It may be surprising to some people that there is so much more than just basic care for a rabbit. You have, as an owner or prospective owner, to consider what kind of cage they need (size), where you want their food bowl placed in relation to your home’s layout, when these little critters are ready to be bred, etc.
But what about their water source?
You’re probably not aware of how many alternatives you have until you enter the rabbit realm and do some research. Who would’ve guessed that there are so many viewpoints on using water bowls or bottles for your rabbit? Then, once you pick a water supply, there appear to be hundreds of various options with varying reviews from which to choose.
There are many options for providing water for your rabbit. This blog will assist you in navigating through all of the varying viewpoints regarding which water supply is best for your rabbit and then provide some pointers to purchase from one of these sources!
Water is just as vital to a rabbit’s health as it is to our own. If your rabbit isn’t able to drink, it won’t eat, which can result in various health problems and occasionally death. Because most rabbit owners are unable to watch their pets 24 hours a day, you’ll need to be confident that your method of providing them is fresh.
We’ve discovered that the way you give your rabbit water doesn’t make a huge difference in the end. All is well as long as they are getting water and reacting to it in a good way! Read on to learn about the advantages and drawbacks of using a bowl or bottle to source your rabbit’s water.
Can rabbits drink water from a bowl?
Bowls are superior to bottles because lapping from a bowl is more natural for rabbits. Bowls will not get clogged, but they may be spilled or thrown, so if you can, give them a bowl and a bottle. Daily clean both and keep them free of slime or debris.
A rabbit’s water dish is often called a “crock” and can be made of ceramic, metal, or plastic.
Pros: In the wild, rabbits will look for their water supply on the ground, so a natural way for them to quench their thirst is a crock. They are simple to fill, simple to maintain, and if they break, inexpensive to replace.
Note: If you live in a cold environment and keep your bunnies outside over the winter, crocks are the best choice since they won’t shatter when the water freezes. You may also thaw the crock by bringing it inside.
Cons: A crock is the most natural way for a rabbit to drink water, but because it evaporates more quickly in a crock than in a bottle, so the water may evaporate quicker. It can acquire bedding, hay, or urine residue.
During the summer, if water is left outside for lengthy periods of time, insects or algae may accumulate. Finally, it’s quite typical for a rabbit to overturn and play with their water bowl (particularly if they aren’t tied to the cage).
Even if there are a few drawbacks, offering your rabbit a water bowl (crock) is an excellent method to provide them with constant water. Just be sure you’re prepared a crock is to:
- Purchased a crock that clips to the side of the cage.
- Change the water in the crock at least twice a day.
- Clean the crock on a regular basis to keep it sanitary.
Tip: The best way to make sure your pet rabbit has access to water is by placing a crock in an elevated spot away from their bedding, so it stays cleaner.
Are water bottles bad for rabbits?
Pros: Rabbit owners who don’t want to check their rabbit’s water bowl multiple times a day may use a water bottle instead. There are three key advantages to putting your rabbit in a cage with no bottom.
- The rabbit can use as little water as is required to wet the crop and direct it straight into their mouth and down their throat.
- A water bowl will usually fluctuate in temperature with the room, whereas a water bottle can better maintain the temperature of the liquid.
- Finally, the water in a bottle will not evaporate as fast, ensuring that it maintains the proper water volume for your rabbit.
Cons: While it might be simpler for the owner to utilize a water bottle, many individuals decline to do so. Depending on what type of water bottle you purchase, it can:
- Leak, which will make you have to clean the rabbit cage more often.
- When used, make a loud and obnoxious sound.
- Requires the rabbit to elevate its head in order to drink from the spout, which is unnatural for your rabbit.
- It’s difficult to clean, allowing bacteria and algae to flourish in the water.
Even with the negative aspects listed above, providing your rabbit with a water bottle is an excellent method to give them with enough clean water.
In Conclusion
Rabbits have distinct personalities, behavior characteristics, likes, and dislikes. It just takes a little trial and error to find the best product for your rabbit. Because water is so important to their health, you should always ensure that your rabbit has access to it while selecting one of these options.
