Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Here's a helpful guide before you get a rabbit in your apartment. We're excited for you!
Rabbits are lovely creatures who make great pets but need proper care to be happy. Some people don't know that you can keep a rabbit in an apartment, so we're here to help you on your journey to becoming the best rabbit parent ever!
Know These Things Before Bringing a Rabbit into an Apartment
A bunny will be great if you are looking for a pet companion in your apartment. But wait! It's not yet time to adopt. First, you have to make sure you clearly understand the following:
Educate Yourself on Caring for Bunny
Before bringing one into your apartment, it is important to know what rabbits need. You can do much of the research yourself, but you may also want to consult with a veterinarian or other expert on the subject matter.
Through blogs like this, we also give ideas to people planning to adopt a bunny on what to expect. Aside from that, we provide new bunny owners tips on properly caring for bunnies.
Consider the Type of Rabbit You Want
Do you want a dwarf rabbit, a mini rabbit, a standard rabbit, or even a giant rabbit?
To choose the right kind of rabbit for your apartment and lifestyle (and ultimately yourself), it's essential that you first determine what type of house bunny would make you happiest.
There are so many different breeds with varying personalities and needs—research which type would fit best within your living space.
Check Your Lease
Is keeping a rabbit allowed?
Talk to your landlord. Will they allow you to keep a rabbit as an apartment pet? Ask your neighbors. Are they okay with you keeping a rabbit in the apartment building, or if not, how will they handle that when it becomes an issue?
Talking to everyone before getting a rabbit from a shelter is essential. Make sure everyone knows what's happening so there are no surprises later down the road when things get complicated!
Take Temperature Into Consideration
Temperature is a significant concern when raising rabbits in an apartment. Rabbits have a lower body temperature than humans, so they are more susceptible to heat stroke and hypothermia. If you live in a cold area, give your bunny a cozy and comfortable environment for winter. If you live where it's warm most of the time, consider making your home well-ventilated or air-conditioned.
A good rule is that your rabbit should be kept between 55–70 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the breed. Rabbits shouldn't be kept in an apartment higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit because it's dangerous for them.
Keep Your Rabbit Entertained
When you get a rabbit, it's essential to keep them entertained. Your rabbit will need a lot of activities, so you must ensure that they have lots of toys and activities to play with. Bunnies can also be trained to use a litter box so that you don't have too much work cleaning up after them!
When it comes time for bedtime and nap time, bunnies should get into their pen early so they can sleep all night peacefully. During the day, however, your bunny should be kept busy, so they don't get bored and start chewing on things or digging holes in the carpet!
Litter Train Your Rabbit
The easiest way to litter-train a bunny is to use a rabbit litter box. If you're unsure how to set this up, check out our guide on litter training for bunnies here.
Provide Activity and Movement Space
Rabbits need large areas to run, binky, and play. They also enjoy the freedom to move around their area. It's good to have your bunny free-roaming in your apartment. If you are strict regarding cleanliness (because they might poop anywhere), you should read number 5. Litter-train your bunny.
And remember that rabbits love hiding places: place cardboard boxes in their playpens with hay inside to look like a burrow or nest. Your rabbit will be happy knowing there are safe spaces where it can hide while still having plenty of room to stretch out its little legs!
Provide Fresh Food and Water Daily
Plenty of fresh hay daily, a limited amount of high-quality pellets, and a small amount of vegetables and fruits are their basic needs. Don't forget water!
The rabbit's water bowl/bottle should be changed at least twice a day and filled with fresh water every time they drink from it. (Read our blog on Rabbit Daily Essentials)
Visit a Vet Regularly
The first thing is to ensure you have a vet you can trust. A rabbit-savvy vet is a must! It's important to note that this doesn't mean the most expensive or highly-rated vet in your area. You want someone who will take the time to listen and understand what you're saying and then recommend treatment options that are tailored for your rabbit's needs.
You also want a vet willing to see you at short notice if something happens with your pet—emergencies can happen anytime!
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Rabbits in Apartments
Rabbits are excellent pets for apartment dwellers: Most rabbits do not require a large space at home like dogs or cats. Your bunny will be fine if there is enough place for playing.
You need to take the time to educate yourself about what it takes to care for a bunny before bringing one home. We hope this blog has helped you decide if a rabbit suits you and your lifestyle. If so, then good luck and have fun with your cute bunny!
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Send us a message at HoppScotch.bun and tell us about your experience with your pet bunny!