Small Animal - Wisconsin Humane Society

Healthy Bunny Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential for a rabbit, just like with all living creatures, so there is a range of foods that you must feed your bunny.

Always consult a veterinarian specializing in rabbits for your specific rabbit’s needs.

Rabbit Pellets

Small pellets of food that are high in fiber. Most veterinarians recommend 1/4 cup of pellets for every 5 pounds of weight. All pellets can lose their nutrients so make sure they are kept refrigerated or cool and are kept dry.

Loose Timothy Hay

Timothy hay should be fed daily in unlimited quanities. It aids in normal digestion and helps prevent hairballs. The chewing a rabbit does with hay also helps to wear down their teeth so there is less chance of them becoming overgrown.

Veggies

Given in limited quantities and added slowly to their diets, fresh veggies are a wonderful addition. Carrots, carrot tops, beet tops, collard greens, dandelion greens, dark leaf lettuce (not iceberg), alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts, clover and parsley are all good diet choices. You want to avoid cabbage, kale, rhubarb, iceberg lettuce, potatoes and beans.

Chewing Wood

Chewable wood should always be available. Fruit tree branches (pesticide free) are wonderful, apple pear and willow are best; steer away from cherry, plum and apricot.

Night Feces

This is not something that you have to supply for your rabbit, but you will notice them eating these “special droppings” and they are an essential part of their diet. During certain times of the day, usually in the evening, you will notice your rabbit licking his anal area and actually eating some of the droppings. These cecal pellets are softer and greener than the normal pellets they excrete and are rich in vitamins and nutrients.

How Much Food?

Now that you know what to feed your rabbit lets talks about the appropriate quantities to feed.

Teenage Rabbits – 7 weeks to 7 months
- Unlimited alfalfa based pellets
- Unlimited timothy hay
- At 12 weeks, introduce veggies slowly, one at a time, in 1/2 ounce quantities.
Young Adults – 7 months to 1 year
- Unlimited timothy hay
- Decrease timothy based pellets to 1/4 cup per five punds of body weight
- Increase daily vegetables gradually
- Fruit should be used sparingly and as more of a treat than part of a meal. No more than 1 ounce to 2 ounce per 6 pounds body weight should be given because of the calories.
Mature Adults – 1 to 5 years
- Unlimited timothy hay
- ¼ to five pounds of body weight (depending on metabolism and/or proportionate to veggies)
- Although you do not need to cut up vegetables before you offer them to your rabbit, a good measurement of vegetables is a minimum 2 cups chopped vegetables per six pounds body weight
- Fruit should be used sparingly and as more of a treat than part of a meal. No more than 1 ounce to 2 ounces per sixpounds body weight should be given because of the calories.
Senior – over 6 years
- If sufficient weight is maintained, continue adult diet
- Frail, older rabbits may need unrestricted pellets to keep weight up.
- Alfalfa can be given to underweight rabbits, only if calcium levels are normal.
Consult your veterinarian if you are considering changing your rabbit’s diet because of weight loss. There may be underlying medical issues causing it. Annual blood work-ups are highly recommended for geriatric rabbits.
Handling Rabbits

Many people are disappointed to find that rabbits rarely enjoy being cuddled or picked up routinely.

Most rabbits can be taught to accept routine handling, but there is nothing wrong with a rabbit that prefers to sit beside you rather than in your lap.

Remember that rabbits are a prey species and that a “friendly restraint” is difficult to distinguish from being captured by a PREDATOR.

Picking Up Your Rabbit

It is easier to pick up a rabbit that trusts you.

You can earn a rabbit’s trust with patience and by letting him approach you without grabbing him. Rabbits can sense if you are confident or not and will fuss and wiggle if you hesitate or seem unsure of yourself when you try to pick them up.

It is sometimes easier to train a rabbit to enter a carrier than to actually pick them up. You can lure him into a carrier with a bit of an apple or carrot

Holding Your Rabbit

If you do attempt to lift your rabbit, make sure that you support both the front and the back end.

