The Ultimate Rabbit Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Rabbit Home
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You're getting a new rabbit, congratulations!
Bringing a rabbit home is exciting, but there's a LOT more to preparing for one than creating a cute enclosure and stocking up on toys. Rabbits have unique nutritional, behavioral, and environmental needs, and many of the things we commonly associate with rabbit care don't tell the whole story.
If you're bringing home your first rabbit, it can be difficult to know what you actually need. More often than not, the care information you are receiving at a pet store is not accurate. You may find yourself asking, "What should they eat? How much space do they need? What belongs in their enclosure? Do they really need a litter box? And what about toys, grooming supplies, and all those things you see at the pet store?"
Preparing for your rabbit doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right supplies and a little planning, you can create a home that is safe, comfortable, and enriching from the very beginning.
In this post, we'll cover the essentials your rabbit needs before they come home, from hay and litter supplies to housing, enrichment, grooming, and rabbit-proofing. I'll also point out a few common rabbit care misconceptions along the way, because some of the advice you may have heard about rabbits is surprisingly outdated. I'll also let you know some tricks I have found to work with my rabbit.
Whether you're adopting your first rabbit or simply want to make sure you have everything ready, this checklist will help you prepare for a happy and healthy start together.
Food and Water Essentials
A healthy diet is one of the most important parts of rabbit care, and it often surprises new owners just how complex a rabbit's nutritional needs are. While cartoons may have convinced us that rabbits live on carrots, the reality is that they must follow very strict nutritional ratios.
Rabbits have what is called a cecum and are hindgut fermenters, just like horses. The cecum houses good bacteria that help break down the digestible plant fibers found in their diet into usable nutrients. In order to absorb all of the nutrients, you may find your rabbit eating a type of dropping called a cecotrope directly from their bottom. This may look a bit odd at first, but it is a natural and necessary part of a rabbit's life.
Because of their special digestive system, rabbits must continuously eat high-fiber foods to keep everything moving and to prevent gut blockages, which are often fatal. In addition, a rabbit's teeth never stop growing, so constant chewing helps grind them down to a safe and manageable length.
In order to keep their digestive system moving, hay should make up the majority of your rabbit's diet. Unlimited access to high-quality grass hay is essential. Timothy hay is one of the most common choices for adult rabbits, although orchard grass is also a good option. My current rabbit, Ellie, prefers timothy hay, while my, since passed, rabbit Albert would only eat orchard grass. I like to offer both in the beginning to figure out what they prefer, though this is not necessary. Younger rabbits under 7 months require alfalfa hay due to its high protein and calcium content. Once a rabbit turns 7 months old, timothy hay or orchard grass should be gradually mixed into the alfalfa and transitioned to only eating one of the two. Feeding alfalfa after 7 months can cause obesity and bladder stones.
Rabbit pellets can also be a great way to get the necessary vitamins and minerals into your rabbit's diet. However, it is important to remember that pellets are not the main part of your rabbit's diet. When looking for a high-quality pellet, avoid bags that have colorful pieces, seeds, nuts, or dried fruit mixed in. Many commercial rabbit foods will include these extras to make it look more fun and exciting, but the reality is that those extras often contribute to digestive issues and obesity. Instead, look for plain, uniform, high-fiber pellets made from grass hay, like timothy or orchard. As stated above, if your rabbit is under 7 months, look for an alfalfa-based pellet and transition over to a timothy or orchard grass pellet the same way you transition their hay.
When you feed pellets, always follow the feeding guide on the back of the bag. This will tell you exactly how much your rabbit should be eating each day based on their weight.
Many rabbits also enjoy a variety of fresh greens. Foods such as romaine lettuce, cilantro, spring mix, or green leaf lettuce can provide additional nutrients and enrichment. When introducing new greens to your rabbit, make sure to only introduce one at a time. If you notice your rabbit starts having soft stools or diarrhea, stop giving the veggie immediately.
Fresh greens should be held off until your rabbit is at least 3 months old and given in small amounts until your rabbit gets older. Young rabbits have a much more sensitive stomach, and introducing veggies too early could cause severe stomach upset. Once your rabbit is around 7 months, a larger portion can be given. One cup of greens for every two pounds of rabbit is usually recommended. If you would like a full list of rabbit-safe veggies, check out this article by Rabbit.Org Foundation.
