THE

BASICS

MANUAL

Cornell Cooperative Extension

of Ulster County

A beginner’s guide written by Ulster County 4-H Members in the hopes of bringing rabbits and people together in positive ways.

Contributing Writers:

Melissa Carboni, Jessie Churchill, Kelly-Rose Gibbons,

Allison Reidy, Dorothy Shanahan-Roberge, & Rebecca Wells

Contributing Artists:

James Burkins, Melissa Carboni, Jaime Churchill, 

Loralee Reidy, & Robert Reidy

Editors:

Melissa Carboni, 4-H Member

Brandie Gibbons, 4-H Leader

Kelly Ann Radzik, Extension Educator

This project was made possible by a grant from the New York State 4-H Foundation.
What Can 4-H Teach You About Rabbits?

An Introduction by Member-Editor Melissa Carboni

4-H is a program that encompasses many different aspects of learning and activities.Although you can learn a lot about rabbits from books, the hands-on experience you get from participating in a 4-H club will be more rewarding and fun.Some examples of things that you might learn from 4-H are listed below.They are also the titles of the chapters we have written for this manual.

How Much Can A Rabbit Cost?

Before you get a rabbit, it is good to know what kind of expenses you might encounter.

How Do I Choose the Right Breed?

How Do I Pick a Healthy Rabbit?How Do I Prepare for a Rabbit Emergency?

Taking care of your rabbit is very important if you want to enjoy your rabbit for a long time. However, it might not be as easy as you think.

How Do I Get Ready for An Outdoor Rabbit?

 

How Do I Bring My Rabbit Home?

How Do I Feed My Rabbit?

How Do I Housetrain My Rabbit?

There are many considerations when housetraining your rabbit. This chapter will help you decide if housetraining is the right decision for you and your rabbit.

 

Grooming your rabbit is not just to make it pretty; it also has a big part in your rabbit’s health. If you are not careful of your rabbit’s cleanliness, your rabbit could be affected in many ways. 

What Do I Do?

Still not sure when and what you should be doing with your rabbit?Read this summary of the basics that need to be remembered when caring for your rabbit.

What Adventures Will I Have?

Read some of our experiences and find out what has happened to us while owning rabbits.

Where Can I Learn More?

This is a list of books and other references we use for our 4-H projects.

How Do I Join 4-H?

We didn’t include a chapter on this because it’s so easy to do.Just call your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office and ask for the 4-H Program.

Important Note: This guide is just the first step in getting ready to share your life with a rabbit.It is not meant to be comprehensive.For health-related concerns, always check with a qualified veterinarian.

How Much Can A Rabbit Cost?

The 4-H Bunny Basics Writing Team

Guided By Roxanne Churchill

Rabbits are not expensive pets, but they do cost money.Here’s our best estimate of what it can cost to own a rabbit.

Start-Up Costs (One time)

ItemEstimated Cost

Cage (1 sq. ft. per lb.)$30-$50

Water Crock$0.89-$3.00

Water Bottle (Optional)$3.00-$9.00

Feeder$1.00-$6.50

Metal Garbage Can (Food Storage)$13.00

Food Scoop (Optional)$1.00-3.00

Food (50 lb. bag)$6.00-$10.00

Hay(1 bale)$3.00

Treats (Optional)$1.00-$2.00

Carrier$10.00-$15.00

Nail Clippers$4.00-$6.00

Pumice Stone$2.00

Rabbit Care Book$13.00

TOTAL$87.89-$135.50

Maintenance (Per Year Cost for Medium-Sized Rabbit)

Food$12.00-$20.00

Hay$18.00

Shavings$9.00

Equipment Replacement$5.00

TOTAL**$44.00-$52.00

**This does not include special circumstances like veterinary care.

How Do I Choose the Right Breed?

Jessie Churchill

Kritter Keepers 4-H Club

The Importance of Breeds:

It is important to learn about the different breeds of rabbits because breed affects size, temperament, and maintenance.Size is an important factor because larger rabbits require more space and food, and are heavier to pick up.They also generally have good temperaments.For your first rabbit, you probably want to select a breed that is known for its good temperament and is easy to maintain.

Breed TypeExamples

MEATNew Zealand, Californian, and Satin.

