Health Care — Frequently Asked Questions
- Help! I need an emergency clinic NOW!
See the Emergency Clinics on our Vet List.
- Where can I find a bunny vet?
See our Vet List.
- Why should I have my bunny spayed or neutered?
See Spay & Neuter?
- How much will it cost to have my bunny spayed or neutered?
See our Vet List, but please phone the vets you're considering for current pricing.
- What kind of food, hay, litter, cages, toys, etc. are safe for my bunny, and where can I buy them?
- What's the correct way to pick up a rabbit?
Warning: Never pick up a rabbit by the ears or the scruff of his neck, and always support his rump. Rabbits can kick hard enough to break their own backs.
Most rabbits don't like to be picked up. See our Rabbit Care Guide for safe handling techniques.
- How can I help my bunny look his best?
See our Rabbit Care Guide for tips on grooming.
- I found a wild baby bunny. What should I do?
Probably nothing. For thorough advice, see the House Rabbit Society FAQ on Orphaned Baby Bunnies. If the mother is still alive, she will return later and take care of them. If the mother isn't able to come back, they are orphans and you may want to contact Houston's Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC).
- I found a domesticated (baby) bunny. What should I do?
See the House Rabbit Society FAQ on Orphaned Baby Bunnies. Finding a New Home will explain your options for re-homing a house rabbit. There is a difference between a wild rabbit and a house rabbit, just as there's a difference between a wolf and a poodle. If the rabbit you found looks like one of the bunnies pictured on this web site, it's a house rabbit. If you're not sure, Contact Us.
- Should I give my bunny a bath?
In general, bathing your bunny is unnecessary and could even endanger him. Rabbit fur stays moist for a long time, which can allow parasites to develop. A healthy bunny who's fed a diet of fresh water, Timothy hay, and safe veggies will normally groom himself until he looks his best, even if it takes several days. However, if your bunny has a special condition that requires your help, consult a rabbit-savvy vet about which shampoos and procedures are best (see our Vet List).
- Should I declaw my bunny?
No. See Why Rabbits Should Not Be Declawed, by Dr. Susan Brown, for the House Rabbit Society.