Course Content
Introduction
Welcome! I’m Jana Brock. For more than a decade, I’ve provided hands-on, daily care for rabbits. My focus has always been accurate research, practical application, and respectful treatment of these sensitive animals. I’ve learned that rabbits respond to patience, quiet consistency, and respect. That philosophy shapes everything I teach. Over the years, I’ve worked with rabbits needing rehabilitation, gentle bonding, post-surgical care, and behavioral stabilization. Some have come to me fearful, injured, or misunderstood. A high number of them did not trust humans enough to even approach them. With time and consistent care, I’ve watched rabbits become calm, trusting companions. I am not a rescue organization. My work has centered on day-to-day care, long-term rehabilitation, and education. Writing and documentation have always been part of my process, which allows me to share what I’ve learned in a clear and structured way. This course is built from experience — not trends. My goal is to provide practical, responsible guidance that supports both rabbits and the people who care for them. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s begin.
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Rabbits Are Not Rodents
Quiz
Feeding Fundamentals: A Rabbit’s Diet
A rabbit’s diet is so important that it can truly mean the difference between life and death. Rabbits are strictly herbivores. They are designed to eat a very specific, plant-based diet, and they thrive when their food stays as close to nature as possible. Rabbits do not eat meat, dairy, or foods made for humans. Feeding them things that they would not naturally eat or have access to if they lived out in nature can cause serious digestive problems. It can also be fatal. In this lesson, you’ll learn the foundational principles of a healthy rabbit diet. We’ll cover what rabbits should eat every day, why fresh hay and clean water are essential, and how proper nutrition supports digestion, dental health, and overall well-being. Understanding these basics is one of the most important ways you can help your rabbit live a longer, healthier life.
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The Importance of Hay and Water
Greens, Pellets and Treats
Happy Rabbit Tip
Quiz
Housing Basics: Primary Living Space
Providing appropriate housing is one of the more important responsibilities of caring for rabbits. Rabbits are active, intelligent animals who require space, safety, and thoughtful setup to thrive in captivity.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Enclosures
Space Considerations: Avoid Overcaging
Curiosity, Enrichment Activities and Toys
Cleaning Requirements: Rabbits Are Messy Roommates
Grooming and Basic Care
Proper grooming and basic care are not cosmetic tasks. They are foundational responsibilities. Rabbits are delicate animals whose health depends heavily on consistent, hands-on maintenance. This module covers three core areas: nail care, coat maintenance, and preventative health practices which includes spay and neuter surgery.
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Nail Trimming is a Non-Negotiable Responsibility
Coat Maintenance: Brushing is Health Care
Benefits of Spay and Neuter
Preventative Care vs. Reactive Care
Something To Remember
Common Mistakes New Rabbit Owners Make
Many rabbit care problems are not caused by intentional cruelty. They are caused by misunderstanding and inaccurate information. Rabbits are often treated like small, low-maintenance pets. In reality, they are sensitive, intelligent prey animals with very specific needs. Understanding common mistakes allows you to avoid unnecessary suffering and create a stable, thriving environment from the beginning.
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Inadequate Space and Improper Housing
Improper Diet and Sudden Food Changes
Forcing Interaction Instead of Learning Rabbit Body Language
Neglecting Social and Emotional Needs
Relying on Outdated or Inaccurate Information
Let Them Thrive
First Steps After Finding or Adopting a Rabbit
Whether you adopted intentionally or unexpectedly found yourself responsible for a rabbit, the first 24–72 hours matter. This is not the time for excitement, introductions, or major changes. It is a stabilization period. Your primary goal is to create safety, reduce stress, and observe carefully before making decisions.
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What To Do Immediately
Setting Up a Safe, Temporary Space
Observe Before You Act
Warning Signs: When to Call a Veterinarian
A Stabilization Mindset
Key Takaways for Rabbit Care and Handling
Rabbits are often misunderstood. They are small and quiet, which leads many people to assume they are simple or low-maintenance. In reality, rabbits are intelligent, emotionally aware, and physically delicate animals who require thoughtful, consistent care. Understanding that truth changes everything.
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Rabbit Require Intentional Care
Credible Information Prevents Suffering
Rabbits Deserve Better
Moving Forward
Rabbit Care Basics

Long-strand hay is one of the most critical components of proper rabbit care. It supports both dental health and digestive function. Hay should always be available.

Dental Health

A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life. Coarse, long-strand hay provides the natural abrasion needed to keep teeth worn down to a healthy length. In addition to hay, rabbits benefit from rabbit-safe wood and bark to chew. Examples include properly prepared apple tree branches or sticks. If you don’t have access to safe natural wood, many rabbit-safe options are available online.

Note:  A rabbit’s teeth growing too long means they cannot eat. This causes a series of cascading health events that leads to suffering and eventually, death.

Digestive Health

A rabbit’s digestive system relies on fiber to keep food moving through the gut. Without enough fiber, the digestive system can slow or stop causing a life-threatening condition known as gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis). GI Stasis is a silent killer of rabbits. Unlimited access to hay keeps the gut muscles active and functioning properly.

As a best practice, hay should make up 70–95% of a rabbit’s daily diet. Source information varies on how much hay a rabbit will eat, but most rabbits consume an amount of hay roughly equal to their body size each day. Providing plenty of fresh, long-strand hay ensures the rabbit will consume the necessary amount.

Choosing The Right Hay

Timothy hay and other grass hays are appropriate for adult rabbits and are widely available at farm supply stores and online. Alfalfa hay, however, should only be fed during the first 6 to 12 months of life, when rabbits are still growing. Alfalfa is too rich in calcium and protein for adult rabbits and can contribute to health problems.

Unfortunately, outdated information about rabbit diets still circulates, and adult rabbits are often incorrectly directed toward alfalfa hay or worse—no hay at all. Rabbit-savvy veterinarians and current best-practice guidelines agree that adult rabbits should have grass hay available. It should be grass hay and NOT alfalfa. Understanding why hay matters, and choosing the correct type, plays a major role in your rabbit’s long-term health and well-being.

Fresh Water

Rabbits must have unlimited access to fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration can quickly become dangerous and lead to serious symptoms, including weakness, loss of balance, or difficulty using the hind legs.

Use sturdy, non-breakable water containers to prevent injury. Large water bottles (½ gallon to 1 gallon) or heavy bowls that are designed for cats work very well. Also, heavy dog water bowls with low sides work well. Anything the rabbit would have a hard time tipping over, but an easy time drinking from.

When choosing a water dispenser or heavy bowl, avoid all models with electrical cords. Simple, non-electric water dishes are effective and easy to maintain.

Check water daily, keep it clean, and refill it as needed. Fresh water is just as essential as fresh hay in supporting your rabbit’s health.

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