When your rabbit doesn’t feel well, you want a cure — fast. The tricky thing with rabbits is that sometimes you might not know your pal is sick. Rabbits are prey animals, so they instinctively hide signs of illness. This makes getting quick treatment that much more important when you notice signs of illness.
Take Steps To Prevent Rabbit Ailments
If you keep your rabbit’s home clean, feed a proper diet and rabbit-proof any areas your rabbit can reach, you go a long way to keeping your furry companion healthy. Of course, plenty of interaction with you and tender loving care add to your rabbit’s well-being.
Another key to maintaining the health of your furry family member is planned veterinary visits. We’re talking annual checkups and a spay/neuter surgery. Annual checkups let your rabbit-savvy veterinarian follow your pet’s health so he or she knows what’s normal for your bunny. Checkups might also detect a problem in the early stage, which might make treatment easier. Spay/neuter surgery not only eliminates some behavior problems, it also protects your rabbit against future ailments involving the reproductive system. These can be significant. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that uterine adenocarcinoma is the most common tumor in female rabbits, affecting as much as 60 percent more than 3 years old.
How To Recognize Your Rabbit Is Sick
You do what you can to prevent illness, but the world offers no guarantees of health. In fact, it’s quite the opposite — accidents happen, contagions spread, parasites sneak in, genetics catch up. Your rabbit faces as many health threats as you do. But your rabbit can’t go to a doctor or tell anyone about feeling ill. So what are the signs of sickness in rabbits? Quite a few exist, but the below list generalizes some of the more common ones.
• Change in the amount of food eaten or water drunk.
• Abnormal wetness or discharge from any part of the body (this includes bleeding)
• Sneezing or a change in breathing
• Change in movement (moving less, favoring a limb, etc.)
Most rabbits try to hide the fact that they’re not feeling well. Observing your rabbit and noticing when something changes is vital to determining whether something might be wrong.
Rabbit Health Around The Globe
Reasons for taking a rabbit to the veterinarian can vary by location. Perhaps an infectious agent is more common in some areas than others. Calicivirus or RHD (rabbit hemorrhagic disease) is not considered endemic to the United States, but it is a real problem in some other countries. The House Rabbit Society posted an article devoted to it. Similarly, myxomatosis is a widespread problem in some other countries but mainly affects rabbits only in coastal areas of Oregon and California. Outside of infections, maybe the gene pool of rabbits in an area makes them more prone to certain ailments.
Although reasons vary for rabbits heading to the veterinarian, some are common in various countries. VCA Animal Hospitals are located across the United States and Canada. Its website lists snuffles, parasites, overgrown incisors, uterine problems, and sore hocks as common rabbit ailments.
The website for Darwin Veterinary Centre, a veterinary hospital in Kent, England, lists 14 common causes of rabbit health problems: dental issues, uterine carcinoma, fly strike, ear mites, E. cuniculi, fur mites, diet, runny eyes, obesity, snuffles, VHD, and myxomatosis, cystitis and bladder stones, overgrown nails, pododermatitis, heatstroke.
VetWest Animal Hospitals, a chain a veterinary hospitals in Perth, Australia, lists overgrown teeth, snuffles, hairballs, uterine tumors, myxomatosis, and calicivirus as the problems commonly treated.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association thinks enough about three contagious rabbit diseases to include articles about them on its website. Those diseases are myxomatosis, E. cuniculi and epizootic rabbit enteropathy.
10 Rabbit Health Problems In Brief
The following list, in no particular order, is a guideline for what you might expect to face with your rabbit family member. But this list is not exhaustive and each rabbit is an individual. Only the basics of each health issue are covered. Talk to your rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian to discuss the possible common ailments to which your rabbit is susceptible.
1. Snuffles (pasteurellosis): Did you notice that snuffles appeared in all of the above veterinary hospital lists? This is a common respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Pasteurella multocida. It’s spread by contact or inhalation, and it’s generally considered that all rabbits are exposed to it in their lifetime. Rabbits may or may not develop illness from snuffles. Stress can cause it to trigger illness.
