New Bunny Care Basics

Find a rabbit vet first

Rabbits are considered exotic pets, and not every vet treats them. Find one who does (see how to find a rabbit vet) before there is an emergency, and ask what they do after hours. Book a first checkup soon after you bring your bunny home.

• Spay or neuter. It lowers the risk of some cancers and often improves behavior and litter habits. Ask your vet about timing.
• Vaccines. Ask about the rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2) vaccine, which is available in many areas.
• Nail trims and teeth. Ask your vet to show you how to trim nails. Rabbit teeth never stop growing, so a hay-rich diet keeps them worn down.

Set up a safe home

• Give them space. A large pen or room, not a small cage. Plenty of time out of the pen each day.
• Make it quiet. Keep the new space calm for the first week and let your bunny settle in.
• Add a hideout. A cardboard box or hide house helps them feel safe.
• Use solid flooring. Wire floors hurt rabbit feet. Add a rug or mat.
• Keep them indoors. Indoors is safest from predators, parasites and heat.
• Watch the heat. Rabbits overheat easily. Keep them cool when the temperature gets above about 80°F.

Before your bunny roams, read Bunny-Proofing, and set up a box using Litter Training.

Shopping list

• Hay. Unlimited timothy or other grass hay.
• Pellets. A plain, high-fiber pellet in a measured amount.
• Water bowl or bottle. Many rabbits prefer a heavy bowl.
• Litter box and paper-based litter.
• Hideout and chew toys. Untreated wood, willow and cardboard are popular.
• Carrier. Needed for vet visits. Choose a sturdy, secure one.
• Nail clippers and a brush.

A simple daily routine

1. Morning: refresh hay and water, offer a measured portion of pellets and a handful of leafy greens, and check your bunny is eating and active.
2. Daytime: Give a few hours of exercise outside the pen, with safe chew toys.
3. Evening: Spend quiet time together, scoop the litter box, and top up hay.

For food details, see Rabbit Diet 101 and the safe foods checker.

Staying healthy

• Weigh monthly. A small kitchen scale works. A sudden change can be an early sign of trouble.
• Check droppings. Round, plentiful droppings are a good sign.
• Check the back end. Look for a dirty or wet bottom, which needs a vet.
• Know the lifespan. Rabbits often live 8 to 12 years or more with good care.

Once your bunny is settled, try Befriending Your Rabbit and Rabbit Body Language.