pig into an environment with an older bunny could lead to a hierarchical imbalance.
You might find that they share a bond or have become the best of friends, or you simply can’t house them separately. If that is the case then there are ways you can accommodate their differences.
Create a safe space for your guinea pig
If your guinea pig needs to retreat for a moment or two then having its own space is so important. Omlet has created products that can be extended, interconnected and upgraded providing you with a simple solution when it comes to creating a unique space for your animals. Start with the Eglu Go Guinea Pig cage which is super easy to assemble and clean. It provides that perfectly safe peaceful space for your guinea pig!
Feed your pets separately
Rather than sharing a food bowl, which we have discovered could be problematic, feed your guinea pig separately from your rabbit. Consider having a different area to feed your rabbit, like in their own enclosure.
Ensure your rabbit is neutered
Nowadays neutering small pets has become a lot safer and far more common, so it would be recommended if you plan to keep multiple rabbits or keep them with guinea pigs. Since we know that rabbits have the urge to mate constantly, this would not only be annoying for your guinea pig but it could also lead to back injuries, considering they are smaller in stature in comparison to a rabbit. By neutering your rabbit they will have less of a desire to mount their hutch-buddy!
Friendly Neighbours?
Of course, there is no reason why you can’t have rabbits or guinea pigs. It is possible to create separate living areas so that they can sleep apart and have space for themselves (guinea pigs mostly), and an extensive play area (rabbits!) to keep them energized and entertained. To improve on this architectural masterpiece, provide them with a communal playpen, with an interconnecting tunnel system. It’s not as though they can’t live together, it is possible, though it is not recommended and hopefully this article has provided enough information as to why. If you have experience of rabbits and guinea pigs living in harmony together or perhaps not, then please share your stories in the comments section below.
Is your rabbit a happy bunny? Of course, any pet parent only wants their beloved furry friend to be happy and healthy, so how exactly can you fulfil your rabbit’s needs? Here are our top tips for how to make your rabbit happy!
Good Diet and Fresh Water
First and foremost, to ensure your rabbit is happy, they’ll need a good, balanced diet and a constant supply of fresh water. Just as we feel our best when we’re eating well and staying hydrated, so do our pet rabbits! In fact, a large cause of illness in these animals can be traced back to dangerous or wrongly proportioned feeding.
Therefore, a rabbit’s diet should consist of around 80% high-quality hay, and they should always have an unlimited supply available to them. However, hay alone will not provide your pet with all of the nutrients they require. They should also then be given pellet food with ideally a 20-25% fiber content. Muesli style foods should be avoided when choosing a feed for your pet rabbit. This can unfortunately lead to complications with a rabbit’s digestive system and cause issues with a rabbit’s ever-growing teeth.
Your fluffy friend should also be supplied with greens as part of their diet. However, just be mindful that leafy green vegetables such as spinach, chard and cabbage, whilst nutritious, must be given in moderation. To find out more about the best diet for your rabbit, read our previous blogWhat Should Rabbits Eat? which will tell you everything your rabbit needs to consume to stay happy and healthy!
Water Bottle or Bowl?
When it comes to giving your rabbits water, there are two options – a bottle or a bowl. Therabbit bowls and water bottles section will help you to pick a suitable choice to suit depending on your circumstance. Ultimately, what it comes down to is that giving your rabbit water from a bowl is a more natural way for a rabbit to drink. Bowls, however, can be knocked over and wet your rabbit’s bedding. On the flip side, a water bottle helps to reduce water waste and helps to keep your rabbit’s water supply at one temperature.
Give Your Rabbit Yummy Treats
As well as providing your rabbit with a healthy, balanced diet, giving your rabbit a few yummy treats will go a long way too! There are a wide range of rabbit treats that can be fed to your pet (in moderation of course!). Most rabbits also love fresh vegetables so you can even offer these as a treat too. To find a list of what vegetables are suitable for your rabbit to remain happy and healthy, read our blogWhich Fruit and Vegetables Can I Feed my Rabbit?for some further clarification.
Protection From Illness, Injury and Disease
None of us like feeling under the weather, including our floppy-eared friends! Your rabbit’s health is paramount to keeping them happy! It’s important that as a responsible owner, you stay on top of everything they need to protect them from illness, injury and disease.