Signs of snuffles include sneezing, congestion, pinkeye, tearing of the eye, and discharge from the nose that the rabbit might wipe on his paws, causing matted fur on the legs. Snuffles can also cause problems in other areas of the body, including the formation of abscesses. Antibiotics and other medications might help defeat the infection, although the condition can become chronic. Abscesses usually require surgical removal.
2. Dental Problems: You know how important it is to take care of your teeth, and the same holds true for your rabbit. Poor tooth condition easily leads to poor health in the mouth and throughout the body. Tooth problems are common in rabbits. Taking care of your bun’s teeth can prevent numerous ailments. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, so overgrowth can quickly become a serious problem that interferes with eating. Misalignment of the teeth can make chewing painful and also prevent eating. Abscesses and infections can arise from poor tooth health. Drooling and matted fur on the legs can also signal dental trouble. With so many ailments possible, signs of dental problems vary. Be aware of any changes to your rabbit’s behavior or appearance that could signal a problem. Sometimes rabbits are born with tooth troubles, but that doesn’t mean these souls can’t lead a relatively normal life. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your rabbit the best tooth care possible. A proper diet of high fiber and low calcium is an important part of this.
3. Parasites: Ick. Who wants creepy crawlies either inside or out? Just like dogs and cats, rabbits can suffer from fleas, mites, ticks, worms, protozoa, and other parasites. Dogs, cats, and rabbits can accidentally infest each other with some of these. Be alert for any parasites, but a few common to rabbits are ear mites, fur mites, E. cuniculi and fly strike.
Rabbit ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) can cause itching, head shaking, droopy ears, and a crusty type of discharge from the ears, along with other signs of distress. If left untreated, they might even cause damage to the ear drum or neurological problems. A rabbit that seems to have dandruff and itchy skin or even patchy fur loss is likely suffering from fur mites (Cheyletiella parasitovorax). These mites can also spread to people and cause an itchy rash. E. cuniculi is a protozoa that is contracted when a rabbit eats or breathes in an infected spore. E. cuniculi can cause head tilt, changes in behavior, seizures, and other signs of illness. Fly strike is a nasty infection caused by flies laying eggs on moist skin areas of a rabbit. The eggs hatch and injure the rabbit, possibly fatally. A rabbit with a skin wound or an area of frequently damp fur is most susceptible. Severe itching and/or lethargy are some signs of this. An infestation can quickly overwhelm a rabbit, so be alert and take your rabbit to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect fly strike.
Treatment for any parasites should always be done after discussion with your rabbit-savvy veterinarian. Some of the parasite remedies that are safe for dogs and cats can cause illness or death in rabbits. For example, fipronil is a pesticide that can be used on dogs and cats, but it must be avoided for rabbits.
4. Heatstroke: This is exactly what you think, and it could be fatal — fast. Heatstroke happens when a rabbit’s environment is hot and a rabbit can’t cool down quickly enough. Signs of this, if any are shown, include panting, collapse, or a very warm head. Rabbits only have sweat glands on their lips, so they can’t cool themselves by sweating. They can dissipate some heat through their ears, but this is limited. Panting doesn’t work very well to cool them either. All of this means that rabbits are susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends an ambient temperature of 61 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for rabbits. And the book “Ferrets, Rabbits And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery” states that rabbits are unusually sensitive to temperatures exceeding 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware that higher humidity can make temperatures seem higher. Also, if you suspect your rabbit is suffering heatstroke, move your buddy to a cool spot and call your veterinarian immediately. Never put your rabbit in cold water, as the sudden shock could be too much.
This is one rabbit health problem that is usually completely under your control. Ensure that your rabbit’s environment stays cool and that any enclosure you place your pet inside doesn’t sit entirely in direct sunlight. During warm weather, have a plan for a power failure so that you have a way to keep your rabbit cool.
5. Pododermatisis: Rabbits with inflamed feet or open sores on the feet suffer from pododermatitis. Rabbits don’t have pads on their feet like dogs and cats. Their fur is their only buffer against the surfaces they hop and sit on. Surfaces that stress the feet, such as cages, hard floors, or rough surfaces, can cause pododermatitis. This usually occurs on the rear feet. Rabbits with less fur on the bottom of the foot or those that weigh more, whether from obesity or just being a large breed, and those that don’t move around much might be more prone to this. Beyond the change in gait or decreased movement, other early signs of this include hair loss, thickened skin, or bleeding on the sole. Pododermatitis is painful, which might make a rabbit unwilling to move much, and it can advance to infection and other health issues. If left untreated, a rabbit’s health deteriorates.