It’s important to support their back legs by placing one arm behind their rump and prevent them from hopping away from you and injuring themselves by placing the other arm in the front of the rabbit. Squeezing a rabbit can be terrifying to them and will cause them to thrash and kick in a panic. Your hands should be used to support the rabbit. Never lift a rabbit by the ears or scruff of the neck and never let a small child pick up a rabbit.

Be Gentle!

Frightened rabbits will bite, kick or scratch.

This will cause injury both the child and the rabbit. Many rabbits sustain fractures or become paralyzed from being dropped by children. If you ever feel that you are loosing grip of the rabbit, crouch down quickly and release your hold.
Grooming Your Rabbit

Rabbits groom each other and you, if you are lucky!

They groom each other for cleanliness and also to show affection. Grooming your rabbit is a wonderful time to bond and is also necessary for your rabbit’s health and wellbeing. There are four different types of grooming to consider.

Coat Care

Bunnies shed just as all animals with fur do and will typically go through a few major sheds each year.

Your rabbit is going to need brushing just like cats and dogs and the more hair that ends

up in the brush, the less hair that will end up on the floor and in your rabbit’s stomach. A slicker brush is generally used with rabbits. A flea comb is also a wonderful way to groom your rabbit and they seem to love it. When you first bring your rabbit home, start brushing or combing him, starting with the least threatening areas on his body. Start with a upper head areas and back and don’t move down to the lower face and chin area until bunny has had a few weeks of grooming already and trusts you enough to relax and enjoy her beauty time.

Fleas/Fur Mites

Even the best-groomed rabbit, if allowed outdoors for any amount of time, will eventually get fleas.

Many different flea and mite products are available that can be powdered, sprayed, bombed or given orally. Many flea preventatives have the potential of being harmful to your rabbit. Check with your vet to help you decide on a flea prevention program that works best for you and your rabbit. Flee dips and baths are never recommended for rabbits. If you need to find a veterinarian in Milwaukee or Ozaukee County that specializes in rabbits, click here.

Spot Cleaning

There are times when your bunny may get soiled and need a spot cleaning.

You can use safe products that are designed for rabbits, a mild dishwashing detergent or non-medical puppy shampoo to clean small dirty spots on your rabbit. These products can also be used to clean off your bunny’s hindquarters, if soiled. If the hidquarters are soiled, it may be due to a medical condition or improper diet and you will need to consult your veterinarian.

Toenail Clipping

Your rabbit will need her toenails clipped on a regular basis to keep her from getting snagged in the carpeting or in the cage.

You may need a helper to hold your rabbit while you trim her nails. Clip her nails and avoid cutting into the veins by using a flashlight to see through darker toenails. Declawing your rabbit is never recommended and can lead to serious infections. Instead, keep their nails trimmed and give them a large hay box to dig. You will both be happier in the long run.
Bunny-proofing Your Home

Rabbits need to chew, so instead of getting frustrated with your new bunny for what is normal behavior, plan ahead and bunny proof your home.

There are a few steps to bunny proof. It takes some work, but once it is done both you and bunny can rest at ease that she and your belongings will be safe.

Here are some things to think about. If there are visible cords (telephone, electrical, blinds), bunny will chew on them. If there are books on lower shelves, bunny will most likely find them irresistable and need to take a chomp out of them. (The easiest solution to this is to move books off the lowest level.)

Lastly, if you have something that can be used as a hopping board such as a chair, ottoman or step stool, your rabbit may decide to hop up onto a higher level. There are a couple different ways to make your home safe.

Removal

The best solution for bunny proofing your home is to remove the potential problems.

Using an overhead light instead of a lamp is one example. If you absolutely can not have your bunny chewing on your heirloom antique chair, it is best not to give him access to it. This is the only fail safe way of bunny proofing.

Repellents

Bunnies’ noses are very sensitive.

By spraying an area with perfume, shaving lotion or another fragrant you may be able to convince bunny that that area is too smelly. Experiment with different smells; each bunny is an individual and has different preferences. Be aware that repellents will need to be reapplied and may discolor furniture or carpet.

