Top 5 Mistakes I’ve Made as a Rabbit Owner

As a proud rabbit owner, I’ve learnt a lot through trial and error. While every pet journey is unique, I want to share the top five mistakes I have made over the years to help others avoid the same pitfalls. Whether you’re considering bringing a bunny into your life or are already an experienced owner, these insights might just save you some heartache! It is my passion and my mission to be able to help others understand rabbit care better and to create more reputable information for owners and those looking at taking on bunny ownership.

1. Getting a Rabbit from a Breeder

My boy Bean, at 8 weeks old.

When I first decided to get a rabbit, I chose to go through a breeder, (and not even a reputable breeder, just one I found on Gumtree) thinking I’d get a “perfect” pet, and as someone who knew I wanted a “mini lop” bunny I fell into the trap of getting a baby wherever I could. However, this led to some unexpected challenges. Whilst I think that there are breeders that exist that do it in a safe and responsible way and focus on the safety of the bunnies, many breeders prioritise aesthetics over temperament and health. Particularly with any sort of lop breed, this can create genetic and congenital issues, such as GI issues, problems with their eyes and sight, dental problems and ear problems, just to name a few. Instead, I’ve learnt the value of adopting from shelters or dedicated rabbit rescue organisations, where many loving rabbits that have been surrended or abandoned are rescued, and waiting for loving homes. Not only do you give a rabbit a second chance, but you also gain a companion with a known history and often, a better temperament. To add to this, most rabbits adopted out will come already vet checked, desexed and microchipped prior to adoption.

2. Not Doing Enough Research on Rabbits and Rabbit Care

Before I brought my rabbit home, I didn’t fully grasp the responsibilities involved in rabbit care. I will say in my defence, there is not a lot of reputable and accurate information out there, and most of what can be found on the Internet (besides this blog of course!) is based on myths and misconceptions about rabbits. I particularly overlooked the specifics about different breeds, especially lop breeds, and fell for their cute and squishy look, but since discovered they have unique needs due to their ear structure and potential health issues. Doing thorough research beforehand can make a significant difference in how well you care for your furry friend and help you determine whether a rabbit is actually the best pet for you and/or your family. Understanding their behaviour, social needs, diet, care requirements and specific breed characteristics can lead to a happier, healthier pet, and hopefully lead to a reduction in the number of rabbits being surrendered or abandoned due to not understanding how to care for them.

3. Not Understanding Rabbit Diet and the Importance of a High-Fibre Diet

Vegetables and fruit are not an everyday food, and bunnies don’t get any extra fibre from these. They should really only be fed as a treat.

I made the mistake of giving my bun a big plate of veggies thinking I was doing the right thing when he didn’t need any of it and it actually upset his stomach, causing runny bowel movements.

One of my biggest oversights was not prioritising a high-fiber diet for my rabbit. I spent the first 2-3 years of bunny ownership not understanding that a proper diet is crucial for their digestive health. Rabbits need unlimited access to hay, fresh grass and even natural floral hay toppers. Rabbits digestive system as a herbivore is different to ours, and they don’t actually get a lot of fibre from vegetables and fruit in the same way we as humans do, and pellets are a supplementray food that is optional to feed and rabbits should definitely not have 24/7 access to these. The right diet helps prevent common health issues, including gastrointestinal stasis, which can be life-threatening. Educating myself about rabbit nutrition has been vital to all my rabbit’s well-being.

4. Not Realising How Much Space They Actually Require

This little pet shop cage was Bean’s first home, and it still to this day makes me feel horrible I ever kept him in this. Luckily, he quickly outgrew it and graduated to a bigger indoor enclosure.

Back in the early days of my bunny parent journey, I initially thought a small cage would be sufficient for my rabbit. I initially had my boy Bean, in a pet shop cage with a plastic bottom and a wire/cage that fits over the top (I’ll include a photo so you can see). Even though he was 8 weeks old and tiny when I first purchased it, it still makes me cringe I thought he would be able to live in something that small. As he began to grow, I soon realised that rabbits are active creatures that require plenty of space to hop, flop, binky and zoomie. A confined space can lead to boredom and behavioral problems such as becoming extremely territorial and aggressive. It’s essential to provide a safe, spacious indoor area for them to roam and play. Creating a rabbit-proof area in my home has made a world of difference in keeping all three of my bunnies happy and healthy.

5. Not Discouraging Bad or Naughty Behaviours

I also didn’t understand that rabbits, like any other pet, can be trained and need guidance in their behaviour. I allowed some “naughty” behaviors to go unchecked, thinking they were cute at the time. However, these behaviours can escalate and lead to issues later on. To be honest, this is one I’m still working on, but, c’mon how am I supposed to say no to that cute little face?! In all seriousness, I have learnt the importance of setting boundaries and using positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. With patience and consistency, you can teach your rabbit what’s acceptable and what isn’t.

My current bunny trio Bean (grey), Luna (white) and Aster (dark grey).

Every rabbit owner makes mistakes, but the key is to learn and grow from them, I do my best not to place shame and judgment on rabbit owners I come across in my day to day as a bunny groomer, because that doesn’t help anyone. I believe sharing my mistakes and helping educate others is the key. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help others provide the best care for their rabbits. If you’re considering bringing a bunny into your life, remember to do your research, provide the right environment and diet, and be proactive in training. Your rabbit will thank you for it!

Renee xx