Building a homemade automatic waterer for rabbits is a good DIY project, and it's pretty easy to do with a few items you probably already have on hand. All you need are a plastic bottle, a tool to punch holes in the plastic, a hammer and nail, and a water dish. Before you know it, you'll have your very own homemade rabbit waterer. Your pet bunny rabbit will be thrilled to use this handy waterer.
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Homemade rabbit waterer
First, find a plastic bottle. A 2-liter plastic bottle is the best size to use for this DIY rabbit drinker. Rinse out the bottle using mild soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Let the bottle air dry while you get the tools you need for the next part of your automatic rabbit water bowl creation.
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Using a box cutter or a razor blade, cut a hole that is 1 inch by 1 inch in diameter about 2 inches from the bottom of the bottle. Next, punch another hole in the lid of the bottle. For this, you can use a hammer and nail and then put the nail away. The purpose of this second hole in the lid is to allow air to flow in and out so the water your bunny is drinking will remain fresh.
Use a water dish
Put the bottle in the upright position above a flat-bottom water dish. A square or rectangular dish is best, and it needs to be big enough for the bottle to fit but still leave space for the water to collect in the dish. Take the cap off the bottle and fill the bottle with fresh water. Then, put the cap back on.
Fresh water will replenish the bowl every time your bunny takes a drink. The water will flow through the square hole in the bottle and refill the dish or reservoir. Remember to check the level of the water often and refill with fresh water at least once a day even if it looks full.
Clean the bottle often
Make sure you clean the water bottle often and keep checking the water level. Change out the water every day or even two or three times a day to make sure it's fresh. Always monitor your bunny to make sure he is drinking enough water, has access to the water, that the water is not frozen or contaminated, and that he hasn't knocked the bottle down or flipped it over accidentally.
Depending on your pet bunny's age, you may have to try a few different ways to deliver water until your rabbit reaches maturity. For instance, it may be difficult for a baby bunny to get water from a bottle. In that case, a small bowl is probably best. Clean, fresh water is vital to your rabbit's health to flush out toxins and keep his organs functioning at optimal levels.
Consider alternative waterers
Bunnies have their own preferences and their own personalities and behaviors. If your pet rabbit is fussy about her waterer, you might have to try a couple different options to figure out your specific rabbit's water dispenser preference. Other options for providing water to your rabbit include buying a crock that attaches to the bunny's cage or an automatic rabbit water bowl.
Keep in mind that bowls are usually best for rabbits who live outdoors. A bottle spout can get clogged or will freeze in winter temperatures. That won't happen to a bowl, but your long-eared friend could spill or tip over a bowl. Water bottles aren't easy to clean, they can attract more bacteria, and the bunny needs to stretch her neck to get the water. So, it's really up to you to decide which water dispenser is best for your particular situation. You can always have one of each.