PETNetherland Dwarf, Mini Lop, Holland Lop, and Dutch

WOOLAngoras, American Fuzzy Lops, and Jersey Woolies

The Meat Breeds

Meat breeds are medium to large-sized, averaging 9 to 12 lbs.They are generally calm and require an average amount of care, so they make good pets for older children.Because of their larger size, they have a high food intake; so they generally cost more to maintain.

The Pet Breeds

These small to medium-sized breeds are most often kept as pets.They are fairly calm and have a medium food intake.Most require an average amount of care.The smaller breeds may be less calm than the medium-sized, so we recommend medium-sized (5 to 6 lbs.) for young beginners.

The Wool Breeds

These medium-sized breeds are high maintenance.Their wool requires daily grooming.They are moderately calm and have a fairly low food intake.

Before you bring a bunny home, read all about the breed in The American Rabbit Breeders’ Association’s Standard of Perfection.

How Do I Pick A Healthy Rabbit?

Melissa Carboni

Ulster County Muttmasters 4-H Club

When purchasing a rabbit, a health check is an easy way to see if the rabbit is in good health.In addition, a health check should be done at least once or twice a year on the rabbits that you own.

The Health Check:

Ears The ears should be clean inside. A brown, crusty appearance would suggest ear mites. You can get rid of ear mites by placing a few drops of mineral oil in the rabbit’s ears and then cleaning the ears with a cotton swab. Do this daily for three days and then wait ten days. Repeat if necessary.

Nose The nose should be clean and dry.A discharge from the nose and crusty fur on the front legs would indicate that the rabbit has a cold.It can also indicate a serious disease called snuffles.

TeethThe front teeth should line up with a slight overlap present.If one set of teeth is longer than normal, it indicates that the rabbit has malocclusion or buckteeth.Rabbits with this condition will have to have their teeth trimmed regularly by a veterinarian.

Front/Hind Feet

A rabbit’s legs should stretch out straight and have five toenails on the front feet and four toenails on the hind feet.Also check the bottom of the front and hind feet for redness, which would indicate sore hocks.Sore hocks are treatable with udder balm, but can be an indicator of poor cage sanitation.When treating a rabbit with sore hocks, place a board in the rabbit’s cage to keep sore skin up off of the wire.

StomachBy running your hand over the rabbit’s belly, feel for any abscesses that may be present.An abscess must be drained to prevent further infection.Check genitals for discharge or malformations.

TailThe tail should also stretch out straight.The presence of a crooked tail would indicate wry tail.The tail should also be clean from any urine or droppings. 

Body Condition

Overall the body should be clean, smooth and firm.

How Do I Prepare for a Rabbit Emergency?

 

Dorothy Shanahan-Roberge

County Carrot Crunchers 4-H Club

What you needHow You Use It

Cotton BallsThese are used to clean wounds and apply medicine. 

Cotton SwabsCotton swabs are used to remove ear wax and ear mite crust.They also can be used to swab the inside of a rabbit’s ear with mineral oil to prevent and kill mites.

Gauze (rolled)Rolled gauze is useful for wrapping up an infected wound.

Waterproof Used to keep gauze on the wound.

Adhesive Tape

Nail ClippersClippers are used to shorten the rabbit’s toenails about once a month.Human nail clippers may be used if special safety clippers made for rabbits are not available.

Styptic PowderThis item can be found at feed stores or pet shops.It is useful when the quick in a rabbit’s toenail begins to bleed if cut too short. When the nail is covered in styptic powder, the bleeding will decrease, then stop. Cornstarch is sometimes suggested, but it doesn’t work very well.

ScissorsThis item comes in handy for cutting bandages off and trimming hair from around wounds.

Eye DropperIt may be necessary to give a rabbit medicine through an eye dropper in the mouth.

PapayaEither dried papaya or papaya tablets can be given as a supplement to rabbits to prevent wool block.

Mineral OilThis type of oil should be put in a rabbit ear every three days at ten-day intervals to treat ear mites.

Antibiotic CreamThis cream is soothing and suitable for treating sore hocks and other infections or cuts.

Hydrogen PeroxideBoth of these easy to find solutions are good for 

& Rubbing Alcoholsterilizing cuts and cleaning your own hands after cleaning the rabbit’s cut.

DisinfectantAsk your veterinarian to recommend a disinfectant for cages and equipment.This is especially important in cleaning up after a sick rabbit to avoid spreading the illness.

