Caring for a Himalayan Rabbit
Housing
Himalayans do best when housed indoors. A Himalayan's markings are temperature sensitive: they will fade in heat and direct sunlight while chilly temperatures can cause smut (color developing on the white areas of the rabbit). Constant indoor temperature helps maintain markings longer. More importantly, indoor rabbits are also protected from harsh weather, predation by other animals, and allows the owner to form a closer bond with their bunny.
Outdoor rabbits MUST have a solid, secure cage that can protect the rabbit from the elements and predators. Please check with your Himalayan’s breeder or shelter representative to ensure outdoor housing does not violate their adoption policies.
Himalayans do best when housed indoors. A Himalayan's markings are temperature sensitive: they will fade in heat and direct sunlight while chilly temperatures can cause smut (color developing on the white areas of the rabbit). Constant indoor temperature helps maintain markings longer. More importantly, indoor rabbits are also protected from harsh weather, predation by other animals, and allows the owner to form a closer bond with their bunny.
Outdoor rabbits MUST have a solid, secure cage that can protect the rabbit from the elements and predators. Please check with your Himalayan’s breeder or shelter representative to ensure outdoor housing does not violate their adoption policies.
A cage will provide your Himmie with a safe, secure place to call his own. Himalayans need a cage that measures at least 6 square feet. I prefer a cage with a solid floor, but a wire floor can work if you provide a solid resting surface. Choose a cage that is appropriately sized, has at least 1 large door, and is easy to clean. Keep in mind: wood is difficult to sanitize and tubes, corners, and shelves can be hard to reach.
My preferred indoor cage style: a deep plastic base with a wire topper. My favorite overall cage is the Amazon Basics Small Animal Cage in large or jumbo size. A wire dog crate (pictured at left) is another good choice for full grown Himalayans. Similarly, a dog exercise pen (sometimes called an X-pen) is a great choice. Please be aware that the bar spacing on crates and x-pens is too wide for bunnies under 4-5 months old - they may try to escape and become stuck! |
Diet
The backbone of your Himalayan’s diet should be a quality, nutritionally complete rabbit pellet. Ask your breeder or shelter rep for a brand recommendation. I personally prefer Purina Complete (green bag) and Oxbow Essentials Young Rabbit (fed to all ages). A Himalayan will eat approximately 1/4 cup of pellets each day. Long stem grass hay, such as timothy or orchard grass, will make up the majority of a healthy rabbit’s diet. If possible, feed hay in unlimited quantities but at least a generous handful per day.
Fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens, can be fed if introduced slowly. Below is a chart with some fresh foods you can feed your Himmie. Rotate your fresh offerings weekly to provide a range of tastes, textures, and micronutrients. The majority of fresh foods should be from the greens or foraged weeds categories followed by small amounts of vegetables, reserving fruit as a treat. Often, I will create a base of lettuce or kale and add other items based on what I have on hand.
The backbone of your Himalayan’s diet should be a quality, nutritionally complete rabbit pellet. Ask your breeder or shelter rep for a brand recommendation. I personally prefer Purina Complete (green bag) and Oxbow Essentials Young Rabbit (fed to all ages). A Himalayan will eat approximately 1/4 cup of pellets each day. Long stem grass hay, such as timothy or orchard grass, will make up the majority of a healthy rabbit’s diet. If possible, feed hay in unlimited quantities but at least a generous handful per day.
Fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens, can be fed if introduced slowly. Below is a chart with some fresh foods you can feed your Himmie. Rotate your fresh offerings weekly to provide a range of tastes, textures, and micronutrients. The majority of fresh foods should be from the greens or foraged weeds categories followed by small amounts of vegetables, reserving fruit as a treat. Often, I will create a base of lettuce or kale and add other items based on what I have on hand.
I find that Himalayans are prone to obesity while being experts at begging. It is very important to measure their pellets and restrict treats!
Grooming
Rabbits are very similar to cats in keeping themselves clean. Maintaining a clean cage will help your bunny keep himself clean. Himalayans won’t need much more than a daily brush when they are shedding. Nails do need to be clipped every 4-6 weeks. On this frequent schedule, you will only need to trim off the tips of the nails. Use either human nail trimmers or the scissor style cat clippers.
Enrichment
Himalayans are a moderately active breed. They benefit from daily playtime out of their cage in a rabbit-proofed area. Provide a variety of toys for both in the cage and out of the cage playtime. Rabbits like toys they can chew, shred, rattle, and toss. Any well-stocked pet supplier should offer a number of appropriate toys. You can also use free/cheap toys like pinecones, trimmings from rabbit-safe trees and shrubs, and cardboard boxes.
Grooming
Rabbits are very similar to cats in keeping themselves clean. Maintaining a clean cage will help your bunny keep himself clean. Himalayans won’t need much more than a daily brush when they are shedding. Nails do need to be clipped every 4-6 weeks. On this frequent schedule, you will only need to trim off the tips of the nails. Use either human nail trimmers or the scissor style cat clippers.
Enrichment
Himalayans are a moderately active breed. They benefit from daily playtime out of their cage in a rabbit-proofed area. Provide a variety of toys for both in the cage and out of the cage playtime. Rabbits like toys they can chew, shred, rattle, and toss. Any well-stocked pet supplier should offer a number of appropriate toys. You can also use free/cheap toys like pinecones, trimmings from rabbit-safe trees and shrubs, and cardboard boxes.