by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | Sep 1, 2025 | Bunnies
Bringing a bunny home for the first time? Rabbits are adorable, curious, and surprisingly particular about their food. Feeding your rabbit the right diet is essential for their long-term health, digestion, and happiness. But with so many options on the shelf, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if your bunny is still young.
Here’s what every new rabbit owner should know about building a healthy, balanced diet for their furry friend.
Start with Age-Appropriate Pellets
Young rabbits (under six months) have different dietary needs from adults. Their growing bodies require more protein, calcium, and fat, which is why it’s so important to feed them a “young rabbit” pellet formula. These are specifically designed to support healthy development and bone growth.
Feeding an adult rabbit formula to a baby bunny can lead to nutritional deficiencies and slower growth. Once your rabbit reaches adulthood, you can gradually transition them to an adult pellet with lower protein and fiber designed for maintenance rather than growth.
Always choose a high-quality pellet that lists timothy or alfalfa as the first ingredient, depending on your rabbit’s age.
Hay, Hay, and More Hay
No matter your rabbit’s age, hay should make up the majority of their diet. It’s crucial for digestion and helps wear down their ever-growing teeth. Young rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, which is richer in calories and nutrients. Once they reach adulthood, switch to timothy, orchard grass, or oat hay, which provide plenty of fiber without excessive calcium.
Make sure fresh hay is always available in your rabbit’s enclosure. Refill it daily and keep it clean and dry.
Fresh Veggies in Moderation
Once your bunny is around 12 weeks old, you can begin introducing leafy greens one at a time. Romaine, cilantro, parsley, and dandelion greens are all great options. Avoid iceberg lettuce and anything high in oxalates or sugar.
Start with small portions to see how your rabbit’s digestive system reacts. Too much too soon can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Treats and Fruits—Only Occasionally
Bunnies have a sweet tooth, but sugary treats should be rare. Tiny bits of banana, apple, or carrot can be offered sparingly. Think of them as dessert, not part of the main meal.
Final Tip: Fresh Water Always
Your rabbit should always have access to clean, fresh water, either in a heavy ceramic bowl or a water bottle attached to their enclosure. If you have any questions, contact Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin.
by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | Jul 15, 2025 | Bunnies
Spring and summer are prime seasons for spotting wildlife in your yard, including baby bunnies tucked into shallow nests. If you stumble upon a litter of tiny rabbits nestled in the grass, your first instinct might be to scoop them up and help. But in most cases, the best thing you can do is leave them where they are.
Here’s what you should know if you discover baby bunnies in your yard.
Don’t Kidnap the Bunnies
It’s easy to assume a nest of bunnies has been abandoned, especially since mother rabbits are rarely seen nearby. But that’s completely normal. Wild rabbits are very hands-off parents. A mother rabbit visits her nest once or twice a day, usually at dawn or dusk, to avoid attracting predators. The rest of the time, she leaves her babies hidden.
So if you don’t see mom, that doesn’t mean she’s gone. She’s likely nearby, watching and waiting for a time to return.
How to Recognize a Nest
Rabbit nests are typically shallow depressions in the ground, often lined with grass, leaves, and tufts of the mother’s fur. They’re commonly found in backyards, gardens, and even under shrubs: places you wouldn’t expect such vulnerable creatures to be.
If you spot a nest while mowing the lawn or letting your dog out, mark the area with small garden flags or string to avoid disturbing it.
What You Should Do
- Leave the bunnies where they are. Resist the urge to touch or move them.
- Keep pets and children away. Use fencing or temporary barriers to protect the nest.
- Check for signs of injury. If a bunny appears cold, injured, or covered in flies, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
- Test if mom is returning. Place a few small sticks over the nest in a grid pattern and check back the next day. If the sticks are disturbed, mom has likely returned and fed them.
When to Call for Help
Baby bunnies rarely need human intervention. However, if the nest has been destroyed, the bunnies are clearly orphaned (eyes closed and alone for more than 24 hours), or a pet has injured them, it’s time to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator like Anderson Humane.
Anderson Humane
Anderson Humane’s Wildlife Center
(847) 697-2880 x25
45W061 IL-38
Elburn, IL 60119
wildlife@ahconnects.org
Open 9 AM to 5 PM seven days a week.
https://ahconnects.org/wildlife/
Let Wildlife Be Wild
It’s a gift to witness nature so close to home, but sometimes the best way to help is to do nothing at all. Let the bunnies stay, and with a little luck, you’ll see them hop off on their own in just a few weeks. If you have any questions, be sure to contact the experts about bunnies at Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin.