Cover-Ups

If the sofa sits right in front of the light cord you are in luck.

Otherwise you may have to use something else to cover-up dangerous objects or areas. Here are some ideas. Plexiglass can be used to cover up linoleum or hardwood floors or to cover a lower area of your wall. A strip of untreated lumber can be tacked to the baseboard and will give bunny an acceptable thing to chew. Polyethylene tubing can be split lengthwise and then used to put electrical cords inside. Seagrass mats are a great protector for more expensive rugs and are relatively inexpensive. Blankets and towels can be used to throw over upholstery or beds to protect them from teeth and nails.

Encourage your rabbits hopping, chewing, digging and exploring. That is what makes a rabbit… a rabbit!
Bunny Housing
Your bunny’s cage should be as large as possible.

A general rule of thumb for the minimum size of the cage is it should be three to four times as long as your bunny when she is stretched out. Of course, if you have a baby bunny you want to look ahead to her adulthood so you won’t have to buy another cage as she grows.

The cage will ideally have a large side door for your bunny to be able to hop out of comfortably and a top door so that you can reach in easily and scoop bunny out if you need to.

Items To Include In Your Rabbit’s Cage

Rabbits love to toss and nudge. Great toys for this include thick plastic baby toys such as keys and stackable cups or special plastic rabbit toys. Because rabbit teeth continue to grow through their life time, they need to chew on things. Toilet paper and paper towel rolls, wood blocks and apple or pear twigs and small branches are great ways to take care of their chewing needs.

Place her water bottle, a pellet crock, a litter box, unlimited timothy hay, soft floor covering (a synthetic sheepskin rug is ideal) and some rabbit toys in the cage. Ideally, if the cage is large enough, your rabbit should have a comfy hiding spot to run to if she is frightened.

Minimum guidelines for cage sizes
- Small rabbits: 3’x 2’ x 1½’ high
- Medium rabbits: 4’ x 2’ x 2’ high
- Large rabbits: 5’ x 2’ x 2’ high
- Giant rabbits: 6’ x 2½’ x 2½’ high
Bunny Basics

It is best to obtain a rabbit from an animal shelter or rescue group.

Rabbits available for adoption from WHS will come to you already spayed or neutered and well socialized. Adult rabbits make great choices since their size and personalities are known and they are easier to litter-box train than babies. You will also find the most accurate information on rabbit behavior and care from WHS and organizations like the House Rabbit Society. Purchasing a rabbit from a breeder or pet store encourages over-breeding. Rabbits are bred for appearances rather than temperament.

Rabbit Personalities & Life Span

Rabbit personalities vary greatly from one rabbit to the next even among littermates.

Rabbits can be silly, timid, shy, curious, and high spirited regardless of sex or breed type. They show affection in characteristic ways; choosing to sit near you, climbing on your back or nibbling at your socks. Some will even lick your hands or face. Even feisty rabbits can become affectionate companions, if given a chance to bloom. Spaying or neutering eliminates many behavior problems and prevents many rabbit diseases. Smaller rabbits such as dwarfs are usually more active than larger rabbits. They are able to jump much higher than their larger cousins because of their lighter weight. The average life span for a spayed or neutered house rabbit is eight to ten years, although many live even longer.
Adolescent Rabbits

Adolescence usually begins as early as four months and can end as late as two years.

Behaviors signaling the onset of adolescence include: loss of house training, spraying, biting, nipping, nest building, destructiveness and courtship behaviors such as mounting and circling. This is a normal part of development, not a sign that something is wrong with your rabbit or that she is bad or mean. It is time to have your rabbit spayed or neutered. Qualified veterinarians are able to spay and neuter rabbits.

Click here for a list of qualified veterinarians in the Milwaukee area.
Solutions for Humans with Pet Allergies

Being allergic to certain animals doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have that type of pet or that you must give up one you currently have. These days, there are many solutions that can drastically reduce your symptoms and make cohabitating much more comfortable.