Luckily, this is another rabbit health problem that you can do a lot to prevent. Keep your furry friend in a habitat with a clean, dry, soft surface that allows plenty of movement. And inspect your rabbit’s feet regularly for signs of trouble.
6. Gut Stasis: This term might sound strange, but basically it means that the digestive tract has stopped moving things along. This is serious. Fiber usually drives movement along for rabbit digestion, which is why they need a high-fiber diet. Anything that might slow down the digestive process can back things up in various places along the tract, making things worse and further slowing down digestion. A rabbit that stops eating, drinks less, moves less, sits hunched over, or makes fewer or changed feces might be experiencing gut stasis. Hairballs can form and cause a blockage when gut stasis occurs.
A bunny suffering gut stasis needs veterinary help soon, as this can quickly become a medical emergency.
7. Trauma or poisoning: Life can be hazardous, which is one reason that accidents happen. Rabbit traumas include being stepped on, getting caught in a closing door, falling from a height, suffering a burn or electrocution, bumping an eye against something sharp, and many more. Poisoning occurs from obvious things like cleaning products and pesticides to not-so-obvious things like dropped medications and toxic houseplants. See the ASPCA website for a list of toxic plants.
The numerous possible injuries or poisoning possibilities mean signs of trouble vary. Watch your rabbit for anything abnormal, whether it be odd behavior, a change in appearance, or change of habits. Immediate veterinary care is usually required for trauma or poisoning. Keep the phone number of an animal poison hotline handy, such as from the ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline.
8. Wry Neck: This condition is also known as head tilt, torticollis, and vestibular disease. A rabbit suffering from it tilts the head to one side. The degree of rotation can be minor or severe. Causes of wry neck vary, including E. cuniculi infestation, lead poisoning, ear infection, and cancer, so you need to consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Depending on the cause, some rabbits return to normal if they receive treatment quickly from a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.
9. Abscesses: An abscess is a solid lump of pus often caused by a bacterial infection. In rabbits, the bacteria are usually a species of Pasteurella or Staphylococcus. It can occur anywhere in a rabbit’s body, although dental abscesses are common, affecting the mouth and eyes. Some abscesses are easy to see, as they form a lump, but abscesses that form internally might go hidden for days, months or possibly years until they cause a problem. How quickly a rabbit needs treatment can depend on the cause of the abscess, its location and how fast it grows. It’s always best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
You might think, “Bacteria? Great! Wipe that infection out with antibiotics.” But antibiotics might only control the problem instead of curing it. This is because rabbits make a more solid pus than cats, dogs, or even humans do. It doesn’t drain and can’t get reabsorbed by the body. When possible, surgery to cut out the abscess is often recommended.
To minimize the chance of your companion rabbit suffering an abscess, do all you can to boost your buddy’s immune system. Keep his or her habitat clean, offer a healthy diet and have any open wounds immediately treated by a veterinarian to ensure eradication of any bacteria that entered when the wound occurred. The stronger your rabbit’s immune system is, the better the chances your bun has of fighting off any infection that might lead to abscesses.
10. Urolithiasis: This means a rabbit has urinary stones. The cause of stones in rabbits is still under discussion. Genetics, diet, and conditions that affect health of the urinary tract could all trigger stone formation. Because diet can be a cause of this, with an excess of calcium to blame, it can help to avoid high-calcium foods. This includes alfalfa hay. Ask your veterinarian about your rabbits potential risks for urinary stones.
Note: Always contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your rabbit is ill. This article is for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or give advice about rabbit health.
FAQs
Why do rabbits go to vet? ›
Like other pets, it's important to take your rabbit to the vet regularly so your vet can make sure your furry friend is healthy and treat any health problems before they become more serious.
Does a rabbit go to the vet? ›Just like all companion animals, your rabbit will need to go to a vet sometimes. The big difference is that rabbits require a special vet – an exotics or small animal vet. Most dog and cat vets just do not have the experience needed to safely and effectively treat your rabbit.