Treats can be a fun way to bond with your rabbit, but they should only make up a very tiny portion of their diet. Small pieces of rabbit-safe fruit can be offered occasionally in enrichment toys or by hand. Just make sure that sugary treats are limited. My rabbit's go-to treat is frozen blueberries. She also really likes banana slices.
When providing your rabbit with food and water, heavy ceramic bowls are often a good choice because they are difficult to tip over and easy to clean. While some rabbits can use water bottles successfully, many rabbits benefit from a traditional water bowl. Water bowls allow rabbits to drink in a more natural position, allowing for a better flow of water. Rabbits often will drink more water if provided a bowl versus a bottle. Always keep fresh water available at all times, and the bowls, or bottle if you choose, should be cleaned and refilled daily.
Rabbits love to eat while they use the bathroom, so many owners will provide their rabbits with a litter box along with their hay directly in the box. I use a hanging hay bag just above my rabbit's litter box so she can eat without wasting as much hay in her litter box. Though there will always be some waste, as rabbits like to pull the hay out of feeders and sort through it for the good pieces.
What to Look For
- High-quality timothy hay or orchard grass
- Hay rack or bag
- High-quality grass hay pellets
- Fresh greens
- Fresh fruit (occasional treats only)
- Ceramic food and water bowls
Products I Recommend
Housing and Living Space
One of the biggest misconceptions about rabbit care is that rabbits can comfortably live in a small cage. Walk into almost any pet store, and you'll find cages specifically marketed for rabbits, but most of those enclosures are far too small to serve as a rabbit's primary living space. Rabbits need room to stretch, hop, stand upright, explore, and express their natural behaviors, so instead of thinking of their housing as a cage, think of it as their living space.
For rabbits that aren't free-roaming throughout the home, a large exercise pen or custom-made enclosure is a much better option than a traditional rabbit cage. Your rabbit should have a generous amount of floor space available to them throughout the day, with enough room to comfortably move between their food, water, litter box, resting area, enrichment, as well as room to jump and run. For my rabbit, I made a large pen out of C&C panels. C&C panels are a great option, as you can make the pen whatever size and shape you need. You could also use a large puppy pen.
Another option is to give your rabbit a designated home base while allowing them to free-roam in a rabbit-proofed home. Their home base can contain their litter box, food, water, resting area, and favorite toys, while the rest of their approved space gives them space to exercise and explore. Free-roaming doesn't necessarily mean giving your rabbit access to your entire house. You can start with a single room or section of your home and expand their access as you become comfortable with their habits and your ability to keep the area safe.
If you already have a small cage that was marketed for rabbits, don't panic! Depending on its design, it may be useful as part of a larger setup. If you choose to free-roam, the cage could be part of your rabbits' home base. Or if you choose a large pen, the cage could turn into a comfy sleeping area. The important thing is that it shouldn't be where your rabbit spends most of their time.
The flooring in your rabbit's area is important too. Rabbits need a comfortable, stable surface that allows them to move around without constantly slipping. Solid flooring is preferable to wire flooring, which can be uncomfortable and may contribute to foot problems. Washable rugs, blankets, or rabbit-safe mats can be used to make the area more comfortable, but keep an eye on your rabbit's chewing habits and make sure they aren't swallowing pieces of fabric or other materials.
Whether you choose a large pen or free-roaming with a home base, the goal remains the same. Give your rabbit plenty of space to move, explore, rest, and behave like a rabbit. Bigger is always better when it comes to their living space, so take advantage of as much safe floor area as you can provide.
What to Look For
- C&C panels or large pen
- Solid, comfortable flooring
- Rabbit-proofed space (if free-roaming)
Products I Recommend
Litter Box and Supplies
One of the great things about rabbits is that they can be litter trained, just like a cat, which can make cleaning their living space much easier. In fact, many rabbits naturally choose one or two areas to use as their bathroom. Setting up their litter box in the right location can encourage this behavior and make the transition much smoother.
