Useful books on rabbits

The following are great books to have in any rabbit owner or enthusiast's library.

General

 * House Rabbit Handbook: How to Live with an Urban Rabbit (5th ed.) by Marinell Harriman (2013)

Since its first edition in 1985, and in its subsequent printings since that time, House Rabbit Handbook is the definitive source book for care and behavior information about our beloved house rabbits. Based on Harriman’s 25+ years of experience with rescued rabbits, as well as the combined experiences of dozens of House Rabbit Society fosterers and educators, House Rabbit Handbook remains the single most important must-have on every rabbit-lover’s book shelf.

Topics included are: choosing a rabbit, handling, housing setups, bunny proofing, exercise, toys, house training, behavior, bonding, diet, and medical care. As in previous editions, caregivers across the continent have shared their recent discoveries and insights.


 * The Bunny Lover's Complete Guide To House Rabbits: The Ultimate Handbook for Successfully Living Indoors with a Pet Rabbit by the Bunny Guy (2012)

Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or a veteran bunny slave—or even just contemplating adding a lagomorph to your family—The Bunny Lover’s Complete Guide To House Rabbits is an absolute must-read. With easy-to-understand, relevant information; insight gained from personal experience; dozens of photos; and step-by-step instructions on everything from how to properly house and feed your bunny to litter-box training to finding the right vet to socializing your bun and beyond, this book will become your single, most-powerful reference tool to help you successfully and happily live with your house rabbit.

The Bunny Lover’s Complete Guide To House Rabbits will help you:

And so much more!
 * Find out whether a rabbit is really the right pet for you
 * Select the appropriate rabbit vet for your bunny
 * Know what—and what not—to feed your bunny (hint: carrots aren’t it!)
 * Understand why rabbits should always live indoors
 * Interact and play with your bunny
 * Discover what “bunny-proofing” is, and how to do it
 * Learn bunny language and what your rabbit is saying to you
 * Train, socialize, and groom your rabbit
 * Bond your bunny with another rabbit
 * Recognize medical issues from common to critical

It’s possible to more than double the lifespan of your pet rabbit—this comprehensive book will show you how!


 * Rabbit Behaviour, Health and Care by Marit Emilie Buseth and Richard Saunders (2015)

Developed from the successful Norwegian book Den Store Kaninboka (The Big Book of Rabbits) this book covers all aspects of rabbit behaviour, welfare, health and husbandry, with updated and expanded content now also made relevant to veterinarians. The focus is on explaining normal behaviour as a basis for describing optimal welfare, with an emphasis on rabbits in the domestic setting. Information regarding wild and laboratory rabbits is also included to show how behaviours such as socialisation, learning and communication can differ depending on environment. Health matters relating to welfare such as nutrition and oral health are also covered in detail, and case studies from around the world give this valuable resource an international perspective.
 * Rabbits For Dummies by Connie Isbell and Audrey Pavia (2009)

Your hands-on guide to being a responsible rabbit owner.

Want to raise a happy, healthy bunny? This practical guide gives you everything you need to know to successfully adopt, nurture, live with, and love a rabbit. From choosing a rabbit and preparing its home to training, healthcare, and having fun with your bunny, you get a wealth of expert tips that will have your rabbit (and you) hopping with joy!

Jump into bunny basics -- decide whether a rabbit is the right pet for you, discover the different breeds, and find out the best places to adopt your bunny

Take care of creature comforts -- from housing and grooming to feeding and healthcare, provide the best care for your friend

Practice bunny "psychology" -- understand bunny body language and sounds, handle behavior issues, and train your bunny to do tricks and use the litter box

Enjoy the wonderful world of rabbits -- play games with your bunny, join clubs and organizations, show your rabbit, and make traveling with bunny easy

Open the book and find:


 * Informative photos and illustrations
 * Detailed breed descriptions
 * How to think like a rabbit
 * Tips for handling bad bunny behavior
 * The latest on organic cuisine and homegrown feeding options
 * Games to play with your rabbit
 * How to live with an indoor bunny (which is recommended!)
 * Ten signs that require emergency action
 * A bunch of bunny resources -- from rescue groups to registries to Web sites


 * The Rabbit Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks) by Karen Parker D.V.M. (2009)

Advice on care of rabbits covers caging, correct feeding, spaying and neutering, litter training, health care, which includes warm-weather concerns, and much more. Barron's popular and highly detailed series of " Pet Handbooks " are written for dedicated pet owners seeking comprehensive information on the care of their chosen pets. Titles in the series cover a wide range of animals and breeds. These books present advice on finding a reliable breeder or seller, information on the animal's origins and traits, and detailed recommendations regarding dietary needs, housing, and health care, as well as all other major aspects related to keeping a healthy and thriving pet. Barron's " Pet Handbooks " are filled with color photos, and many titles include line art and at-a-glance sidebar information.


 * Rabbits (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by Sharon Vanderlip (2012)

This manual presents detailed advice on housing, proper nutrition, health care, play activities, training, and much more for your rabbit. An updated addition to Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series, this book has been written primarily for prospective and inexperienced pet owners, as well as for older children who are learning about responsible pet care, Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals present basic pet care information. The many titles in this series cover all popular dog and cat breeds, bird varieties, hamsters and other small caged animals, aquarium fish varieties, terrarium pets, and even reptiles, amphibians, and exotics. Each title features approximately 70 color photos and advises on acquiring an animal, housing, feeding, health care--and, where applicable, grooming and training.