Rabbit health and hygiene products are designed to keep your pet rabbit in top condition or help them recover from minor ailments. A mini grooming kit is a great rabbit care product, which will not only mean your rabbit’s fur will be looking great but will also help the both of you to build a bond.
If you are concerned that your rabbit’s normal behavior has changed, or you suspect they are unwell at all, do not hesitate to take them to their vet.
They Need Somewhere Suitable to Live
There’s no place like home! Rabbits need a secure and suitable place to live, whether you’re keeping a rabbit inside your house, or they are in a hutch like Omlet’sEglu Go Rabbit Hutch outside. TheEglu Go Rabbit Hutch is a great choice for pet rabbits, perfect for all year round and suitable to house up to two happy rabbits.
Rabbits also of course need rabbit bedding to stay happy! Rabbit bedding is suitable for either yourEglu Go Rabbit Hutch or any other bunny home. Dirty bedding increases the chances of them developing horrible conditions such as myiasis, also known as flystrike for a start. Also, your rabbit won’t be happy staying in an unclean environment. In general, these pets like to stay clean and will look after themselves by licking away dirt.
YourOmlet Eglu Go Rabbit Hutch can also easily be extended to offer your rabbit more outside space. Rabbits need to be kept on their toes and with such powerful hind legs that can reach 50 miles per hour, they need space to run! TheOmlet Zippi Playpen is ideal for making sure your rabbit has enough room to hop around to their heart’s content, while keeping safe. Similarly, theOutdoor Rabbit Run will keep rabbits secure when exploring, and since it’s extendable in width, length and height, it’s suitable for rabbits of all sizes! Find out about all the possibilities of how you cangive your rabbits more space with Zippi.
House Rabbits Too!
If you opt to keep domestic rabbits as house pets, then the same applies in that your rabbit’s home still needs to be somewhere they feel safe and comfortable. You’ll need to rabbit proof your home for one, if you do decide to go down this route. This means that you will need to consider all potential hazards e.g. electrical cables, furniture, and house plants to ensure your home is suitable. Furthermore, if you are planning on litter training your rabbit, might want to consider neutering them. Neutered rabbits are a lot easier to litter train. In fact, an unneutered rabbit is almost impossible to litter train completely!
Give Your Rabbit Lots of Attention
Rabbits love attention from their owners once they’re comfortable. And just like any other pet, you should interact with your bunny to continue building a long-lasting bond. You can do this via play, training, or simply speaking to them! Talk to your rabbit in a soft tone, and they’ll soon get used to your voice. You should be able to tell if your rabbit is enjoying your company with a few tell-tale signs that we’ll go into shortly.
Respect Your Rabbit’s Boundaries
As with any animal, it’s important to respect a rabbit’s boundaries to ensure they live a happy life. While rabbits are sociable animals who love showing their owners affection and make for great pets, the average rabbit is also naturally nervous, being prey animals.
One way to respect your rabbit’s boundaries is by reading their body language and responding based on this. For example, a happy rabbit will do ‘the bunny flop’ when they’re feeling happy and relaxed, whereby they will roll on their back with their legs in the air. However, a nose nudge could mean your rabbit wants to be left alone. If you’re new to keeping rabbits, you might be a bit unfamiliar with reading this language. Take a read of ourLearn to Read your Rabbit’s Body Language so that you are able to identify when your rabbit is, or isn’t, in the mood to play”
What Noise Do Rabbits Make When They Are Happy?
A rabbit will also communicate vocally to let you know how they’re feeling. The sound of low grunting and grinding of teeth means that the rabbit is content and relaxed. However, if your rabbit lets out a scream, this is their way of telling you that they’re scared or in a lot of pain. As you develop a bond with your bunny, it will become easier to identify how they’re feeling and their likes.
Do Bunnies Like Being Held?
Generally speaking, rabbits do not like being held. Even more so if they have not become accustomed to it from a young age. Therefore, for this reason, some rabbit breeds don’t fit in well with households with small children. This being said, breeds like the French Lops and Dutch Rabbits are renowned for getting on well with young children who will be tempted to touch the new pet! For a bit more breed information on what would work best, readOmlet’s rabbit breed guide.
