A dwarf rabbit is a low-maintenance pet, as long as you follow a few basic rules to ensure its well-being. Preparing for its arrival at your home and observing its behavior will give you the keys to its flourishing.
How to welcome a dwarf rabbit
Dwarf rabbits are among those animals that can live on their own, but they greatly appreciate having a companion, just like many other pets. Regardless of the breed you choose, remember that your rabbit is necessarily descended from the European wild rabbit, and as such, it has rabbit-sized needs.
The habitat of the dwarf rabbit
The Rabbit Welfare Association recommends a cage about 180×60 cm plus an exercise pen to keep your companions comfortable. If that surface is too large for your home, you can consider multi-level cages for several animals.
Also make sure your dwarf rabbit cage has horizontal bars so your buddy can lean on them, stretch, and so on. It should also have walls about 18 centimeters tall to prevent the litter from being pushed out too quickly.
The “home” for your rabbit is obviously very important, but it can take many forms. You’re free to build it yourself or buy one on the market!
Finally, you’ll need to find a quiet place to place the cage. Music, loud voices, and slammed doors will be major stressors and therefore potential health problems for the dwarf rabbit.
The diet of the dwarf rabbit
The pet food market is well developed, so you can find good-quality dry foods (kibble pellets) for your dwarf rabbits. But it’s important to understand that this diet will directly affect your rabbit’s health and well-being, so it should be considered carefully.
Under no circumstances should you give treats (cakes, cookies, pastries, croutons, bread…), other sweets (dried fruit, chocolate, candies) or beverages (tea, coffee, sodas or sugary drinks) to your rabbit. And even if it’s fond of sweets, these foods can be deadly.
Dwarf rabbit – ideal feeding
What should you feed a dwarf rabbit?
First, hay, because it is essential for the proper wear of its teeth and the smooth functioning of its digestive system. It can be supplemented with pellets made from grass, hay, and possibly a small amount of cereals (but in very small quantities) and under no circumstances with meat or fish. The rabbit is not carnivorous!
Next come vegetables, which are a fundamental part of this little rodent’s diet and should be served fresh and clean. It needs at least three different vegetables per day for a balanced meal.
- Leafy greens: carrot tops, turnip or beet greens, lettuce (avoid loose-leaf and iceberg lettuce), celery stalks, dandelion, oat greens, plantain, clover, parsley, chervil, basil, cilantro, strawberry leaves, raspberry leaves, dill, pea pods (not peas, which are toxic), radish leaves, mâche, marjoram, mint, oregano, nettle, purslane, rosemary, thyme, arugula, savory…
- Leafy greens to be given in moderation: green cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, broccoli, endive, chicory, Brussels sprouts, watercress, sugar snap peas, spinach…
- Low-calorie “root” vegetables: fennel, celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke…
- Root vegetables to be given in moderation: carrot, parsnip, turnip, rutabaga…
- Twigs/branches: hazelnut, apple, pear…
- Fruits: apple, pear, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, apricot, peach, melon are occasional treats for dwarf rabbits. Always remove seeds or pits before giving them.
If your rabbit starts to gain too much weight, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets or rabbits for guidance.
Daily care of the dwarf rabbit
Besides cleaning the cage and changing the water bottle that keeps water constantly available, the dwarf rabbit needs to be brushed regularly, sometimes daily, depending on its coat.
Following the guidance of a veterinarian who specializes in rabbits regarding frequency, you will also trim its fur to prevent excessive dirt—some of which comes from its droppings—from sticking to the hair or from irritating its eyes.
Read the next page: how to take care of your rabbit
