Common Name: Domestic Rabbit, European Rabbit
Latin name: Oryctolagus coniculus

Native to: The common type of Rabbit kept as pets originated in europe, but many, many years of selective breeding has caused Domestic Rabbits to be considerably different in appearence from their ancestors. There are many different breeds of domestic rabbit including angora, lionhead, and dwarf. As with breeds of dogs, rabbit breeds were generally created by humans at different times, for different purposes

Life span: If properly cared for the average lifespan of the domestic rabbit is 6-8 years, but they can live as long as 15 years

Special Note: Rabbits make wonderful animal companions in the home. But contrary to common belief, they are not “low maintenance” pets. Way, way too often people return their pet rabbits a mere few weeks after purchasing them because their children were not taking proper care of them. Most small children can not be expected to clean their rooms, yet alone clean and care for the well being of pet rabbits. Adult supervision should always be there in the care of your pet rabbits.

Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate and social animals that need daily interaction with humans or other rabbits. However, chewing is a rabbit’s favorite hobby, so make sure your home is rabbit-proofed! Rabbits should be spayed or neutered by a veterinarian, which helps them live longer and become better companions.

Housing requirements: We recommend that like all pets, rabbits should be kept indoors where they can be cared for, played with and become part of the family. Rabbits chew, so special care must be taken to protect furniture and to protect the rabbit from chewing electrical cords or hazardous materials. Though it is a little difficult, rabbits can be trained to use a litterbox, which makes it much easier for cleanup and for giving them access to areas in the house to hop around.

Remember that a rabbit needs time out of his cage/hutch for exercise every day. With adult supervision and rabbit-proofing your home, your rabbit should be given an area to hop around freely. 

Food & Water: Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat only grasses, vegetables and fruit. Their diet should contain a protein content of between 12 and 16%. This can be provided for with Neptune's Corner brand Rabbit Food. Which is a premiun-grade pelleted feed (specific to rabbits).

Timothy hay is also very important for your rabbit, adding fibre to the diet. Hay should be fed daily and in abundance. Timothy hay aids the digestive process in rabbits and also helps promote healthy teeth. Neptune's corner recommends and offers LM Animal Farms brand Timothy Hay-Kob.

Alfalfa can also be added to your rabbit’s basic diet, as long as it is fresh and clean. Ensure that it is put in a bin so it does not get soiled or used as bedding. Alfalfa is a very, very good addition to your rabbits diet as the nutritious content promotes vigorous health and a glossy coat. As with Timothy hay, Alfalfa also aids the digestive process in rabbits and also helps promote healthy teeth. Neptune's corner recommends and offers LM Animal Farms brand Alfalfa Hay-Kob.

In addition to Neptune's Corner brand Rabbit Food we recommend that at least once every other day you mix in an assortment (3-4 types) of fresh foods such as celery (including tops), spinach, kale, carrots (tops too!), green peppers, apples and pears.

Foods with a high water content, such as melons or Ice Berg and Romain Lettuce should NEVER be fed to your rabbit, as they can cause severe irregularities in your rabbit such as diareah or constipation. NEVER feed your rabbit beans, potatoes or rhubarb as they can all be toxic and potentially fatal. Do not give large amounts of greens unless until your rabbit has adapted to them and young rabbits should be introduced gradually to greens only after 3 months old. Never make any sudden dietary changes as this could prove fatal to your pet.

If you see your rabbit eating his droppings don’t be concerned. While it is disgusting to us, this is a natural behaviour. Rabbits don’t get all the nutrition they need from their food first time around so they make soft droppings, which they eat again. The next droppings are small, hard and round and will not be eaten.

Plastic sipper bottles are best for water. Be sure the nipple is low enough for the smallest rabbit to reach.

Food and water should be changed daily.

Maintenance: Remove wet spots daily; change bedding weekly or more often, if necessary. Clean the habitat and its contents at least once a week with mild soap and water, rinse and allow to dry completely before placing rabbit back into the habitat.

Rabbits stay clean and rarely need baths but may be bathed using shampoo designed for rabbits, if necessary; clean outside the ears frequently with a cotton ball. Consult with a veterinarian if a rabbit’s teeth or nails seem too long

Because all rabbits are potential carriers of infectious diseases, always wash your hands before and after handling your rabbit and/or the habitat contents to help prevent the potential of spread of diseases.

Recommended Products:
Neptune's Corner brand Rabbit Food
LM Animal Farms Pine shavings (good bedding)
LM Animal Farms Cedar shavings (good bedding)
LM Animal Farms Aspen shavings (better bedding)
LM Animal Farms Timothy Hay-Kob
LM Animal Farms Alfalfa Hay-Kob
LM Animall Farms Mineral Wheels
LM Animal Farms Daily Liquid Multi-Vitamins