Create Fun Play Areas
Healthy rabbits need to be kept entertained to remain happy and in the best condition they can be! You can do this by creating lots of fun play areas in their outdoor run space or make your house rabbit happy by introducing accessories to the home. Outdoors, theZippi Rabbit Playtunnel andZippi Rabbit Run Platforms are great ways to make sure that your rabbit is mentally stimulated. Platforms also prevent the risk of obesity and injury. Both of this are to be avoided if you want to keep your rabbit happy! Read about more of the benefits of exercise across multiple levels with platforms with our blogPlatforms: Benefits of Exercise Across Multiple Levels.
Omlet’s Zippi Rabbit Shelter is also great way to add to your rabbit’s environment. Since rabbits have a natural instinct to seek a hideaway, theZippi Rabbit Shelter provides this desired protection from the outside elements, as well as being somewhere your pet can sit safely in, while observing their surroundings.
Did you know that rabbits love massages?! So much so, that rabbits who have regular massages are said to be calmer and less stressed than pet rabbits that don’t! You should always be gentle and move slowly when massaging your rabbit and use a long gliding stroke. Start from down your rabbit’s head, following on to their neck and back. Eventually, end at the top of your rabbit’s tail. It goes without saying that you should gauge how your rabbit is reacting and of course stop if you sense that they’re not relaxed or enjoying the massage. However, if they are, continue to gently massage around their neck and ear base.
Introduce Your Rabbit to a Companion
While your pet rabbit can live a happy life as an ‘only rabbit’, they’ll also appreciate another rabbit friend for them to live with. Getting companion rabbits is a good idea because whilst this desire for having a friend can partially be met with their human pal i.e. you, rabbits can potentially get lonely without a rabbit friend of their own.
Again, because rabbits are a prey species, they enjoy the presence of and find comfort in a friend. One reason for this is because it means not having to look out for predators by themselves. This can then cause a rabbit to be anxious. However, do note that if you do get rabbits of the opposite sex, you will need to spay or neuter them to prevent baby bunnies. There are also other advantages to this, such as reducing the chances of female rabbits developing uterine cancer for example.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
While training a rabbit might not exactly be the same as training a dog, rabbits do require mental stimulation. Training is a great way of doing this! You can even train a rabbit to do a few tricks like how to give you a high 5! Find out how with thisHow to Teach Your Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Tricks blog, but the key here is to praise your pet when they’ve demonstrated the behavior that you have asked for and never to shout at them when they have done something you don’t want.
Give Them a Variety of Toys
Finally, give your rabbit a variety ofrabbit toys to play with! There’s a wide range of rabbit toys available, designed to enrich your pets’ environment! As a rabbit owner, it’s your job to find out what your rabbit likes best.
Don’t forget that getting a rabbit is a long term commitment. It’s essential to do your research to ensure you can offer them a fulfilled happy life! If you have a rabbit already, hopefully, after these expert tips, you can get the spring back in their step!
Bringing home any pet is an exciting time for the whole family. But just like any other animal, rabbits require your full dedication and the right tools to make sure that they get off to a great start and live happy and fulfilled lives! So, to help you out, here is our new rabbit checklist, so that you can cross off everything you’ll be needing for your new furry addition.
Hay/Bedding – A Must for Your New Rabbit Checklist
A great place to begin before getting your new pet rabbit is by making sure you have plenty of rabbit hay/bedding. Not only is fresh hay an important part of a rabbit’s diet, but they also require plenty for their bedding. Omlet’s ownEglu Go Rabbit Hutch also ensures that your new pet gets the comfiest night’s sleep!
Hay is also ideal for encouraging a rabbit’s natural instinct to forage, whereby in the wild, they would search for wild food sources. Foraging also helps to keep rabbits mentally stimulated. You’ll find that a rabbit who is only fed pellets from their food dish, as opposed to a balanced diet including hay, can end up eating too quickly, which can, in turn, make them unwell. Furthermore, a balanced diet for your rabbits will keep their teeth in good condition as well!
Rabbit Food and Bowls
A rabbit’s diet should consist of dry food, fresh food, and hay. Offering nutritious and balanced options is key so that you can pick the right food to suit the needs of your new pet rabbit.
Most rabbits love fruit and vegetables, so it’s a good idea to include these in their diet too. While you might associate rabbits with gnawing away at carrots, this type of vegetable can actually cause constipation in rabbits and make sugar levels rise dangerously if over consumed. TheCaddi Rabbit Treat Holder is the perfect way to feed your rabbits fruit and veggies. Not only will it provide your bunny with entertainment but will benefit you too by improving run cleanliness and reducing food waste. So, if you plan on feeding your rabbit with nature’s very own treats, make sure to read our previous blogWhich Fruit and Vegetables Can I Feed my Rabbit?where you can find a list of the fruits and vegetables that are suitable for your furry friend to be fed.
