Bunny Handling

We handle our bunnies from the very first day of life to ensure they are acclimated to people from the very beginning.  The doe watches as we check each bunny to ensure it has eaten overnight, and is in good health.  We provide the doe special treats at this time so that she is relaxed and builds trust with us handling her babies.  This prevents her from rejecting the babies, and encourages her to be a good mother.

After a week we begin to take the babies from their nest for short periods to have monitored playtime.  This playtime is done with all the bunnies in the litter at once, so as not to scare the bunnies.  During these playtimes we begin to hold, pet, or bath the bunnies.  We introduce the bunnies to dogs, and allow our children to start handling the bunnies.  Playtime occurs each day and is slowly increased to hour long sessions.

By the time the bunnies are ready for their new home they will already be actively seeking attention from humans.  To encourage the bunny to imprint with you and your family continue to play with the bunny daily.  Try feeding while holding and petting to positively reinforce your love.

Bunny Feeding

We believe in allowing nature to take its course, and in doing so promote the bunnies nursing naturally from the doe.  In the event that one or more of the bunnies is not properly nursing we will hand feed the bunnies daily until they learn how to properly nurse.  We find this is less stressful than hanging the doe over the bunnies to nurse, and usually is only needed for the first 1-3 days.

We place fresh hay every few days within the nesting box for the bunnies to nibble on until they are ready to venture out and eat other foods.  The doe is provided a constant supply of fresh hay, pellets, and various fruits and veggies while pregnant and nursing to ensure the best nutrition for the bunnies in vitro and while nursing.

Eventually the bunnies naturally wean from the doe and eat what she has been provided.  We use the following foods for our rabbits:

  • Mix of Alfalfa and Timothy hays
  • Small World rabbit pellets
  • Leafy Greens (kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, spinach, parsley, cilantro)
  • Fruits and Vegetables (strawberry tops, carrots, orange peels, bananas, apples, watermelon, cucumber)

You can transition to a food of your choice, but will need to start by mixing the pellets to prevent stomach distress.

Bunny Cleaning

Rabbits have natural oils in their fur, and tend to groom themselves well enough.  However, there are times where the bunnies get too dirty to clean themselves.  When we notice a bunny has been soiled we gently rinse it under warm water, and dry with a hairdryer on low setting.

Every once in a while a bunny is soiled beyond water being able to remove the dirt/poop.  During these times we use a gentle shampoo on just the area that needs to be cleaned so that we are not stripping all the natural oils from the fur.

Litter Box Training

We provide a clean litter box for the doe to birth in.  Once she has birthed her litter they will remain in the litter box until they are able to hop in and out on their own.  The box is big enough that the bunnies will cuddle on one side, and the doe uses the other side for urinating.  We clean the liner daily, and clean any bunnies that may accidentally be peed on.

The bunnies eventually move out of their box, and cuddle in the cage.  At this time they begin using the litter box as just a litter box.  We encourage this behavior by placing a small amount of hay on top of the pee pad.  Eventually we remove the hay, and place the grate on the litter box.

When you bring your bunny home you may find that it is not using your litter box at first.  This is because it is a new environment, and the bunny is unsure of where to go potty. Lining your box with a small amount of hay, and encouraging the bunny to use the box will help it establish the litter box as its designated area.