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

When bringing a rabbit home, assume the rabbit is stressed. This is true whether the rabbit is from a shelter, private owner, rescue situation, or unexpected encounter on your own property.

Even if the rabbit appears calm, he has likely experienced some kind of disruption. Previous bonds may have been broken. The environment, smells, lighting, and sounds are unfamiliar.

Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary. Resist the urge to introduce the rabbit to multiple family members, children, or guests. Keep other pets away. Barking dogs can scare a rabbit to death, so be mindful of sudden, loud noises. Stress during the first days (or weeks/months, depending on the rabbit’s history) can negatively impact appetite and overall health. In some cases, it could determine whether the rabbit lives or dies.

Instead, focus on three immediate priorities:

  • Provide unlimited hay and fresh water.
  • Offer the same pellets or greens the rabbit was previously eating whenever possible. If prior diet is not known, introduce very small amounts of rabbit-safe lettuce and high-quality pellets over the course of a week or two so the rabbit’s gut flora can adjust.
  • Create a quiet, contained space for rest.

Stability is more important than stimulation.

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