Daily Rabbit Care Checklist: How to Keep Your Bunny Happy and Healthy
When I adopted my first rabbit, Willow, I was both excited and overwhelmed. I’d done hours of research, purchased all the supplies I thought she’d need, and even bunny-proofed my home.
Yet, as I settled into daily life with my furry companion, I quickly realized how much care and attention a rabbit truly requires. Rabbits are not the “low-maintenance” pets they’re sometimes made out to be; they thrive on routine, interaction, and a clean, safe environment.
Daily Rabbit Care Checklist Summary Table
Category | Tasks | Frequency |
Morning Routine | - Refill hay rack with fresh hay (Timothy or orchard grass). | Daily |
- Provide a measured portion of pellets. | Daily | |
- Add a handful of fresh greens (e.g., romaine, parsley, cilantro). | Daily | |
- Replace and clean water bowl or bottle. | Daily | |
- Perform a quick health check (eyes, ears, fur, droppings). | Daily | |
Midday Activities | - Supervised exercise in a safe, bunny-proofed area. | 3–4 hours per day |
- Provide enrichment toys (chew toys, tunnels, cardboard boxes). | Daily | |
- Spend time interacting with your rabbit (cuddles, hand-feeding, playtime). | Daily | |
Afternoon Maintenance | - Clean the litter box (remove soiled litter, replenish with fresh litter). | Daily |
- Tidy the enclosure (remove leftover food, shake out fleece bedding, wipe surfaces). | Daily | |
Evening Routine | - Provide another serving of fresh greens and check hay supply. | Daily |
- Observe eating habits for changes (e.g., appetite, behavior). | Daily | |
- Groom your rabbit (brush loose fur, check skin/fur for issues). | Weekly (daily during shedding) | |
Nighttime Prep | - Ensure the enclosure is secure and hazard-free. | Daily |
- Double-check hay, water, and litter box before bedtime. | Daily | |
Occasional Tasks | - Trim nails (or have a vet/groomer do it). | Every 4–6 weeks |
- Schedule vet check-ups for health monitoring.  | Annually (or as needed) |
If you’re new to rabbit ownership or simply looking to refine your daily care routine, this checklist is here to guide you. A well-planned daily schedule not only ensures your rabbit’s health and happiness but also strengthens the bond you share with them.
Morning Routine: Starting the Day Right
1. Fresh Food and Water
Every morning, the first thing I did for Willow was check her food and water. Rabbits need constant access to fresh hay, so I’d refill her hay rack with high-quality Timothy or orchard grass hay. Hay is crucial for their digestive health and keeps their teeth properly worn down.
Next, I’d provide a measured portion of pellets. For an adult rabbit, about 1/4 cup of pellets per day is typically enough, but this can vary based on their size and activity level. I also added a small handful of fresh leafy greens like romaine lettuce, cilantro, or parsley. I avoided iceberg lettuce and other high-water, low-nutrient greens, as they can upset a rabbit’s stomach.
Fresh water was another priority. Whether you use a water bottle or a heavy ceramic bowl, it’s essential to clean it daily to prevent bacteria buildup. I found that Willow preferred drinking from a bowl, so I made sure to rinse and refill it every morning.
2. Quick Health Check
While Willow munched on her breakfast, I’d take a moment to do a quick health check. Rabbits are prey animals, which means they’re masters at hiding illness or discomfort. By observing her closely each day, I learned to recognize subtle signs that something might be wrong.
I’d check her eyes, nose, and ears for any discharge, make sure her fur looked clean and well-groomed, and gently feel her body to ensure there were no lumps, bumps, or unusual signs of discomfort. I also monitored her droppings—yes, rabbit poop is an important indicator of their health. Healthy droppings should be round, firm, and plentiful.
One morning, I noticed Willow’s droppings were smaller than usual and fewer in number. After some investigation, I realized she hadn’t been drinking as much water as usual, likely due to a slight change in the position of her water bowl. It was a small but important reminder of how closely their daily needs must be monitored.
Midday Activities: Play and Interaction
3. Supervised Exercise
Rabbits are active creatures, and they need at least 3–4 hours of exercise outside their enclosure every day. Around midday, I’d set up a safe, bunny-proofed area for Willow to roam and explore. She loved hopping through tunnels, investigating cardboard boxes, and doing little “binkies” (joyful jumps) when she was particularly excited.