As well as food and an unlimited supply of fresh water, you should also make sure that your rabbit has a food dish alongside either a water bottle or water bowl. Some owners opt to use a bottle over a bowl, but this really is your decision to make. While bowls can easily get knocked over and wet your rabbit’s bedding, they are more of a natural way for a rabbit to drink. This being said, a water bottle reduces water waste and is usually better than a bowl when it comes to keeping your rabbit’s water supply at the same temperature.
Rabbit Treats
While rabbits need to be fed a healthy diet, the occasional treat won’t go amiss! Treats are a great way of rewarding your rabbit. Your new pet rabbit will also absolutely love a little afternoon snack from their doting owner.
A Rabbit Hutch That’ll Last
Your new rabbit will of course need somewhere to live! Add theEglu Go Rabbit Hutch to your new rabbit checklist – ideal for any prospective rabbit owner and will keep your bunnies safe from the outside elements and any predators. Even better, theEglu Go Rabbit Hutch comes with a hay rack, feed bowl and water bottle, making keeping rabbits hassle-free! Furthermore, theEglu Go Rabbit Hutch has a removable bedding tray, which means you won’t have to purchase a removable litter box for cleaning up after your pet.
If you opt to have a house rabbit, you’ll need to make sure that wherever they stay, they are in a bunny proofed room. You’ll find it helpful to read our guide onHow To Rabbit-Proof Your House for some more information on this topic.
New Rabbit Checklist Essential: A Safe and Secure Run!
As well as your rabbits having a hutch or home to live in, they’ll also require a safe and secure run to provide them with some extra freedom and time for hopping around, so this definitely should not be missed off of your new rabbit checklist! One of the leading causes as to why rabbits dig, therefore potentially escaping from their run, is because of boredom. We wrote about this topic on our previous blogRabbits and Digging if you’d like to find out more information on this area.
Fortunately, theOmlet Walk in Rabbit Run not only offers plenty of room for your rabbit to hop to its heart’s content but will also keep them secure and safe from any other pets or predators. The run has a stable style door, which means that the top and bottom of the door open independently so that you can throw in some treats for your rabbits without the worry of them making an escape! Alternatively, you can create the ultimate rabbit adventure playground with theOmlet Zippi Rabbit Playpen, which can connect to their run and hutch for more space.
Within your rabbit’s run, you’ll want to provide them with plenty of stimulation. Omlet has everything you need to keep your rabbits bouncing around with joy, from theZippi Playtunnel designed to mimic a rabbit burrow in the wild, toZippi Rabbit Platforms, that will provide you rabbit new places to explore!
Rabbit Toys
Something else to tick off your new rabbit checklist is toys! Just like our other pets, rabbits need to play, which means they’ll need plenty of toys to enrich their environment and keep their minds ticking! TheOmlet Zippi Rabbit Tunnel System connects your rabbit’s run to their hutch but also doubles as a fantastic toy that your rabbit will love. You can also opt for hanging toys that can be attached to your rabbit’s run.
Somewhere to Hide
Your new rabbit will also need somewhere to hide. Although it might sound odd, rabbits actually have a natural instinct to hide in order to stay protected. In the wild, this is done so that they can keep safe from predators such as foxes. Hiding is also a rabbit’s natural response to fear, if they feel stressed, are in pain, are unwell, or just want a break from social contact!Omlet’s Rabbit Zippi Shelter is ideal for rabbits to carry out this behavior, providing them with a safe space where they can retreat to relax.
Nail Clippers
A rabbit’s nails should not go neglected, so you’ll need to make sure you have nail clippers at the ready! In fact, nail clipping is an essential part of rabbit care, and you’ll need to do so approximately once every two months due to the remarkably quick rate they grow at.
While nail clipping isn’t too long of a process, if you’re not confident doing so, you can always make a visit to the vet, and they will be able to give you a helping hand.
New Rabbit Checklist Conclusion
So, whether you’re getting a new baby bunny or rescuing an adult rabbit, hopefully, you will now be prepared for what is to come when your new pet arrives home!
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