Getting started with a rabbit

So, you've just gotten yourself a rabbit, and you're a little overwhelmed at all of the information out there. This page is an effort to provide cursory information and to link to key resources that you need in order to get off to a good start and give your bun a happy, healthy life. A good article to first look at is batclock's New Rabbit Owner Primer.

What do I feed my bunny?
The basic diet of a rabbit is unlimited access to a high quality hay like Timothy hay, which is high in fiber and low in calories. Other grass hays like Bermuda or Orchard grass are acceptable alternatives; alfalfa hay should not be fed to adult rabbits due to the higher calories, which may cause weight problems. Rabbits should always have access to clean, fresh water. Rabbits should also be fed a variety of vegetables, such as dark leafy greens. Vegetables provide variety and additional nutrients. Pellets can also be provided to supplement your rabbit's diet. These are not essential though, as it is possible to go on a pellet-free diet. However, they serve as an easy calorie and a diverse nutrient source. On occasion, you may also choose to give your rabbit treats. Many pet stores carry treats marketed for rabbits, but pellets, fruits, herbs, and sugar-loaded vegetables often make better and healthier treats.

Where should my bunny live?
A variety of housing options exist for rabbits, including cages, enclosures (i.e. x-pens), and free range. In all cases, the area housing your rabbit should be large enough for your rabbit to comfortably stretch out, hop around in, and to periscope his surroundings on his hind legs. Rabbits are also easily litter trained in many cases, so the enclosure should include at least one litter box.

Regardless of housing choice, your rabbit will need at least two hours of exercise every day where he can run and hop freely. Make sure you bunny-proof any location that your rabbit is able to access and supervise to make sure he isn't eating anything he isn't supposed to.

How do I play with my rabbit?
There are many activities that you can do with a rabbit to keep him entertained and non-destructive. Take a look at our Toys and Games article. Rabbits can also be clicker trained like cats and dogs to do tricks.

What about medical care in my area?
Not all veterinarians are equal. Many veterinarian clinics will specialize in dogs and cats but may not staff a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about rabbits. It is important that before you bring your rabbit home that you have a good rabbit veterinarian picked out. Many times, local rabbit rescues or House Rabbit Society chapters will list area veterinarians who specialize in rabbits. We suggest that you take your new rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet ASAP to get a clean bill of health as well as start to build a relationship in the case of a medical emergency. You can find out more about rabbit savvy vets at our article How to Choose a Rabbit Veterinarian.

Be forewarned that you should always have money saved up or apply for CareCredit to help with regular and emergency medical care. Ask around for prices for typical procedures and problems and be prepared to fork up the money to save your bun. Typical costs for one vet visit can range from $40 to over $300. Please understand that there usually is no replacement for proper medical care and consider the comparatively higher cost of a rabbit's medical care to a cat or a dog before getting one as a pet.

However, in the case that you are unable to obtain enough money due to extenuating circumstances, can provide a proof of income, and are still willing to take your pet to the veterinarian, explain your financial situation to the vets that you contact and see if you can mutually work something out. Otherwise, contact local shelters and rescues to see if they can help subsidize your bill or direct you to a fund that will. See more resources in the Financial Assistance section of our vet article.

If you live in certain areas like Australia and the UK, you will need to get your rabbit vaccinated against certain fatal diseases common in the area. In Australia, your pet rabbit should be vaccinated for Calicivirus (RCD) at 10-12 weeks of age. This vaccination will need to be renewed every year.

We also have a First Aid Kit for Rabbits article that lists some common medical items that every bunny owner should try to have.

Traveling with my pet?
Traveling with a rabbit can be tricky. Rabbits are easily stressed, and traveling with one can take more planning than traveling with a cat or dog. For most trips to a veterinarian, you will only need to transport your rabbit in a carrier. For longer road trips, it is advisable to also pack enough food and water for the duration of the trip, a cage or other enclosure, and a litter box and accessories. Additionally, you should also pack some first aid for GI treatment in case your rabbit becomes unexpectedly ill.

Why does my bun ____?
Bunnies can be peculiar pets and are full of little quirks. Answers to many common behavioral questions can be found in the Behavior FAQ. See Understanding Your Rabbit for common rabbit language and behavior problems that may arise. See Personalities for common rabbit personalities.

Any other concerns?
Remember to keep up with grooming your rabbit regularly to brush his fur and trim his nails.

Spay and neuter your rabbit when he is old enough! It is especially important if you have obtained two or more unfixed rabbits. Keep your rabbits separate until they are fixed because rabbits can be easily mis-sexed by an inexperienced handler. Females can get pregnant as young as 2.5 months, and males become sexually mature as young as 3.5 months. You may easily obtain an out-of-control rabbit population on your hands. Sexual maturity may also bring on territorial and aggressive tendencies, and any bonds between young rabbits may break as their scents change from hormones. Please do not breed your rabbits with the already multitudes of abandoned shelter rabbits.

If you only obtained one bunny, when he has been fixed, you may want to consider bonding him with another rabbit if you feel like you do not spend enough time to play with him. Rabbits are social animals and can be much happier when they have a friend.

Take a read through Veterinary Emergencies to understand when a rabbit's abnormal behavior is a serious cause for concern, and the rabbit should be taken to a vet as soon as possible. Also, check out Wellness Check to learn what sort of regular diagnoses you should learn to do to your rabbit.

Healthy rabbits should never need to be bathed in water. If your rabbit gets dirty, first use dry bath methods before resorting to using water to clean.

Lastly, if you do your research on the internet, you may find out about trancing. Read the Trancing article to understand the controversies and potential dangers of doing so.