How often do rabbits go to the vet? ›Rabbit exams should be done at least annually, often twice a year in rabbits over 5 years of age. Stool samples should be evaluated at the first three visits if the rabbit is kept only inside. If your rabbit is taken outside, a stool sample should be checked at every visit.
Why are rabbits mammals? ›Rabbits are mammals, which are warm blooded animals with backbones. They like to live in groups and dig tunnels under the ground to protect themselves. They are prey and have many predators that like to eat them. Rabbits are herbivores, which means they like to eat only plants.
Why do rabbits need exotic vets? ›Exotics tend to hide illness as long as possible as an instinctive survival mechanism, so a knowledgeable exotic animal vet is a must. Don't be afraid to do your own research.
Do rabbits need vaccines? ›Although pet rabbits in the United States do not require any vaccinations, veterinarians in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe routinely inoculate for two fatal viruses common to the continent's wild rabbits: Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD).
What veterinary care do rabbits need? ›Veterinary check-ups, at least annually - including treatment for external and internal parasites such as fleas and worms. Vaccinating against myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD), as advised by your vet. Keeping away from wild rabbits and areas where wild rabbits live - they can carry diseases.
Are rabbits scared of vet? ›Rabbits are a prey species and can become a bit stressed during a vet visit, when they are out of their home environment. However, there are lots of things you can do to help your bunny. Always allow your rabbits to play in and around the carry box that is used to transport them.
What vet checks do rabbits need? ›- A thorough physical examination to determine his/her state of health.
- An examination of your rabbit's coat, checking for any parasites or flaky skin.
- Vaccinations and/or a discussion about the types of vaccination your rabbit needs and when they should be scheduled.
Rabbit vet care can be expensive. Check-ups average $25- $55 per visit. In general, plan on a yearly check-up for healthy rabbits under 5 years old. Ask your vet about rabbits 5+ years old.
How often should rabbits be vaccinated? ›
Book your rabbit's vaccination
We recommend rabbits are vaccinated every 12 months to protect them against contracting potentially fatal diseases such as Myxomatosis.
Preparing Your Rabbit for Their First Vet Visit - YouTube
Is a rabbit a mammal yes or no? ›Small mammals commonly kept as pets can include rodents like rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs or other small mammals like hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and rabbits.
How are rabbits useful to humans? ›Wild rabbits are an important part of the planet's ecosystem. This is because they help to keep invasive plants (weeds) under control. In turn, this encourages other plants, insects, and birds to thrive. Also, pet rabbits are good for humans because they enhance our physical and mental health.
Why are rabbits exotic animals? ›They are often classed as exotic species due to their unique health requirements and as such it is always wise to seek out a rabbit savvy vet for your pet.
Is a rabbit considered an exotic pet? ›“Exotic” pets include a wide variety of animals: birds, rodents (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice), rabbits, ferrets, reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises), amphibians (frogs, toads), sugar gliders (marsupials), hedgehogs, potbellied pigs, and even spiders.
Why are rabbits called exotic pets? ›Some pets included in the common usage of "exotic pet" are not really that unusual (e.g rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, and guinea pigs are pretty widely accepted as pets), but it is still common practice to categorize them as exotic pets since they are not as common as pets as cats and dogs and not all small animal ...
Do rabbits need salt licks? ›Contrary to popular belief, rabbits do not need salt licks, vitamins, or hard wooden objects to wear their teeth down. Teeth are kept worn to a proper length by the silicate and lignin content of grass and grass.
Do bunnies get fleas? ›Rabbits can acquire external parasites, including fleas. Fleas are small insect parasites that may take up residence on your rabbit, especially if your rabbit goes outdoors or lives in a house with dogs or cats that have fleas.
Do bunnies need baths? ›Rabbits do not require routine bathing and in fact frequent washing, either with or without shampoo, strips the rabbit's fur of its natural oils, which helps to keep the rabbit's coat in good condition. Bathing is also extremely stressful for rabbits and has many potential and serious dangers.