Understanding Your Allergies

A helpful first step is getting an allergy test. Allergic reactions are caused by allergens, substances which are usually invisible to the human eye, such as pollen, dust, mold spores, or food additives. For those with pet allergies, the most common cause is animal dander, the naturally occurring combination of saliva and skin cells that your pet is continually shedding. Dander imbeds itself in carpeting, furniture, and draperies and remains in the environment causing reactions for those who are allergic. All cats and dogs produce dander, though some produce less than others. With cats specifically, Fel d 1 is a protein created in their saliva and thus spread onto their coat and dander which commonly triggers allergic reactions.

Some animals may be more tolerable to your senses than others because they shed fewer allergens, or they produce less of the specific allergen you are triggered by (saliva vs. dander, etc.). Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a universally hypoallergenic animal. Within any given breed, or even litter, you may find animals that you can tolerate more than others. Based on your pet’s fur and lifestyle, you could unknowingly be worsening your allergies, as well; certain coat styles and lengths will catch more outdoor allergens like pollen during walks or playtime, carrying those into the home and leaving them behind on furniture, bedding, and other soft surfaces. This is why it’s so important to get tested and find out exactly what allergens affect you so you can come up with the most effective treatment plan.

How to Reduce Allergens & Symptoms

Get an allergy test | Allergies are usually cumulative and often involve multiple different allergens. Since the allergic person is sensitive to more than one thing, it is the total allergen level that causes a reaction. Whether or not a person has symptoms depends on how many allergens are in the environment at the same time. An individual who is allergic to animals may exhibit no noticeable symptoms as long as the total exposure is below their allergy threshold level. The trouble begins when there are enough allergens in the environment to exceed this level. The goal is to minimize exposure to airborne allergens that exceed tolerance thresholds and trigger attacks. You can do this by identifying and concentrating on all the causes, not just the pet allergy.

Use HEPA air cleaners and vacuums/Clean frequently | HEPA filters trap harmful particles in the air such as pet dander and dust mites. If you are unable to avoid carpet or furnishings that trap more particles, it is important to clean frequently to remove any dust and dander. Air purifiers and frequent vacuuming can make a big difference.

Create an “allergy-free” zone | You may consider restricting your pet from one or two rooms in the home to reduce the amount of total allergens.

“Bathe” your pet on a weekly basis | Routine bathing and/or grooming can go a long way in reducing certain pet allergens. Cats typically do not like to be bathed and they do a great job of keeping themselves clean. Unfortunately, the “baths” they give themselves are usually what is causing you grief. With the proper steps, tools, and gradual introduction, it’s possible for your water-averse cat or dog to become comfortable with bath time, especially if you start when they are young and try to make it as pleasant and stress-free as possible. If your pet does not enjoy baths, you can help by brushing them more often to reduce the amount of shedding, and try dander-reducing wipes specifically made to minimize dander.

Treatments | If the steps above are not effective, you may seek out treatment options such as immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays, or antihistamine pills. When searching for the right solution for you, it’s important to seek out an allergist that understands your commitment to keeping your pet so you can both share the same goal.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Always consult your medical doctor before starting any medication or changing medications. Please consult your veterinarian for additional support on finding medicated shampoos or wipes for your pets.
Shelter for Domestic Violence Survivors
Safe Haven Foster Program

The Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus and Sojourner Family Peace Center have partnered to provide the Safe Haven program, which offers up to 60 days of shelter for animals from families affected by domestic violence.

Research finds that 75% of abused women who have companion animals report a history of their companion animal being threatened or intentionally harmed by their intimate partner*. Abusers often use animals as pawns to manipulate and control the survivor, taking advantage of the survivor’s concern for his or her animal. Abusers may threaten, harm, or kill animals to intimidate survivors, demand silence about the abuse, or prevent them from leaving.