Exercise is vital for their physical and mental health. It helps prevent obesity, strengthens their muscles, and keeps their minds engaged. If you’re unable to supervise your rabbit for long periods, consider using a playpen or enclosed area where they can move freely without risk.
4. Enrichment and Toys
Rabbits are curious and intelligent, so they need mental stimulation to stay happy. Willow’s favorite toys included willow balls, hay mats, and chew sticks, but she also enjoyed DIY options like toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay or shredded paper. Rotating her toys every few days kept her interested and prevented boredom.
I also spent time interacting with her directly—sitting on the floor to let her hop around me, offering treats from my hand, or brushing her fur during shedding season. These moments not only enriched her day but also deepened our bond.
Afternoon: Cleaning and Maintenance
5. Litter Box Cleaning
One of the most important parts of rabbit care is maintaining a clean environment. Every afternoon, I’d clean Willow’s litter box. Rabbits can be litter-trained, and keeping their litter box tidy not only keeps them happy but also prevents odors and reduces the risk of flystrike (a dangerous condition caused by flies laying eggs on soiled fur).
I’d remove soiled litter and droppings, then add fresh, rabbit-safe litter, like paper-based or wood-pellet options. Avoid using clumping cat litter or cedar and pine shavings, as these can be harmful to rabbits.
6. General Tidying
Beyond the litter box, I’d take a few minutes to tidy up Willow’s enclosure and play area. This included removing leftover food, wiping down surfaces, and shaking out her fleece bedding or mats. Keeping her space clean not only made her more comfortable but also reduced the risk of illness.
Evening: Wrapping Up the Day
7. Evening Meal
Rabbits are most active during dawn and dusk, so the evening was another opportunity to provide fresh greens and hay. I’d also check her pellet portion to ensure she wasn’t overeating.
During her evening meal, I’d sit nearby and observe her behavior. Rabbits are creatures of habit, so any changes in their eating habits—like refusing food or eating more slowly than usual—can be an early sign of illness.
8. Grooming and Bonding Time
Evening was my favorite time to spend with Willow. After her meal, she’d settle down for grooming or cuddles. Rabbits are fastidious groomers, but they still need our help, especially during shedding season. I used a soft-bristle brush to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs, which can cause digestive blockages.
For long-haired breeds, like Angoras, more frequent grooming is necessary to prevent mats and tangles. Even short-haired rabbits benefit from regular brushing, as it strengthens your bond and gives you a chance to check their fur and skin for any issues.
Nighttime: Preparing for Rest
9. Securing Their Space
Before going to bed, I’d ensure that Willow’s enclosure was secure and comfortable. Her water bowl was full, her hay rack was stocked, and her litter box was clean. I’d also double-check that the area was free of hazards, such as exposed cords or small objects she might chew on.
Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk but also have bursts of energy during the night. A safe and enriching environment allows them to stay active while you sleep.
Occasional Tasks to Add to Your Routine
While daily care is essential, there are also some tasks that only need to be done occasionally. For example, nail trimming is necessary every 4–6 weeks, depending on how quickly your rabbit’s nails grow. I learned to trim Willow’s nails at home with a small pair of animal-safe clippers, but many rabbit owners prefer to have this done by a vet or groomer.
Regular vet check-ups are another must. Even if your rabbit seems healthy, annual visits to a rabbit-savvy vet can catch potential issues early. Spaying or neutering is also highly recommended, as it prevents unwanted behaviors and reduces the risk of reproductive cancers.
Reflections on Daily Rabbit Care
Caring for a rabbit is a commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The routine of feeding, grooming, and spending time with Willow became a cherished part of my day. Watching her hop around with excitement, flop over in relaxation, or gently nudge me for attention brought so much joy into my life.
However, I also learned that rabbits are not “starter pets.” They require just as much care and attention as a dog or cat, and their unique needs must be met to keep them healthy and happy. From hay to playtime, every part of their daily care contributes to their well-being.
If you’re considering adding a rabbit to your family—or looking to improve your current care routine—this checklist is a great place to start. With a little effort and a lot of love, you’ll be rewarded with the companionship of a happy, thriving bunny. 🐰
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