What do pet rabbits need? ›
In general rabbits need appropriate housing, exercise, socialisation and a specific diet for good welfare. Some breeds of rabbits, particularly the longer haired rabbits, may require daily grooming. It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one.
How can rabbits prevent diseases? ›prevention of disease; there are vaccines that are designed to protect rabbits from diseases such as Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) - both of these diseases are usually fatal and your rabbit should be vaccinated (your veterinary surgeon can provide information on the prevention of diseases)
Do rabbits need medicine? ›Like any other animal (yup – humans included), rabbits need medicine to get better. That doesn't mean that you can give your rabbit any antibiotics, however. Antibiotics for bigger animals such as cats and dogs are not always safe for smaller furry friends.
Do rabbits understand kisses? ›This is one of the common questions that people ask related to if their rabbit understands kisses. Yes, the bunnies can understand and will know that you love them. Bunnies do love affection and attention. They will enjoy gentle stroking and cuddling.
How do vets keep rabbits calm? ›Having the rabbit with its head pointing inwards towards your elbow is usually more reassuring for them, though some individuals do like to look out at where they are going. The key is gentle, but confident, restraint and working slowly and quietly around the animal.
Do rabbits pee when scared? ›Other causes of unwanted urination
There are a number of other reasons as to why a rabbit might urinate inappropriately on its owner or in its environment. Rabbits may urinate when picked up as a result of fear or stress.
How often should you take your rabbit to the vet? Rabbits who are healthy only need to be brought to the vet for a checkup once a year. If your rabbit is elderly or has frequent health problems, then you should bring them to the vet every 6 months.
How do you check rabbits eyes? ›Eyes. Healthy rabbit eyes are clear and bright. If you pull up or down on the eyelid, the eye tissue should be pink, not red or very pale.
How do you give a rabbit a health check? ›Rabbit health checklist
Eyes and nose - look out for discharge or mucus. Ears and teeth - check weekly for signs of problems. The skin around the rear end of your rabbit - look out for any urine staining or stuck faeces. Check weekly in cold weather and twice daily in dry, warm weather.
When male rabbits are between 3 and 5 months old, they are old enough to be neutered. Female rabbits are generally old enough to be spayed between 4 and 6 months; this is when they first reach sexual maturity. When rabbits have reached middle age (5-6 years old) they can be considered too old to be altered.
What happens if I don't vaccinate my rabbit? ›
Protecting unvaccinated rabbits
Until your rabbits are fully vaccinated, you will need to protect them against Myxomatosis, RVHD-1 and RVHD-2 – all of which can spread via infected wild rabbits and insects (such as flies and mosquitos).
Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits generally don't require regular worming treatments as an infestation of worms is less common. That's not to say they're immune to catching a dose of worms though.
Can rabbits live without vaccine? ›Do Rabbits need vaccinations? While it's not the law to vaccinate pet rabbits, we strongly advise vaccinating your rabbit to protect them against sometimes fatal diseases. Keeping your annual vaccination appointment every year is really important for both you and your rabbit.
Should I take both rabbits to the vet? ›If your rabbit is one of a bonded pair it is a good idea to take them both to the surgery. In some cases the vet may need to examine the other rabbit (in case of infectious disease etc) but generally they will just keep each other company.
Can rabbits sleep with you? ›If your rabbit wants to sleep with you and can do so safely, it's fine. If you're prepared to risk losing sleep, sharing a bed with a rabbit will deepen your bond. Just remember that rabbits like routine. You can't share your bed some nights but not others.
What does it mean if bunny licks you? ›Licking: Licking is a way bunnies groom each other. If your bunny licks you, it's a sign of affection as you'll often see pairs of bunnies grooming each other this way. A bunny lick is a sign of a bond.
What is rabbit meat called? ›Unlike beef, pork or venison, rabbit meat does not have a special name, it is simply called, "rabbit meat." Despite it being a rarity on many North American menus, it is a very popular dish across different parts of the world.
Are rabbits smart? ›Rabbits are clever animals. They can be taught a range of commands and tricks if rewarded with treats. Rabbits are strong-minded and dominant, and will not do anything they don't want to. This intelligence can be a blessing and a curse for rabbits.
