Did You Want a Bunny for Easter? Vet Guide & 2025 Tips by Dr Duncan Houston 🐰🌸

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Introduction

The week after Easter can be full of surprises—especially if a rabbit ends up in the house! Those fluffy Easter bunnies seem adorable, but caring for one is a big responsibility. As a veterinarian, I’m here to guide you through the joys and challenges of rabbit ownership so you and your bunny can thrive together in 2025 and beyond. 🐇

Why Rabbits Are Great Pets—and What to Expect

Rabbits are affectionate, clever, and full of personality. They’re quiet and small, making them appealing house pets. Yet, they can be mischievous chewers and require hands-on management. Without proper guidance, responsible caretakers can feel overwhelmed and surrender their bunny. My goal? To help you create a safe, stimulating rabbit-friendly home where everyone stays happy.

Bunny-Proofing Your Home

Rabbits chew—it’s instinctual. In the wild, they spend much of the day foraging and chewing fibrous plants. Domestic pellets don’t take as long to eat, leaving bored rabbits free to explore—and chew everything in sight.

• Hide or cover cables: Use elevated routes or PVC tubing on cords.
• Block access to plants, books, furniture edges: Or use chew-safe barriers.
• Provide chew toys & unlimited hay: Chewing is natural—redirect with safe items.
• Supervised free-roam time: Start small, expand as you trust your bunny not to chew hazards.

Watch carefully—rabbits may even nibble carpet fibers or upholstery, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockages requiring surgery.

Exercise & Environment

Rabbits need daily exercise outside their cage. A cozy cage without exploration space is unnatural and unhealthy. Set up an enclosed play area filled with toys, tunnels, and hiding spots. This stimulates their body and mind and helps prevent obesity and behavioral issues.

Potty Training Your Rabbit

Rabbit droppings aren’t glamorous—but you can teach your bunny to use a litter box!

1. Set up a box in cage: Use rabbit-safe litter and add hay inside—rabbits often nibble and go.
2. Observe habits: If they eliminate elsewhere, gently place the droppings in the box.
3. Encourage box use: Add hay and droppings in the box until they consistently use it.
4. Expand space: Gradually increase play area while keeping the box accessible and adding more boxes as needed.

Most rabbits pick this up quickly, sparing you from unexpected “little green presents.”

Understanding Rabbit Digestion & Night Poops

Rabbits are hindgut fermenters. They rely on bacterial fermentation in the cecum to digest plant fiber. A natural part of their cycle is producing soft cecotropes (night feces) which they re-ingest for nutrition.

Don’t mistake this for diarrhea—it’s healthy and indicates proper digestion. Provide plenty of hay to support this cycle.

Marking & Territorial Behavior

Rabbits can be territorial and sometimes aggressive. You might see urine marking, scratching, or even nipping. The most effective way to reduce this behavior is:

• Spaying/neutering: Done around 5–6 months old, it dramatically reduces territorial behavior and also lowers the risk of reproductive cancers—doubling or tripling lifespan.
• Socialization: Handle your bunny gently and regularly, from a young age (before 3 months). Introduce them to various people with positive reinforcement (treats, gentle petting).
• Reward calm behavior: Use treats and praise when they behave well during interactions.

Properly socialized rabbits grow into affectionate companions that may greet you or even learn simple tricks.

Daily Handling & Bonding

To foster trust:

• Start handling early—after 3 months—when their social bonds form.
• Use gentle, confident support—never scruff or drop them.
• Keep sessions short but consistent.
• Let them explore your lap or a safe surface while offering a treat.

Rabbits that feel safe are calmer, friendlier, and happier—versus fearful rabbits who hide illnesses until too late.

Medical & Health Considerations

Rabbits have specific healthcare needs. Here's what to watch:

• Dental health: Overgrown teeth can stop eating—hay and safe chew toys help, but annual vet checks are essential.
• Urine scald: Wet bedding or lack of grooming can cause skin irritation.
• Digestive upset: Diet changes or low fiber lead to GI stasis—a medical emergency.
• Stress-masking: As prey animals, rabbits hide illness. By the time symptoms appear, it's often advanced.

Daily inspections and at least yearly vet exams help catch issues early. Always respond quickly to decreased appetite, droppings change, lethargy, or urine issues.

Common Care Mistakes

• Underestimating chewing instinct → unsafe home environment
• No exercise outside cage → obesity, behavior issues
• Skipping litter training → stress, mess
• Delay in spaying/neutering → health & behavioral problems
• Lack of vet care → overlooked dental or digestive issues

2025 Vet Tips for Happy Easter Bunnies

• Thoroughly bunny-proof before bringing them home.
• Establish a daily play & exercise routine beyond their cage.
• Start litter training early to avoid house surprises.
• Schedule spay/neuter around 5–6 months; reduces marking & boosts longevity.
• Provide regular gentle handling from youth for social confidence.
• Vet checks: at least annually, more if behavior or eating changes.
• Monitor food, bedding, and droppings daily—early signs matter!

Sample Daily Rabbit Routine

• Morning: Fresh hay, water, greens, and a moment of cuddle or play.
• Midday: Supervised cage-free time with toys and exploration.
• Evening: Pellet ration, hay refresh, litter box check.
• Night: Relaxing bonding time—brushing, gentle petting.

When to Call the Vet

• Loss of appetite or droppings changed.
• Signs of dental pain—dropping food, drooling.
• Frequent urination or urine burns.
• Apprehension, hiding, or sudden aggression.

Should You Really Get That Easter Bunny?

If you can commit to:

• Time for exercise, training, and attention.
• House-proofing, veterinary care, and daily observation.
• Understanding their unique quirks and needs.

Then yes—a rabbit can be a delightful, lifelong companion. If not, spring-themed plushes or other short-term joys may be better. A rabbit should never be an impulsive gift.

Final Thoughts

Rabbits are rewarding pets when cared for thoughtfully. With preparation and knowledge, you’ll provide a nurturing home that meets their natural needs and brings years of companionship. A bunny given in love (and prepared care) is a truly wonderful gift.

Support for Bunny Families

At Ask A Vet, we’re here to help rabbit owners every step of the way—from bunny-proofing tips to health monitoring guidance. For personalized support, visit AskAVet.com and get the Ask A Vet app for on-demand veterinary advice and tailored care tips. 🐾

Disclaimer

This article provides general advice and is not a replacement for an in-person vet exam. If you have concerns about your rabbit’s health or behavior, consult your veterinarian promptly.