Rabbits are wonderful companions — curious, affectionate, and full of personality. But they’re also frequently misunderstood. As someone who shares my home with Chungus and Puppy Dog (my inseparable bonded bunnies) and volunteers as a Medical Assistant at the House Rabbit Society where I administer RHDV vaccinations, here’s what every rabbit owner should know.

Diet: 80% Hay, Every Day

The single most important part of your rabbit’s diet is unlimited fresh timothy hay. Hay keeps their continuously growing teeth worn down and their digestive system moving.

Daily diet breakdown:

Hay (80%): Timothy hay for adults, alfalfa hay for babies under 6 months
Fresh greens (15%): Romaine, cilantro, parsley, basil — about 1 packed cup per 2 lbs of body weight
Pellets (5%): Plain timothy-based pellets, no seeds or dried fruit mixed in — about 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight
Treats: Small amounts of fruit (apple, banana, berries) a few times per week

Avoid: Iceberg lettuce, potatoes, beans, bread, cereal, yogurt drops, and seed mixes marketed as “rabbit food.”

For hay recommendations, check out Small Pet Select — my bunnies and I love their timothy hay and Flower Power Herb Blend.

Housing: Space Matters

Rabbits need far more space than pet stores suggest. A rabbit should have an enclosure that’s at least 4x their body length — and they need several hours of supervised exercise (free-roaming) daily.

Housing options:

C&C cage panels — modular, spacious, and customizable
X-pen (exercise pen) — easy to set up and gives plenty of room
Free-roam room — the gold standard, if your home is rabbit-proofed

Rabbit-proofing essentials:

Cover all electrical cords (rabbits chew everything)
Block access behind furniture where they can get stuck
Remove toxic houseplants (lilies, pothos, philodendrons)
Protect baseboards with plastic guards or bitter spray

RHDV: The Vaccination Every Rabbit Owner Should Know About

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, often fatal virus that has been spreading across the United States, including California. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected rabbits, contaminated surfaces, insects, and even on clothing or shoes.

Key facts:

RHDV2 has a mortality rate of up to 90% in unvaccinated rabbits
Rabbits can die within 1-3 days of showing symptoms — sometimes with no symptoms at all
The virus can survive on surfaces for months
Both indoor and outdoor rabbits are at risk

The vaccine: The RHDV2 vaccine (Medgene) is available through exotic veterinarians and organizations like the House Rabbit Society. Rabbits need an initial dose followed by a booster, then annual revaccination.

I administer RHDV vaccinations as part of my volunteer work at the House Rabbit Society in Richmond, California. If your rabbit hasn’t been vaccinated, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an exotic vet in the Bay Area.

Common Health Issues to Watch For

GI Stasis

The most common emergency in rabbits. If your rabbit stops eating, has small or no droppings, or sits hunched up, this is urgent — get to a vet within hours.

Dental Problems

Like guinea pigs, rabbit teeth grow continuously. Overgrown molars cause pain, drooling, and appetite loss. Yearly dental checkups with an exotic vet are essential.

Fly Strike

Especially in warm weather, flies can lay eggs in soiled fur (particularly around the rear). This is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care. Keep your rabbit’s living area clean and check their underside daily in summer.

Head Tilt

A sudden head tilt can indicate an inner ear infection or E. cuniculi (a parasite). This needs prompt veterinary treatment but has a good prognosis if caught early.

Bonding: Why Pairs Are Better

Rabbits are social animals and thrive with a bonded companion. A single rabbit can become lonely and depressed. Bonding takes patience — it should be done in neutral territory and supervised until the rabbits are comfortable together.

My bunnies Chungus and Puppy Dog are bonded and completely inseparable. If you’re thinking about getting a second rabbit, I highly recommend it — but do your research on proper bonding technique first, or consult a rabbit-savvy rescue for guidance.

Need someone who understands rabbit health — including GI stasis monitoring, medication administration, and RHDV awareness — to care for your bunnies while you’re away? Learn about our in-home pet sitting and rabbit boarding in San Francisco.