Basics

Feeding and watering

Fibre is the single most important component of a rabbit's diet, and all that is necessary for a rabbit is clean water and good quality hay, which also contains the necessary protein, fat, calcium and phosphate balance. Hay is vital in maintaining the health of a rabbit's intestines and teeth.
You should feed your rabbit grass and good quality grass hay with a small amount of a good quality high-fibre commercial diet. Small amounts of fruit and fresh green vegetables can be added to this.

Remember that some root vegetables can be high in sugar, so only feed occasionally as a treat, except for the green leafy tops.

If you have no access to a lawn, try to pull fresh grass for your rabbit daily or grow it in containers! Don't use grass clippings, as these can ferment causing digestive upsets.

Rabbits do eat their own droppings so that they can get the full goodness out of their high-fibre food, so don¹t be concerned if you see this.

Rabbits drink quite a lot of water in a day, and so fresh water must always be available. It can be provided in bowls or sipper bottles. Bottles are more hygienic, but must be cleaned regularly and checked for leaks.

There are special rabbit high-fibre pellets available that your vet can advise you about where good quality hay or grass is difficult to obtain.

Training

Both indoor and outdoor rabbits can be trained to use a litter tray. Put a litter tray inside the pen or hutch and place some of their droppings in it.
Use a paper-based litter and place a hay rack or food bowl near one end of the tray. Offer a food reward, such as a small piece of carrot, each time the rabbit jumps into the tray and uses it.