Rabbit diet, exercise, and health

Question
Hello Ms. Krempels,
I am an eighth grader at Valley New School, a project-based charter school in Wisconsin.  Here, I do projects on topics of my own interest, I am currently in the middle of a project on pet rabbits, specifically diet, exercise, and illnesses common in elderly rabbits.  I was hoping to use you as my live expert.
I am interested in this topic because I have a seven year old rabbit, Dreamer, and I'd like to learn how to make his life relaxing in his final years. :#
I have a few questions:
1. How often should a rabbit be fed #based on size) and how much?
2. What components are necessary in rabbit pellets?
3. What are popular ways to exercise a rabbit?
4. How much exercise should a pet rabbit receive daily?
5. What should I watch for in my rabbit to signal signs of illness?
6. Are there any other sources you can share with me?
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Belle
Valley New School
Wisconsin

Answer
Dear Belle,

To answer one by one:

1. How often should a rabbit be fed #based on size) and how much?

You can find this information here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

2. What components are necessary in rabbit pellets?

Please see:  http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-4/pellets.html

3. What are popular ways to exercise a rabbit?

Free play time in the house is ideal.  But many people are starting to enjoy sport jumping with rabbits, as you can see here:

http://tinyurl.com/d4gs5qk

If you Google "rabbit show jumping" or "kanninhop" you will find videos and lots of cute stuff!

4. How much exercise should a pet rabbit receive daily?

Our rabbits are never caged, so they get all the exercise they want.  But a bunny should have no less than 4-6 hours of free running time per day.

5. What should I watch for in my rabbit to signal signs of illness?

See:  http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

6. Are there any other sources you can share with me?

The very best and most complete is the House Rabbit Society web site:

www.rabbit.org

You can also find good information here on rabbit health issues:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/rabbithealth.html

Hope this helps.

Dana