Photo by Gavin Allanwood on Unsplash
You've seen the title!
We are here to settle a controversial debate between bunny parents who use water bottles and bunny parents who use water bowls for their bunnies!
Who's going to win?
We'll find out later.
Bunny Water Bottles vs. Water Bowls
We want the best for our bunnies, right? Although, some bunny owners can't find an easy way to make their bunnies love water. You may be asking, "Do rabbits like water?"
The answer is a big yes! You just have to find something useful for water drinking and something they can enjoy using.
How Often Do Rabbits Drink Water?
A healthy bunny drinks water daily because it's part of its diet. Something might be wrong if you notice the bunny's water in a bowl or bottle slightly decrease. Either your bunny spilled the water, or it's not feeling well.
So many reasons why a bunny won't drink water. Bunnies are sometimes picky when it comes to food and water. Your bunny might be suffering from a dental problem or other sicknesses that a veterinarian can diagnose.
Another reason might be the taste and smell of water. Rabbits are intelligent to know whether there are changes in the water source.
It can also be their water bottles or bowls. Maybe there's a problem with the function and accessibility. You'll find out!
Let's see what's best for your bunny! Water bottles or water bowls?
Rabbit Water Bottle
Rabbit water bottles are one important piece of equipment for bunnies. Bottles are great because no amount of hay or dirt from the cage can get in. After all, the tip of the bottle is the only outlet where water comes out, so rabbits have no chance to step on it, which makes the water dirty.
However, there are some cons to using a bunny water bottle. First, bottles are hard to clean, but if you have a tool designed for cleaning them, use it. Second, bunnies can't drink as much as they'd like at once because of the extra work to get gulps of water out.
Also, bottles can get clogged or loose. Either way isn't alright. Water bottles should work perfectly fine, so rabbits can drink enough water daily.
How to Get a Rabbit to Drink From a Water Bottle?
One way to teach bunnies how to drink from a water bottle is to get their favorite fruit. Next, cut the fruit and let your rabbit smell it. After that, slowly direct your rabbit to the water bottle using the slice of fruit you're holding.
Squeeze a little juice from the fruit and drop it on the water bottle's outlet. Once your rabbit smells it on the water bottle, it will lick the fruit juice and eventually learn and discover how the water bottle works.
Rabbit Water Bowl
A rabbit water bowl is another piece of equipment you can use to keep your bunnies well-hydrated.
It's more natural for rabbits to drink from a bowl because, thinking of rabbits in the wild, it's biologically logical for them to drink water from ponds or low water sources. Anyway, house bunnies and wild bunnies still have the same instinct.
Bunnies are certainly getting enough water because it's more open than a bottle. The only thing about the water bowl is that dirt can get in the water easily or get spilled when your bunny decides to toss it.
Importance of Water in Rabbits
Aside from quality hay, water is also one of the essentials in a rabbit's daily life. Dehydration can result in serious health problems.
If a rabbit eats more vegetables, it certainly doesn't want to drink a lot of water anymore because vegetable alone has water in them. Give your bunny the right amount of leafy greens to ensure it still craves water.
Another importance of water is also to make bunnies stay active. Without water, rabbits' food won't be digested, keeping them lethargic and unable to eat. Water helps the food intake flow smoothly in the digestive tract, making rabbits poop and urinate regularly.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked 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 Water Bowls and Water Bottles
Water bottles and water bowls are both great equipment for bunnies.
If you are using a water bottle, keep in mind that you must check it a few times a day to ensure it's perfectly functioning. And, if you are using a water bowl for your bunny, check if it's still in the right place.
No matter what you use from the two options, make sure to change the water daily. Since you're a new bunny parent, changing the water in the bottles or bowls and cleaning them should become part of your routine.
Don't worry! Cleaning it won't take much time; it's for your bunny's safety.
It's always your choice to choose one piece of equipment from the two options. But giving them bottles and bowls is better because they'll have both options to ensure they drink sufficient water.
So, who won the debate? Of course, the winners are bunny parents who make sure their bunnies are getting so much love and care!
Leave a comment and share with us your bunny parenting experience!
Make sure these cute and amazing bunnies are well-hydrated and taken care of!
If you are unfamiliar with Bumbox, it is our version of a litter box and is available on Amazon. You can visit us at HoppScotch.bun and get your bunny a Bumbox.
Also, we would love to hear from you about your experience with our product.
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