GlovesIt is important to protect yourself and your rabbit by wearing plastic gloves. By using gloves, an infection is less likely to occur.

To Make the Kit:

After you have collected all the materials above, transfer the liquid cleaners into small plastic bottles and then label them.Other materials should be placed in plastic bags to assure they are as clean as possible.

How Do I Get Ready for an Outdoor Rabbit?

Melissa Carboni

Ulster County Muttmasters 4-H Club

·Don’t place the hutch in direct sunlight.Rabbits are sensitive to heat and heatstroke can result.

·Make sure the hutch is high enough off the ground so that it is well ventilated and your rabbit is safe from other animals.

·Make sure the hutch is built from safe materials.Be sure that the rabbit cannot come in contact with paint and sharp wires or nails.

The Specifics:

When building or choosing a hutch, make sure that it is large enough so that the rabbit can move around freely. The cage should approximately measure one square foot for every pound of rabbit.The floor of the cage should be built from wire with a one inch by one-half inch grid, so that the rabbit’s feet cannot go through and get caught in the wire.A note on wire floors:A wire floor allows for the rabbit droppings to fall through so your rabbit doesn’t have to sit on dirty shavings.It also makes the cage easier to clean.You should also provide a wooden surface for the rabbit to sit on.A small, untreated board works well.

It is important that rabbits have an enclosed area within their hutches so that they can get out of bad weather or away from other animals.During the winter, it is important to place a sheet of plastic around the sides of the cage to protect the rabbit from snow and cold.

A Serious Consideration:

If you decide to keep your rabbit outside, remember that you cannot bring the rabbit inside during the winter because you think it’s too cold.Rabbits need time to adjust.If for some reason you decide your rabbit will be happier in the house, wait until spring when the temperature outside is similar to the temperature inside of your house.

Handy with tools?Several of the books listed in the bibliography have plans for building your own rabbit hutch.

How Do I Bring My Rabbit Home?

Rebecca Wells

Bunny Buddies 4-H Club

The easiest way to bring your rabbit home is to use an appropriate-sized pet carrier.You can also use a wire cage with a metal pan to keep the rabbit from sitting in its droppings.Cardboard boxes are not always a good way to transport your rabbit home because urine can soak through the box, ending up on the car seat or your lap.If the car ride home is long, you may want to provide your rabbit with a piece of carrot or apple as a source of moisture for the trip.

Getting Your Rabbit Used to Its New Home:

When you first get your rabbit home give it a few days to adjust to its new surroundings before you handle it a lot.Start off by talking to and petting it in the cage.When the rabbit seems to be comfortable with you, take it out of the cage in the appropriate way and hold the rabbit in your lap.If the rabbit becomes restless put it back in the cage allowing the rabbit to take a break.

When you handle your rabbit, make sure it is comfortable.You want the rabbit to learn it’s a good experience to be out of the cage.When you groom or handle your rabbit, you should have something soft under it (like an old blanket) so it doesn’t have a slippery footing.By handling and grooming your rabbit often, you will make it a more enjoyable experience for both of you.A rabbit should never be left unattended when out of its cage.When the rabbit is not being watched, it will likely chew on any wires or wood in the room.

Probability of Illness: 

During the first couple weeks be sure to watch for signs of disease. Diarrhea, sneezing, and lack of appetite are common signs that your rabbit is sick. If you notice anything unusual with your rabbit, contact the breeder or your local veterinarian.

 How Do I Feed My Rabbit?

Allison Reidy

Kritter Keepers 4-H Club

Equipment:

You can find all the equipment you need at your local pet store or in a pet catalog. You will need:

·a feeder

·a water crock

·a water bottle (optional)

·a small garbage can (or other storage container)

·a food scoop (optional)

There are a few types of feeders. There is one feeder called a hopper that hooks to the side of the cage so that you can feed your rabbit without opening the cage. This one, I believe, is the most convenient. There are also metal feeders that hook to the inside of the cage. You can also use a crock to feed your rabbit.

Equipment used to give water may change seasonally.The water bottle can be used only in the summer because it will freeze quickly over the winter, preventing your rabbit from drinking.The other is the water crock, which you can use all year round. In the winter, if the water freezes in the crock all you have to do is hit it up against something hard and the ice will come out. Avoid using a crock for lop-eared rabbits to prevent frozen ears.

