Let's talk about bunny setups! Just got a bun or planning on getting one? Here's some helpful items that can get you started on being a bun parent.
Generally, when most people think about rabbits, they think of what pet stores typically advertise. (Small cage, outdoor hutch, water bottles, products that contain items that aren't healthy safe.) In actuality, rabbits need a lot of space, enrichment and have a very specific diet. All topics BUNdles will cover, but let's start with a setup.
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Well, we are gonna help you with how to set up a full bunny space with accessories and proper space for your rabbit. Rabbits need a lot of space to be able to run and jump, as well as enrichment.
X-pens:
Flooring options:
A great rug to start with is this one from Home Depot for $24.50.
If you want a washable option fleece blankets could work. Going to thrift stores is a fanatic way to create a bunny space on a budget. Another washable flooring option is ordering a rug from (ruggable).
Whelping Blankets can be great! Make sure it is larger than the pen space, so it is less accessible for buns to get to the corners. These are washable blankets with a waterproof liner to protect your floors. Some even have anti-slip backing to prevent sliding on wood floors. Our favorite whelping blanket, which comes in a variety of sizes!
Litterbox:
You want a litterbox that is much bigger than your bun. You don't want a small litterbox or a small corner litterbox. Now, most will say corner litterboxes are a no, no, but some buns do prefer it. If that's the case you want the biggest size this way they can fully turn around and not have to back their bottom into a corner. You do not want a litterbox that is fully covered. As the ammonia smell can become overwhelming and can harm your rabbit's respiratory system. If you have a bun that is a digger, a high sided litterbox would be a better option.
Link below for a large pan. $5.23
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KV8AMTY?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_NTAQXC32HS2VJVF83FT1
Link below for a high-sided litter pan. $10.83
What to use inside the litterbox:
Rescues and shelters typically use newspapers with hay on top. For any litterbox method you always want to either layer the top with lots of hay or have a hay right next to eat. (Rabbits like to snack on hay while pooping)
Here are some other options:
- Paper Crumble: $24. 98 for 40 liters
- Paper Pellets: $18.98 20 liters
- Pine Pellets:$6.75 for 40lbs
Bowls for pellets and water:
The most important thing when it comes to the bowls you choose is that they can't flip it. Best to look for a heavy ceramic bowl. You can find super cute ones at Homegoods, Marshall's, and T.J. Maxx. If you are on a budget, the thrift store is great. You go into the kitchenware section. Ceramic crocks are nice and heavy, as well as wallet-friendly. I get the bigger crocks to use for water.
Bunny Accessories:
- Cat tunnels (Can be found on amazon, also at five below) I would take off any hanging strings or balls hanging. ( Range $5.00-up depending on the one you choose)
- Cardboard cat houses. (Can be found at Homegoods, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, Target, Aldi's, Lidl) Make sure it does not have catnip infused or if it comes with a packet to not use it. (Range $8-20.00)
- See our list of recommened toys. Chewy and Petsmart have sales.
- Cardboard rolls are fantastic toys! So many diy options to entertain your rabbit.
- Toys and Enrichment Favorites, this link has some of our buns favorite toys and enrichment items. All approved by BUNdles bun-employees.
- Our etsy shop has toys that are rabbit safe. Can purchase individually or as a BUNdle. BUNdles of Toys
- HAY HAY HAY! Hay makes up 80% of their diet.
- For a young rabbit they will need an alfalfa based diet. Young pellets contain alfalfa, and for hay alfalfa. This is for buns under 6 months old, and should be offered unlimited pellets. To help monitor the amount to avoid waste, use a measuring cup as a guide. Start with a 1/2 cup, and fill the bowl as needed. For greens start with herbs like parsley and cilantro. A small handful will do. When introducing more greens start with a small amount. We suggest arugula, watercress, green leaf, red leaf, dandelion and escarole. If you would like to give fruits, we suggest the smallest amount as they are high in natural sugars, same goes for carrots. Once ready to switch to an adult diet you will need to transition the pellets gradually, so their tummies can adjust to the diet change.
- Buns 6 month and older need a timothy hay based diet. Lots of hay always and measured timothy pellets based on your buns size. For our bun crew our staple veggies are cilantro and green leaf. We alternate the other greens with arugula, watercress, red leaf, escarole, and dandelion leaf. Beware that some greens are higher in calcium or have oxalates which can cause gas in buns. G.I stasis is dangerous for buns, their gut health is everything!
- It's a tough world out there for buns, as the market has so many unsafe products. Don't go for the pellets that have colorful pieces, nuts and seeds, as they are NOT safe.
- Brands to avoid for pellets VitaKraft, Kaytee, Wild Harvest,MannaPro, Purina, Higgin's Sunburst, Kalmbach, Vita Prima, Supreme Tiny Friends, and Sunseed.
- Below are recommended brands from rescuers and exotic vets.
- Our go to brand is Sherwood. You can order through their website, amazon or chewy.
- Science Selective is our 2nd choice. Some of their pellets do contain alfalfa in it. The house pellets don't have alfalfa in it. The adult rabbit does contain alfalfa, which can be helpful for buns who have issues maintaining weight.
- Oxbow is probably the most accessible brand, and price point most reasonable. Some ingredients aren't the best. If you have a bun with digestive issues Sherwood and Science Selective are a better choice. Of course consult with your vet to pick the best option for your bun.
- If looking for a timothy or alfalfa only based product without anything else added, High Dessert and Viking Farmer are great.
- Below are recommended brands from rescuers and exotic vets.
- Small Pets Selects: has a variety of cuts and types. Some buns can be picky hay eaters and having a variety can help.
- Can order directly from Small Pets Selects, chewy and amazon.
- Rabbit Hole Hay
- Viking Farmer
- High Dessert