When choosing a litter box, look for one that is large enough for your rabbit to comfortably sit, turn around, and use without hanging over the edges. A box with a low entrance can make it easier for rabbits to get in and out, especially for young, older, or mobility-limited rabbits. You may also want to have more than one litter box if your rabbit has a large living area or free-roams throughout multiple rooms.
The type of litter you use is important. Choose a rabbit-safe litter made from materials that are appropriate for rabbits, such as paper-based litter. Avoid clay cat litter, clumping litter, scented litter, and products made from potentially harmful materials. Wood-based litters can also vary, so make sure any product you choose is considered safe for rabbits. Always do research before choosing a wood-based litter, as often the packaging will be marked for small animal use but is still unsafe.
Like I talked about above, rabbits love to use the bathroom while eating. So placing their hay either directly into their litter box or in a bag or rack above the litter box is necessary.
You will also need to clean the litter box on a regular basis. Remove soiled litter and droppings frequently and replace the litter as needed. Rabbits may be clean animals, but a dirty litter box can become unpleasant for both you and your rabbit. Keeping a small supply of pet-safe cleaning products, a scoop, and disposable bags nearby can make the daily routine much easier.
If your rabbit has an accident outside the litter box, don't punish them. Accidents can happen, particularly while a rabbit is still learning, adjusting to a new environment, or marking a new space. Clean the area thoroughly and continue encouraging the use of the litter box. If a previously well-trained rabbit suddenly begins having frequent accidents, a conversation with your veterinarian is a good idea, as changes in bathroom habits can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue.
What to Look For
- Large low entrance litter box
- Rabbit-safe litter
- Pet-safe cleaning supplies
- Litter scoop
- Disposable waste bags
Products I Recommend
Bedding and Comfort
Rabbits spend a lot of time resting, so giving them comfortable places to relax is an important part of setting up their home. However, rabbits don't necessarily need a traditional bed filled with fluffy bedding. In fact, many rabbits would rather stretch out on a comfortable mat, blanket, or other soft surface than curl up in a small bed.
Instead of filling your rabbits' living space with one type of bedding, give them a variety of comfortable surfaces and places to rest. Washable blankets, rugs, fleece mats, and other rabbit-safe flooring can provide soft areas for lounging while also making the space more inviting. Just keep an eye on your rabbit's chewing habits. If they regularly chew and swallow fabric or other materials, remove those items and choose a safer alternative.
Your rabbit should also have at least one safe place to hide. Hiding is completely normal rabbit behavior and can help them feel secure, particularly when they're adjusting to a new home. A cardboard box, wooden hideaway, or soft fabric cat hut can give your rabbit somewhere to retreat when they want some peace and quiet. Ideally, provide more than one hiding option so your rabbit can choose where they feel most comfortable.
What to Look For
- Washable blankets or mats
- One or more hiding places
Products I Recommend
- Soft Washable Blankets (Multiple Sizes and Styles)
- Large Non-Slip Washable Mat (Multiple Sizes and Styles)
Chew Toys and Enrichment
Rabbits are natural chewers, and chewing is an important part of their everyday lives. Their teeth grow continuously, so having safe things to chew helps keep them naturally worn down. Chewing also provides mental stimulation and gives rabbits an appropriate outlet for a behavior they are naturally motivated to perform.
Instead of trying to stop your rabbit from chewing altogether, provide plenty of rabbit-safe chew toys and materials. Untreated wooden toys, willow sticks, seagrass items, cardboard, and other products specifically made for rabbits can give them something appropriate to sink their teeth into. Every rabbit has different preferences, so you may need to experiment with a few different textures and shapes to discover what your rabbit enjoys most.
Enrichment shouldn't stop at chew toys, either. Rabbits are intelligent and curious animals that benefit from opportunities to explore, forage, dig, and investigate their surroundings. Cardboard boxes with openings, tunnels, and paper bags filled with hay are all budget-friendly ways to enrich your rabbit.
Foraging is a great way to keep your rabbit mentally engaged. Rather than putting all of their food in one easy-to-access bowl, you can occasionally scatter their greens and pellets around their area or hide small portions in enrichment toys. This encourages your rabbit to search for their food and adds variety to their daily routine.
Digging opportunities can be especially rewarding. A digging box filled with a rabbit-safe material can give your rabbit somewhere to indulge in this natural behavior without turning your carpet into their personal excavation site. Some rabbits will happily spend quite a bit of time digging, tossing, and rearranging the contents.