 * A House Rabbit Primer: Understanding and Caring for Your Companion Rabbit by Lucile C. Moore (2005)

A House Rabbit Primer: Understanding and Caring for Your Companion Rabbit is a complete, up-to-date handbook on all aspects of rabbit care for both new and experienced pet rabbit owners.

Just a few years ago, most pet rabbits were kept outdoors in hutches. That time is past. Today, pet rabbits are considered to be members of the family. They are spayed/neutered pets kept indoors and pampered with special toys and treats.

In A House Rabbit Primer, author Lucile C. Moore, Ph.D., provides pet rabbit owners with valuable information about the total care of their pet. Part one tells owners just what to expect from their new member of the family and gives detailed information on how to house, feed, and train a rabbit. Part two contains a comprehensive medical section. In addition to detailed information on many rabbit diseases, there are tips on creating a first-aid kit for rabbits as well as providing emergency care.

With more and more pet owners choosing to keep their rabbits indoors full time, this informative guide lays out practical information for making rabbits a healthy part of any family.


 * The Wonderful World of Pet Rabbits by Christine Carter (2006)

The Wonderful World of Pet Rabbits is our first and only, proudly Australian, fully comprehensive rabbit care book!

If you love your bunnies, want to understand more about their behaviour and do right by them with housing, feeding, breeding, health issues and so on – this much needed resource at hand is ideal for everyone.


 * Rabbitlopaedia: A Complete Guide to Rabbit Care by Meg Brown and Virginia Richardson (2003)

A mine of information on every aspect of rabbit care, written jointly by a rabbit expert and a veterinarian.

Behavior

 * Why Does My Rabbit . . . ? by Anne McBride (2003)

Rabbits are popular domesticated pets, but many develop problems because of living conditions that do not allow them to follow their behavioral instincts. This guide to troubleshooting rabbit behavior clues owners in to the history of the domesticated rabbit and describes how rabbits live and breed. Common problems among rabbit owners are discussed, as are probable causes for irregular behavior, including instincts that make rabbits behave in certain ways. Both hutch and house rabbits, as well as troubles specific to each, are covered.


 * Behavioural Problems In Rabbits by Dr Guen Bradbury (2018)

Guen Bradbury is the UK's leading expert in rabbit behavior. In this book for vets and devoted owners, she walks through where rabbit behavior problems come from, and what you can do about them. As well as the husbandry issues covered by other books, this one includes behavior problems that stem from medical issues and group dynamics. This book covers setting up the perfect rabbit environment, and has quick-reference "Action Sheets" in the back - One page quick explanations of best practice. Well worth a read.


 * Understanding Your Rabbit's Habits by Tamsin Stone (2011)

Rabbits are wonderful animals, but sometimes their behaviour can be a bit of a puzzle.

After reading this book you'll be able to:


 * recognise rabbit body language so you can tell how your rabbit is feeling
 * understand the motivations behind your rabbit's behaviour
 * create an environment that supports your rabbit's behavioural needs

Health

 * Rabbit Health in the 21st Century Second Edition: A Guide for Bunny Parents by Kathryn Smith (2003)
 * Rabbit Nutrition and Nutritional Healing (2nd ed.) by Lucile Moore (2013)
 * When Your Rabbit Needs Special Care: Traditional and Alternative Healing Methods by Lucile Moore and Kathy Smith (2008)
 * BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine (BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association) (2nd ed.) by Anne Meredith and Brigitte Lord (2014)
 * Textbook of Rabbit Medicine (2nd ed.) by Molly Varga BVetMed CertZooMed DZooMed (Mammalian) MRCVS (2013)
 * Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery (3rd ed.) by Katherine Quesenberry DVM MPH Diplomate ABVP and James W. Carpenter MS DVM Dipl ACZM (2011)
 * BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine and Surgery (BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association) (2nd ed.) edited by Anna Meredith and Paul Flecknell (2006)
 * Notes on Rabbit Internal Medicine by Richard A. Saunders and Ron Rees Davies (2005)
 * BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Surgery, Dentistry and Imaging by Frances Harcourt-Brown and John Chitty (2014)
 * Rabbit Nutrition by Virginia Richardson (1999)
 * Foraging for rabbits by Twigs Way (2014)
 * Manual of Clinical Procedures in the Dog, Cat, & Rabbit(2nd ed.) by Steven E. Crow and Sally O. Walshaw (2007)
 * Domestic Rabbits: Diseases and Parasites by the United States Department of Agriculture (1976)

History and stories

 * Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits by Marie Mead, Nancy Laroche, and Dr. Michael W. Fox (2011)
 * Stories Rabbits Tell: A Natural and Cultural History of a Misunderstood Creature by Susan E. Davis and Margo Demello (2003)
 * Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories: Breeds of the World by Bob D. Whitman (2004)
 * A Hare About the House by Cecil S. Webb (2001)
 * The European Rabbit: History and Biology of a Successful Colonizer by HV Thompson and CM King (1994)
 * The Private Life of the Rabbit: An Account of the Life History and Social Behavior of the Wild Rabbit by RM Lockley (1974)
 * Rabbits and Hares by Anne McBride (2003)

Miscellaneous

 * The Relaxed Rabbit: Massage for Your Pet Bunny by Chandra Beal (2004)

Additional listings
The following sites also contain reading lists for rabbit owners and lovers that may be more often updated.


 * House Rabbit Society, Textbooks and Reference Materials for the Practitioner
 * Rabbit News & Awareness, Recommended Reading List