Rabbit Ownership 101
What to Know Before Bringing a Bunny Home
Rabbits are sweet, curious, and full of personality. But they are also more complex than many people expect. They are not low-maintenance starter pets for young children. Rabbits require daily care, social interaction, and a proper living environment to thrive.
This guide will help you understand what’s involved in rabbit care so you can decide if a bunny is the right fit for your home.
1. Housing: More Than Just a Cage
Rabbits need room to move, explore, and stretch out. Keeping them in a small hutch full-time is not enough.
- Indoor housing: Consider a large x-pen, rabbit condo, or free-roaming in a rabbit-proofed room
- Space requirements: At least 8 to 12 square feet of enclosure space, with additional room for supervised play and exercise
- Flooring: Avoid wire-bottom cages. Use soft, solid flooring with a rug or mat for comfort
- Litter box: Rabbits can be litter trained. Use a shallow box with paper-based or wood-pellet litter
📝 Outdoor hutches should only be used in secure, predator-proof, and weather-safe setups with supervision.
2. Diet: A Rabbit’s Health Starts With Hay
A rabbit's digestive system is delicate. The right diet is key to preventing serious health issues.
- Unlimited hay: Timothy hay should make up about 80 percent of your rabbit’s diet. It supports digestion and dental health
- Fresh greens: Feed daily (such as romaine, parsley, cilantro). Introduce new veggies slowly
- Pellets: Choose high-quality, timothy-based pellets. Keep to a small daily portion
- Fresh water: Always available, refreshed daily
Avoid sugary treats, iceberg lettuce, and human food. Carrots should be fed only in moderation.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance
Rabbits are clean animals, but their enclosures need regular care.
- Litter box: Scoop daily to prevent odors and bacteria
- Spot clean: Remove messes and old food every day
- Deep clean: Wash food dishes, litter boxes, and toys weekly
Cleanliness helps prevent flystrike, infections, and other health problems.
4. Behavior and Social Needs
Rabbits are highly social and expressive animals. They form strong bonds with other rabbits and with humans.
- Never keep a rabbit alone long-term: Bonded pairs are ideal, especially if you're out of the house during the day
- Bunny body language: Learn their signals. A relaxed, flopped-over rabbit is happy. Thumping may indicate fear or frustration
- Handling: Many rabbits do not like to be picked up. Let them come to you. Use gentle petting to build trust
📝 Rabbits can become lonely, bored, or depressed without companionship and stimulation.
5. Enrichment and Exercise
Rabbits need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
- Free roam or playtime: Allow at least 3 to 4 hours outside the enclosure every day
- Toys: Offer chew toys, cardboard tunnels, hay-stuffed rolls, and digging boxes
- Training: Rabbits can learn tricks, come when called, and use a litter box with positive reinforcement
Rotate toys to keep their environment fresh and exciting.
6. Health and Vet Care
Rabbits need specialized veterinary care, just like cats or dogs.
- Spay or neuter: Prevents unwanted litters and reduces aggression and hormonal behavior
- Find a rabbit-savvy vet: Not all vets are experienced with rabbits. Look for one who treats exotic pets
- Signs of illness: Watch for loss of appetite, drooling, small droppings, lethargy, or nasal discharge. Rabbits hide illness well, so act quickly
- Grooming: Long-haired breeds may need daily brushing. All rabbits need regular nail trims
📝 Weigh your rabbit weekly. A sudden weight change could indicate illness.
Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate, and rewarding companions for those ready to meet their needs. They are not low-effort pets, but with the right housing, diet, and social care, rabbits will reward you with years of love, fun, and personality.
Before bringing a rabbit home, take time to research, prepare your space, and consider adopting a bonded pair. You’ll be creating a better life for them and a more joyful experience for you.