You don't need to spend a fortune on enrichment, either. In many cases, rabbits are perfectly happy with simple items they can chew, toss, explore, or rearrange. Rotating toys and changing up their environment from time to time can also help keep familiar items interesting.
Just remember to supervise new toys and enrichment materials at first. Rabbits can be enthusiastic chewers, and anything that is breaking apart into pieces your rabbit could swallow should be removed. Avoid items containing toxic finishes, small parts, sharp edges, or materials that aren't intended to be chewed.
What to Look For
- Untreated wooden chew toys
- Willow or seagrass toys
- Cardboard boxes and tubes
- Tunnels
- Foraging toys
- Digging box
- Stacking toys
Products I Recommend
Grooming Supplies
Rabbits are naturally clean animals and spend a good amount of time grooming themselves, but they still need some help from their humans. Regular grooming can help remove loose fur, prevent painful mats, and give you an opportunity to keep an eye on your rabbit's skin, coat, nails, and overall condition.
A good rabbit-safe brush is one of the most useful grooming supplies to have on hand. The best brush will depend on your rabbit's coat type, so a short-haired rabbit may need a different tool than a long-haired rabbit. During molting periods, you may need to groom more frequently to help remove loose fur.
This is particularly important because rabbits ingest fur while grooming themselves. Unlike cats, rabbits cannot vomit up hairballs, so helping them remove excess loose fur is an important part of keeping them healthy. However, excessive shedding, bald patches, mats, or changes in your rabbit's coat should be discussed with your veterinarian.
You'll also want a pair of small animal nail clippers to keep your rabbit's nails at an appropriate length. Cat nail clippers also do the job and are sometimes cheaper. A rabbit's nails can become uncomfortable or make it difficult for your rabbit to move normally if they get too long. If you're nervous about trimming them yourself, ask your veterinarian or a knowledgeable rabbit professional to show you how to do it safely.
Routine baths are not necessary and can actually be dangerous for your rabbit. Getting a rabbit wet causes their dense fur to hold onto the water and can cause hypothermia, severe stress, and skin infections. Instead of giving your rabbit a traditional bath, clean small dirty areas as needed and address the underlying reason for the mess. If your rabbit is regularly getting urine or feces on their fur, talk with your veterinarian rather than repeatedly cleaning them.
Grooming is also a great opportunity to get familiar with what is normal for your rabbit. While brushing or trimming their nails, take a quick peek at their skin, ears, eyes, feet, and coat. If you notice anything unusual, such as sores, swelling, or persistent matting, contact your veterinarian.
What to Look For
- Coat-appropriate brush or comb
- Small animal or cat nail clippers
Products I Recommend
You're Ready To Welcome Your New Bunny Home
Preparing for your new rabbit doesn't have to feel overwhelming. There are plenty of products marketed toward rabbit owners, but your rabbit doesn't need every gadget, toy, or accessory on the shelf. What they really need is a safe and spacious home, an appropriate diet, opportunities to exercise and explore, and a person who is willing to understand and care for them.
Use this checklist as a starting point as you prepare for your rabbit's arrival, but remember that every rabbit is an individual. As you get to know your new bun, you'll discover their own personality, preferences, and quirks. One rabbit may happily destroy every cardboard toy you give them, while another decides your carefully chosen enrichment isn't nearly as interesting as an empty box. That's part of the fun of getting to know them!
To make preparing for your new rabbit even easier, I've put together a free printable Rabbit Essentials Checklist that you can download and use while shopping online or visiting the pet store. It's an easy way to keep track of the essentials and make sure you have your rabbit's new home ready before they arrive.
Most importantly, don't let the common misconceptions surrounding rabbit care fool you into thinking rabbits are simple, low-maintenance pets that just need a cage, a bowl of pellets, and a few carrots. They're intelligent, curious animals with their own unique personalities and needs.
So get that hay stocked, set up their pen, rabbit-proof the room, and leave plenty of space for some serious bunny zoomies. Your new bun is about to become a very important part of your life. And hopefully you'll discover just how much personality can fit inside one very adorable pair of ears. 💛
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