How do you call a rabbit? ›A male rabbit is called a buck; a female is called a doe. An older term for an adult rabbit used until the 18th century is coney (derived ultimately from the Latin cuniculus), while rabbit once referred only to the young animals.
What are 5 uses for rabbits? ›Rabbits can be produced for many different markets: for breeding stock, as medical and educational lab animals, for pet food, as pet and show animals, and for their wool and skin. While these may be pursued as a secondary market for rabbit farmers, the focus of this article is on meat production.
Do rabbits help mental health? ›
The companionship that a pet offers is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. Pets such as rabbits can be a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners. In many ways they can help us to live mentally healthier lives.
Is rabbit bite poisonous? ›Are rabbit bites dangerous? Rabbit bites are not dangerous. While it is theoretically possible for a rabbit bite to get infected, this is very uncommon, especially if you've taken the time to wash the rabbit bite. If you have a very serious rabbit bite that punctures deep, this can potentially cause tetanus.
How often should rabbits be vaccinated? ›Book your rabbit's vaccination
We recommend rabbits are vaccinated every 12 months to protect them against contracting potentially fatal diseases such as Myxomatosis.
The safest way to transport your rabbit to the vet is in a special rabbit carrier. This should be a solid, well-ventilated carrier that's big enough to be comfortable and small enough to help them feel secure. Avoid cardboard boxes, as these are easily chewed and can become damp in the event of an accident or rain.
What food do bunnies eat? ›Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet.
Do rabbits need salt licks? ›Contrary to popular belief, rabbits do not need salt licks, vitamins, or hard wooden objects to wear their teeth down. Teeth are kept worn to a proper length by the silicate and lignin content of grass and grass.
What happens if I don't vaccinate my rabbit? ›Protecting unvaccinated rabbits
Until your rabbits are fully vaccinated, you will need to protect them against Myxomatosis, RVHD-1 and RVHD-2 – all of which can spread via infected wild rabbits and insects (such as flies and mosquitos).
Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits generally don't require regular worming treatments as an infestation of worms is less common. That's not to say they're immune to catching a dose of worms though.
How much is a check up for a rabbit? ›Rabbit vet care can be expensive. Check-ups average $25- $55 per visit. In general, plan on a yearly check-up for healthy rabbits under 5 years old. Ask your vet about rabbits 5+ years old.
How do rabbits say sorry? ›Rabbits communicate using body language, and apologizing is one example of this behavior. Rabbits apologize by touching heads. Bonded rabbits rarely fight, but it can sometimes happen. If the rabbits groom each other after touching heads, then the apology has been officially accepted.
Are rabbits scared of vet? ›
Rabbits are a prey species and can become a bit stressed during a vet visit, when they are out of their home environment. However, there are lots of things you can do to help your bunny. Always allow your rabbits to play in and around the carry box that is used to transport them.
How old is a 2 year old rabbit in human years? ›| Rabbit Age | People Age |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 21 years |
| 2 years | 27 years |
| 3 years | 33 years |
| 4 years | 39 years |
Rabbits are clever animals. They can be taught a range of commands and tricks if rewarded with treats. Rabbits are strong-minded and dominant, and will not do anything they don't want to. This intelligence can be a blessing and a curse for rabbits.
Can rabbits be left alone for 8 hours? ›Even if you have a pair of rabbits, 24 hours is the maximum time they should be alone. Like all pets, rabbits rely heavily on their owners. Domesticated rabbits lack the survival skills of wild rabbits. Your rabbit has basic needs surrounding food, exercise, and stimulation.
Can rabbits eat chocolate? ›Chocolate is an absolute no-no for bunnies. As with companion dogs, chocolate has no place in your rabbit's diet. The sweet treat can be poisonous to rabbits and should never be fed to them.
What is toxic to rabbits? ›Apples and pears are the most notorious examples, but the pits from apricots, peaches, plums, and mangos also contain cyanide, as do cherry pits. While the amount of cyanide contained in fruit seeds and pits is generally scant, it is best to avoid feeding them to rabbits altogether.
Can bunnies eat bananas? ›Rabbits should not be given more than 2 tablespoons of banana per 5 pounds of their body weight, 2-3 times a week. As a general rule, you should never feed a rabbit a piece of banana that's larger than the size of your thumb.