Like all animals, rabbits need constant access to fresh water to survive. But how much water do rabbits actually need on a daily basis? And are water bottles or water bowls a better option? If you have just adopted a pet rabbit, you probably have lots of these and many other similar questions. Don’t worry – in this article, we cover everything you need to know about rabbits and their daily water requirements. We also talk about two common problems with pet rabbits and water intake – rabbits that drink more water than normal and rabbits that don’t drink enough water – and what you can do about them.
how much water do rabbits need
First, to answer the primary question: do rabbits drink water. In fact, they drink lots of it – more than comparable species. The average rabbit consumes between 50 and 150 milliliters of water per kilogram (or 2.2 pounds of body weight). Compare that to dogs that require 50 to 60 ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight. In fact, a rabbit weighing 2 kg can drink as much water per day as a 10 kg dog! Needless to say, water is essential to the health and well-being of your pet rabbit. However, exactly how much water your rabbit may need per day, as fluid intake depends on many factors.
- Age: How old your rabbit pet plays a role in how much water they need. Baby bunnies that still consume breast milk need less water than adult rabbits.
- Health Conditions: Pregnant and lactating rabbits require more water than usual, while sick rabbits may drink less fluids than usual.
- Diet: Bunnies that eat a lot of fresh foods require less water because they get it through fresh produce, while rabbits that mostly live on dry food require more.
- Climate: The higher the temperature, the more water most rabbits will drink.
As you can see, various factors can affect the drinking habits of a rabbit. But for healthy adult rabbits, it is good to follow the general advice, which is about 50-100 ml of fluid per kilogram per day.
Why is water important to rabbits?
Obviously, rabbits drink a lot of water on a daily basis. But why is water so important to rabbits? There are four main functions that only water can fulfill, all of which are important to the health and well-being of your bun.
- Water ‘feeds’ every single cell and organ in your rabbit’s body.
- It is an essential part of your pet’s blood.
- It Keeps Your Rabbit’s Digestive System Moving.
- This helps your bunny flush out excess calcium.
Water is important to your rabbit’s health, so make sure they have access to fresh and clean water at all times. Whether that water is coming from a bottle or a bowl doesn’t matter, though each has its pros and cons, which we’ll cover more below.
water bottles vs water jugs
Which is better for rabbits: a water bowl or a water bottle? Many pet parents prefer one over the other, but the reality is that both options have their benefits and their drawbacks. What is really important is that your pet rabbit has a constant supply of freshwater – that is it. That being said, the choice you make can play a part in how much water your pet drinks. To help you make the right decision, we’ve outlined some of the major pros and cons of both bottles and bowls.
water bowls
professionals
- More natural: In the wild, rabbits drink water from the ground – water sources such as lakes, ponds, puddles, etc. So a water bowl would seem to be a more natural option.
- Comfortable on the neck: Because rabbits don’t have to tilt their heads in an unnatural position to drink, a water bowl is comfortable and easy on the neck.
- EASY TO DRINK: Unlike water bottles, bowls do not allow water to come out a drop at a time; Instead, your rabbit can go as fast or as slow.
Opposition
- Gets Dirty Fast: The main con of water bowls is that they get dirty really quickly, especially if your pet likes to throw them around. Grass, bedding, litter and other materials may be inside the bowl and water soil, making it inhospitable to rabbits.
- Change constantly: Because the water in a bowl can get dirty quickly, you will need to change it regularly during the day. Depending on your agenda, this can be a major inconvenience.
Water bottle
professionals
- Keeps water clean: One of the main reasons why pets like to use water bottles is because they are highly convenient. Unlike bowls, they keep the water clear for longer, which can encourage rabbits to drink more.
- No need for frequent changes: If you get a bigger bottle, you won’t have to change your rabbit’s water several times throughout the day as it will remain fresh and clean.
Opposition
- Can be uncomfortable: As mentioned, drinking from water bottles can be a bit uncomfortable for rabbits as they have to tilt their heads to drink. This is not an issue for most pets, but it can be for some.
- Tough to Clean: Although you have to clean the bowl more often, bottles are much harder to clean.
If you have a hard time choosing between bottles and bowls, it’s best to buy both and see which option suits your bunny. In fact, it may be a good idea to use both a bowl and a bottle so that your rabbit can drink anywhere and however they like every day.
Concerns about your rabbit’s water intake
If your bunny suddenly drinks more water than usual, do not panic as there could be many reasons for this change in behavior. For one, most rabbits will drink more water during the warmer months or after being physically active. This is actually a good thing so don’t try to discourage your bunny from drinking more water. The problem is if the pet drinks more water than usual and does not seem to slow down. It may indicate kidney disease, diabetes or some other serious health problem.
If your rabbit drinks less and less water, they may simply be dissatisfied with the cleanliness of their water, so try changing it more often. However, it could also indicate a problem with their gums, especially if they are usually drinking from a bottle of water (the snot can bother them). Drinking less water than usual can also be due to a change in diet – if your bunny normally eats dry food but you start feeding them fresh veggies and plants, they will be able to get enough fluids from their new, fresh food. substance can be obtained.
With all of that said, any sudden change in your rabbit’s behavior – whether it is drinking more or less water – warrants a visit to a vet.