A small metal garbage can is useful to keep your rabbit food in.You should keep the food in a garage or closed-in place so that other animals cannot get to it.It is best to store the rabbit food where moisture will not affect it.An optional tool is a food scoop to put in the garbage can so that it is easier to take out and measure the food.

Types of Food:

You can also feed fruit and some vegetables as a treat.Oranges, bananas, and apples are okay in small amounts.Baby carrots are the best type of vegetable for rabbits if you decide to feed vegetables.These are just treats and should only be fed twice a week in small amounts. 

Schedule:

You should feed your rabbit at the same time every day, whether it is in the morning or evening.During the winter, you can provide your rabbit with an extra treat or scoop of food to provide extra energy on those really cold days.During the summer, it is sometimes better to feed them in the evening when it’s cooler.You should always check to make sure that your rabbit’s food is not wet or soggy. 

All the things mentioned are very important to keeping your rabbit happy and healthy. 

How Do I Housetrain My Rabbit?

Kelly-Rose Gibbons

County Carrot Crunchers 4-H Club

Litter boxIt should be low enough for the rabbit to jump in and out of.

LitterYou will have the best results with a paper product such as “Yesterdays News” or pine shavings.Cedar shavings are not suggested because they can cause a reaction with your rabbit.

Training AreaA confined area with easy to clean surfaces. (Bathroom floor as opposed to a living room rug.)

What You Do:

1.Keep the rabbit in the training area for a few days.The rabbit will pick a “bathroom corner” and thus choose the area where you should put the litter box.

2.Put the litter box in the area the rabbit has chosen.Fill it with some litter and some droppings.By placing the rabbit’s droppings in the pan, the rabbit will recognize its own smell and will return to the same spot to go to the bathroom.

3.Each time the rabbit goes outside the box, sweep up the droppings and put them in the box.

Remember be patient - this is new for you and your rabbit. 

Tips to Remember:

·Be consistent and patient. 

·Older rabbits are easier to train, but with younger ones, stick with it!

·All rabbits will drop “pills” around their cage to mark it as their own. This is not a failure.

Important Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Indoor Rabbits

How Do I Groom My Rabbit?

The 4-H Bunny Basics Writing Team

Guided by Brandie Gibbons

Just as there are different kinds of rabbits, there are different kinds of rabbit fur.Each fur type has different grooming requirements.

Normal Fur

This type of fur is soft, medium in length, and easy to maintain.It is found on the majority of rabbit breeds including dwarfs, lops, and Dutch.

Normal fur should be groomed with a soft comb or brush, wet washcloth, or pumice stone at least once a week.A pumice stone may be found in a health food store, pet shop, or body and bath shop.Avoid harsh brushes because they can cause irritation to the rabbit’s skin.When you groom your rabbit, work from head to tail following the natural direction the fur lays.If you are showing your rabbit, we recommend the pumice stone as your grooming tool.

Rex Fur

This fur is shorter and softer than normal fur.It stands upright, while other fur types lie along the rabbit’s body.Rex fur was developed from a genetic mutation and is only found on the Rex and Mini-Rex breeds.

When grooming a rabbit with rex fur, use a wet washcloth or pumice stone.This type requires only occasional grooming.Harsh brushes should not be used.They can break the hair and damage the pelt.

Satin Fur

This fur can be recognized by its shiny appearance.It lays along the rabbit’s body, reflecting light through its transparent guard hairs.It is silky, dense, and fine to the touch; separating it from all the other fur types.This fur is only found on Satins and Satin Angoras.(Satin Angoras should follow the guidelines for Wool.)

Satin rabbits may be groomed with a wet washcloth and pumice stone.Harsh brushes should be avoided so that the fur is not damaged.Fur on a well-groomed Satin is beautiful, so make sure to groom it gently and properly.

Wool

Wool is easily recognized due to its length, texture, and unique appearance.Wool rabbits have thick soft hair with great density and straight guard hairs.Wool is found on Angoras, American Fuzzy Lops, and Jersey Woolies.Satin Angoras have wool with satin sheen present in the guard hairs.It is the finest of all wools.

Wool rabbits require the greatest amount of grooming.They may be groomed with a comb or hand plucked.This should be done on a daily basis to avoid matting.Well-groomed