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.
0/2
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.
0/4
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.
0/4
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.
0/5
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.
0/6
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.
0/5
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.
0/4
Rabbit Require Intentional Care
Credible Information Prevents Suffering
Rabbits Deserve Better
Moving Forward
Rabbit Care Basics

Typically, rabbits are safest when housed indoors as part of the family environment. Indoor living protects them from predators, extreme temperatures, parasites, and weather-related stressors that outdoor housing cannot fully prevent. While indoor environments are preferred, outdoor environments deserve a more balanced discussion. 

Outdoor Primary Enclosures (Outdoor Housing)

Outdoor housing gets a bad reputation in pet rabbit owner communities. In many ways, this is justified. This outdoor-living concern is typically a result of historic improper living conditions when humans did not understand the nature and needs of these animals. Frequent well-checks by rabbit owners were not as common as they are now.

The concern is completely justified because these animals have historically been mistreated, neglected and even abused in the way humans cared for them. Today, plenty of responsible, compassionate rabbit owners have very safe, spacious outdoor accommodations for their pet rabbits. 

Too-small outdoor housing has been one of the main problems, in addition to filthy living environments in barns or rows of cages in environments that are inappropriate for rabbits. This old housing mindset has no doubt led to immense suffering and immeasurable harm. Sady, it is still common today among people who believe that if their animal is used for something other than companionship, it’s okay. Like it has historically, this outdated mindset carries significant risks for the rabbit.

Unless outdoor housing is set up properly with plenty of space and safety measures in place, rabbits should be kept in spacious indoor environments. Safety measures include frequent well-checks, including close examination of the rabbit’s coat (fur) to ensure parasites are not a problem. If used, outdoor housing must be kept clean so that flies and other insects are not drawn to your rabbit.

Preparation of large, enclosed outdoor primary living spaces, or even outdoor playtime areas, is key. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, insects, and predators can create life-threatening situations, even in well-built, spacious enclosures. If you do not house the rabbit in areas with fences bordering the primary living space, predators can break through and harm or kill your rabbit. Example: neighborhood dogs whose owners do not properly train or contain them, birds of prey fly overhead, et cetera.

Some rabbit owners have safe, spacious outdoor enclosures that work well for their companion rabbits. Those living environments are set up to ensure rabbits can get out of extreme heat and cold when necessary. They are properly maintained and frequently cleaned so that they have the best protection from parasites like fleas. 

While every home setup looks different, the priority is always safety, supervision, and protection from environmental extremes. Always: Learn to do frequent well-checks of your rabbits to ensure they are healthy and thriving.

Previous
Next
Scroll to Top