Rabbit Care Guide For New Owners

Hey bunny lovers, hope you all doing good and today I’m doing an in-depth and detailed article on everything you need when you first get a bunny. Even if you’re an experienced bunny owner, this article could still be useful, as I’m covering items that may make your life easier. Whether you’re new to bunny care or a seasoned bunny parent, we’ll be talking about all the bunny essentials you need.

I made a lots of article about pet bunny. Visit my other pages and article, and you will get tons of information about all things bunny. If you found anything I missed please let me know in comments or you can personally mail me what you want to know about your pet. Let’s begin todays article. To clearly understand I have briefly categorises all you need to know rabbit care guide as new owners.

Housing Essentials for Bunnies

First up is housing. This is critical as it’s where your rabbit will live daily. The first thing I recommend for every bunny parent is an X pen (exercise pen). Whether you’re free-roaming your bunny or not, an X pen is great, especially if your bunny isn’t house-trained yet. Most X pens are around 4×4 feet—reasonable, but not ideal. You can connect two X pens for an 8×8 area. There are all sorts of pens—acrylic paneled, clear paneled, different heights, and lengths. While clear paneled ones look aesthetically pleasing, a standard metal X pen works too and typically costs around $30 to $40. you can also read my article “What you need when you bring a rabbit”.

Bunny-proofing

Now, if you’re free-roaming your bunny, bunny-proofing is essential. Free-roaming is the ultimate goal for bunnies, offering them a fulfilling life without restrictions. I have an articles on bunny-proofing, click here to read. But here’s a guideline: protect the baseboards, electrical cords, or whatever your bunny loves to chew. My favorite item for bunny-proofing is clear plastic corner guards from Home Depot, which cost about $3 and are lifesavers. You can also get metal chargers that bunnies can’t chew through. For cord protectors, I recommend adhesive cord covers or plastic flex tubing.

Bunny Flooring Tips

If you have hardwood floors, you’ll need a rug or mat because bunnies don’t have padding on their paws, making them prone to blisters and cuts. If you already have carpeting, you’re golden, but I still recommend putting another layer to protect the carpet.

Food and Diet Essentials for Bunnies

Let’s briefly cover food and diet. For more in-depth information, check out my linked articles. Hay is the most important food for bunnies. For baby bunnies (6 weeks to 6 months), they need unlimited alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay because of the calcium and fat content that help them grow. For adult bunnies (6-8 months onward), switch them to grass-based hay like Timothy hay, Orchard Grass, Oat Hay, or Meadow Grass.

Pellets

Pellets aren’t necessary but can supplement your bunny’s diet. Use Timothy-based pellets for adults, and feed based on your bunny’s weight. Overfeeding pellets can lead to obesity, so moderation is key.

Vegetables

Vegetables are essential. You can give them a cup or handful daily—some common veggies include Romaine, Green Leaf, Cilantro, and Parsley. I personally prefer buying a tub of spring mix for convenience. You can also read my other article “what vegetables can rabbit eat and what should not eat”.

Don’t forget food and water bowls. Use heavy ceramic bowls that bunnies can’t flip over. Avoid water bottles, as they can lead to dehydration. Water bowls allow bunnies to drink naturally.

Bunny Treats

Treats are a bunny’s favorite! Avoid junky treats and focus on healthy ones. Many small companies and Etsy sellers offer fantastic treats, and you can also bake your own. The easiest option is natural fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or banana slices.

Sanitation for Bunnies

Bunnies can be litter box trained! This is amazing because it keeps your home clean. You’ll need a litter box from the cat section that’s large and deep enough for your bunny to turn around in. Whether you choose an open or closed litter box, just ensure it has proper ventilation. I prefer wood pellets for litter since they absorb odors and moisture well. To line the litter box, you can use pee pads, fleece pads, or newspaper. I have a detailed article about “how to potty train your bunny” just click the link to check it out. It is very essential for new bunny owners. You can also read “how to stop your rabbit from chewing your house“.

Use non-toxic cleaning supplies like vinegar or dish soap for the litter box. Avoid chemicals like Pine-Sol, which can be toxic to bunnies. A broom or vacuum cleaner is also essential to clean up hay and fur—especially during molting season.

Grooming Essentials for Bunnies

For grooming, the Hair Buster comb works wonders for most rabbits, except for those with long, thick fur like Angoras and Lionheads. You’ll also need nail clippers and a nail file to smooth your bunny’s nails after trimming.

Bunny Health and First Aid

I highly recommend having a first aid kit with items like a thermometer and laxatone, which helps prevent hairballs. You’ll also need recovery food like Critical Care in case your bunny falls ill. I have a detailed article about “critical care”.

Travel Essentials for Bunnies

When traveling, your bunny will need a carrier. Some people prefer hard-sided carriers for better protection, while others like soft-sided ones for their convenience. You might also want to invest in a bunny stroller, especially if you live in a city or rely on public transport.

Bunny Toys and Enrichment

Toys and enrichment are simple! Bunnies love natural fibers, basket weave, cardboard, wooden toys, and seagrass mats. You can also DIY toys or buy from small businesses. Rotating toys keeps bunnies entertained.

Vet Care and Miscellaneous Bunny Items

Finding a rabbit-savvy vet should be done before bringing your bunny home. Also, set up a medical savings fund for emergencies. First of all, after bringing the rabbit home, the first thing you should do is find out if there any vet hospitals in your area and if so, keep their phone numbers so that you can contact them quickly in case of emergency.

Miscellaneous but helpful items include

• fleece blankets,
• an air purifier,
• lint rollers,
• and a good bunny sitter.

Lastly, don’t forget patience and love—the most important bunny essentials! If you think I missed something, let me know in the comments! Share this article with your friends who planning to bring rabbit for first time.