Bunny Supply List
As a new bunny owner, you need to have a good bunny supply list. One of the first things new bunny owners don’t realize is that bunnies require a lot of stuff and a lot of space. Setting up a proper bunny habitat can be expensive but also a lot of fun too! Below is our “must have” bunny supply list that you can use.
- Puppy/Dog Exercise Pen. You can purchase these at many pet supply stores like Petco, Petsmart, Jones Feed or on Amazon (by searching dog exercise pen or x-pen). This is the best way to house a bunny inside your home as it provides adequate space and it easy to clean/maintain. Please be sure to still allow your bunny to run around and exercise outside the exercise pen for as many hours a day as you can. We will not approve an adoption if a cage or hutch is ONLY going to be used as they are not big enough for bunnies and is sort of like being in jail for a bunny. Remember; bunnies, even small bunnies, need space!
- 2 heavy ceramic flat bottom crocks for water and pellets. Self watering bowls work very well too. We don’t recommend using only the auto water bottles.
- Litter boxes. We really like Sterilite 28 quart storage (clear) box sold at Walmart. The sides are high enough to keep everything contained and wide enough even for bigger bunnies or bonded pairs. They also have cat sized litter boxes for less than $4. Do not waste your money on corner litter boxes as they are too small for a bunny and hay and they will not maintain good litter habits.
- Litter. We like to use Equine pine pellets. You can also find pine pellets at most feed stores. Recycled paper cat pellets (pictured above) work great too. Just be sure to get *pellets* and not shavings or any sand type cat litter as these will kill your bunny.
- Hay! The most important part of a rabbit’s diet. Young bunnies, under 6-8 months old will need alfalfa hay (at 5 or so months old, start to mix in timothy hay before you completely transition to all timothy). Adult bunnies should only be fed timothy or orchard hay. One place to purchase hay in Las Vegas is Jones Feed & Tack. Bagged hay sold in pet stores is not recommended as it is not very fresh, a LOT more expensive, and most bunnies won’t eat it well.
- Pellets. We like to only feed Sherwood Forest (http://sherwoodpethealth.com/) or Oxbow to all our foster rabbits. Sherwood can only be ordered online, but they are reasonably priced and ship quickly. Oxbow can be purchased online. Do *not* feed your rabbit a pellet with colored bits or seeds/nuts. Plain pellets only! *Please note, most pellets sold in Petco, Petsmart, Walmart or any store that sells pet products are not good quality pellets. It is very important to feed a quality pellet for the health of your bunny. Here is a rabbit pellet comparison chart to refer to http://www.therabbithouse.com/diet/rabbit-food-comparison.asp
- Greens and veggies. Please see http://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/ for a list of recommended veggies and fruits. Bunnies should get 1 cup per 2 lbs of body weight of leafy greens daily! So for a 5 lb bunny you should be feeding 2 ½ cups daily.
- Cat or small dog carrier. We really like open top carriers as they are easier to get a bunny in and out. You will need a carrier to not only bring your bunny home safely but for vet visits as well.
- Nail clippers. We really like this style of nail clippers
- Brush or comb. A favorite in our rescue is a HairBuster
- Toys. Bunnies need chew toys, it keeps them happy and stops them chewing your carpet and base boards. CLICK HERE to help choose your bunny the best toys with this helpful top 10 guide.
Also, please see our list of rabbit savvy vets in Las Vegas.
A well informed bunny person makes for a happy house rabbit!