Many survivors are unable to leave an abusive situation because they fear for their animal’s safety. The Safe Haven program makes it possible for survivors to leave an abusive relationship without losing their companion animal. Animals provide companionship, comfort, and unconditional love to survivors and their children affected by domestic violence, and preserving the bond between families and their animals is vitally important.

Get Support for Your Pet

Milwaukee-area

To enroll in the Safe Haven program, contact the Sojourner Family Peace Center at 414-933-2722

Call now

Outside of Milwaukee

Services vary by community. Click here to find resources available near you.

find help

Support the Program

Thank you for your interest in helping survivors navigate their journey to safety. Your generosity will help save lives – both human and animal.
- Volunteer as a foster parent | Fostering an animal for the Safe Haven program not only provides a comfortable home environment for the animal, but also peace of mind for their family, so they can focus on leaving a dangerous situation. Find more information and apply here.
- Donate | You can contribute directly to the Safe Haven program to help offset the costs of feeding, supplies, and daily care for animals during their stay with us.
“Our friend Joe Pabst has been a driving force in our ability to offer this important program, and we’re so appreciative of his partnership. This program is one of the many ways we are able to fulfill our mission of making a difference for animals AND the people who love them. We are grateful to the Sojourner Peace Center for helping accomplish that, by offering families in these unthinkable situations a safe place for their pets while they find safety themselves.”

-Alison Fotsch, WHS President & CEO

“I come from a family that loves animals. One of my sisters was a victim of domestic violence, and I believe that her pets were an obstacle to her ability to leave. They were very important to her. Despite our efforts and many interventions, we couldn’t save her. In the people the Safe Haven Foster Program helps, I see my sister. I see a survivor. I see a person with another chance.”

-Joseph Pabst

*McDonald, S. E., Collins, E. A., Maternick, A., Nicotera, N., Graham-Bermann, S., Ascione, F. R., & Williams, J. H. (2019). Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Reports of Their Children’s Exposure to Companion Animal Maltreatment: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(13), 2627-2652. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516689775

WI Animal Welfare Organizations

Is the Wisconsin Humane Society a statewide organization?

No. WHS operates six sheltering locations in Racine, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Green Bay, Door County, and Kenosha, as well as our Spay/Neuter Clinic in West Allis and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Milwaukee. Our name can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with us, but we were founded as the Wisconsin Humane Society in 1879 when we were the only animal welfare organization in the state. In relatively recent history, five other shelters have reached out to us asking to merge, leading to our current locations. Aside from our six campuses, every other shelter in the state (and in most states) operates independently from one another, and there is no national affiliation or umbrella group.

Here is a list of other animal welfare agencies and adoption resources in the state:

