With research and suggestions from rabbit owners and breeders across the nation, Purina has identified the 4-Square Philosophy for Success to help you care for your animals the best you can. The 4-Square Philosophy focuses on better breeding, better feeding, better management, and better health—all keys to raising the best rabbits you can!
BETTER BREEDING
When buying a new rabbit, whether or not it’s for breeding purposes, get the best quality animal you can afford. Animals from a reputable breeder will be worth the cost in the long run. Once you have the rabbits you’ll be breeding, take the doe to the pen of the buck. If the doe does not accept the buck, consider it a red flag that the doe may be in poor condition or health. When the doe is pregnant, increase feeding gradually and be sure to watch for any signs of problems. Keep a clean, dry nest after the litter is born, and any dead kits should be removed immediately.
BETTER FEEDING
Feeding your rabbit the right amount of nutritious food is essential to keeping a rabbit happy and healthy. Rabbits should be fed once a day at about the same time with the same amount of feed, and they should consume their full diet in about 20 to 30 minutes. Without proper feeding techniques, your rabbit could easily become overfed or underfed. The nutrient requirements of rabbits vary based on age and function. To confirm that each animal is properly nourished, it can be palpated over the back and hips to determine the level of fatness. This will allow you to assess whether the animal is thin, fat, or well-nourished. Then the diet can be changed as needed.
BETTER MANAGEMENT
Better management of your rabbits means keeping up a good habitat for your animals. Do not overcrowd the rabbitry and keep it well sanitized. A good sanitation program is one of the most important things you can do to keep your rabbits healthy. An easy way to ensure a clean rabbitry is by establishing a weekly cleaning plan and sticking with it year round. Fresh feed and water should be provided every day to every rabbit, and dispose of the old feed that remains in the feeder or feed bowl. Wash each water bowl daily to decrease buildup of algae. Rabbitries should also be well-ventilated, cool and out of direct sunlight. 
BETTER HEALTH
The key to keeping your rabbits healthy is sanitation! But if one of your rabbits does get sick, it is important to handle the situation the best way to ensure that other animals are infected as well. Have a quarantine area for new purchases and for your sick animals, and always feed, water, and treat the quarantined animals last. Have a veterinarian available that you can consult when needed.