County	Organization	City/Town
Adams	Adams County Humane Society	Friendship
Ashland	Chequamegon Humane Association	Ashland
Barron	Humane Society of Barron County	Barron
Bayfield	—–	—–
Brown	Green Bay Animal Rescue	Green Bay
Brown	Lucky 7 Dog Rescue	Green Bay
Brown	Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary	Green Bay
Brown	Wisconsin Humane Society Green Bay Campus	Green Bay
Buffalo	Buffalo County Humane Association	Mondovi
Burnett	Humane Society of Burnett County	Siren
Calumet	Eastshore Humane Association	Chilton
Chippewa	Chippewa Humane Association	Chippewa Falls
Clark	Clark County Humane Society	Neillsville
Columbia	Columbia County Humane Society	Portage
Crawford	Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter	Prairie du Chien
Dane	Madison Cat Project	Madison
Dane	Dane County Humane Society	Madison
Dodge	Dodge County Humane Society	Juneau
Door	Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus	Sturgeon Bay
Douglas	Humane Society of Douglas County	Superior
Dunn	Dunn County Humane Society	Menomonie
Eau Claire	Eau Claire Humane Association	Eau Claire
Florence	—–	—–
Fond du Lac	Fond du Lac Humane Society	Fond du Lac
Forest	Forest County Humane Society	Crandon
Grant	Grant County Humane Society	Lancaster
Green	Green County Humane Society	Monroe
Green Lake	Green Lake Area Animal Shelter	Green Lake
Iowa	Iowa County Humane Society	Dodgeville
Iron	H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter	Iron County
Jackson	Jackson County Animal Shelter	Black River Fall
Jefferson	Humane Society of Jefferson County	Jefferson
Jefferson	Watertown Humane Society	Watertown
Juneau	Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter	Mauston
Kenosha	Wisconsin Humane Society Kenosha Campus	Kenosha
Kewaunee	—–	—–
La Crosse	Coulee Region Humane Society	Onalaska
Lafayette	—–	—–
Langlade	Langlade County Humane Society	Antigo
Lincoln	Lincoln County Humane Society	Merrill
Manitowoc	Lakeshore Humane Society	Manitowoc
Marathon	Humane Society of Marathon County	Wausau
Marinette	—–	—–
Marquette	—–	—–
Menominee	Menominee Animal Shelter	Menominee
Milwaukee	Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission	Milwaukee
Milwaukee	Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus	Milwaukee
Monroe	Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter	Tomah
Oconto	Oconto Area Humane Society & Animal Shelter, Inc	Oconto
Oneida	Oneida County Humane Society	Rhinelander
Outagamie	Fox Valley Humane Association	Appleton
Ozaukee	Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus	Saukville
Pepin	Pepin County Humane Society	Durand
Pierce	—–	—–
Polk	Arnell Memorial Humane Society	Amery
Portage	Humane Society of Portage County	Plover
Price	Catkins Animal Rescue	Park Falls
Racine	Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus	Mount Pleasant
Richland	Ocooch Mountain Humane Society	Richland Center
Richland	Richland Area Rescue	Richland Center
Rock	Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin	Janesville
Rusk	Rusk County Animal Shelter	Ladysmith
Sauk	Sauk County Humane Society	Baraboo
Sawyer	Northwoods Humane Society	Hayward
Shawno	Shawano County Humane Society	Shawano
Sheboygan	Humane Society of Sheboygan County	Sheboygan
Sheboygan	Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, Inc	Sheboygan
St. Croix	St. Croix Animal Friends	Hudson
Taylor	Taylor County Wisconsin Humane Society, Inc	Medford
Trempealeau	Trempealeau County Humane Society	Blair
Vernon	Driftless Humane Society	Viroqua
Vilas	Humane Society of Vilas County	Eagle River
Walworth	Lakeland Animal Shelter	Delevan
Washburn	Washburn County Area Humane Society	Spooner
Washington	Wanakia Wildlife Rehab	Richfield
Washington	Washington County Humane Society, Inc	Slinger
Waukesha	Elmbrook Humane Society	Brookfield
Waukesha	Humane Animal Welfare Society	Waukesha
Waupaca	Humane Society of Waupaca County	Waupaca
Waushara	Waushara County Animal Shelter	Wautoma
Winnebago	Neenah Animal Shelter	Neenah
Winnebago	Oshkosh Area Humane Society	Oshkosh
Wood	Marshfield Humane Officer Department	Marshfield
Wood	South Wood County Humane Society	Wisconsin Rapids

Rabbit Pellets

Loose Timothy Hay

Veggies

Chewing Wood

Night Feces

How Much Food?

Teenage Rabbits – 7 weeks to 7 months

Young Adults – 7 months to 1 year

Mature Adults – 1 to 5 years

Senior – over 6 years

Picking Up Your Rabbit

Holding Your Rabbit

Be Gentle!

Coat Care

Fleas/Fur Mites

Spot Cleaning

Toenail Clipping

Removal

Repellents

Cover-Ups

Items To Include In Your Rabbit’s Cage

Minimum guidelines for cage sizes

Rabbit Personalities & Life Span

Understanding Your Allergies

How to Reduce Allergens & Symptoms

Safe Haven Foster Program

Get Support for Your Pet

Milwaukee-area

Outside of Milwaukee

Support the Program

Is the Wisconsin Humane Society a statewide organization?