How to Take Care of a Bunny: A Complete Guide

Thinking about adding a new critter to your household? Rabbits could be a great choice - but just like any other pet, these furry friends need special love, care, and attention to give them the happiest and most fulfilling lives possible. We’ll walk through everything you need to know about basic bunny care, including their diet, environment, socialization, and more. With the right preparation, you can be the proud owner of a happy rabbit!

Things You Should Know

Always keep rabbits in pairs or groups so they don't get lonely.
Always spend time with your bunnies on their level (the floor) so that they learn to trust you to you.
As a general rule, rabbits need a diet based on grass or feeding hay , 10% greens and 5% good quality nuggets, as well as Timothy hay pellets . Providing the food that mimics what rabbits would eat in the wild is vital, can be inexpensive and even fun. You can even pick rabbit food in your garden!
Keep your rabbit indoors in a large enclosure and/or bunny-proofed space, rather than leaving them in a hutch outdoors. Outdoor enclosures need to be big and predator-proof.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Bringing the Rabbit Home

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1
Set the rabbit in a quiet and secure spot when you bring them home. Make sure that the rabbit has a varied environment with lots of levels and room to move around, as well as easy access to hay and water. Give your furry friend plenty of space as they get used to their new home, and avoid lifting them up. As they are prey animals they find being held stressful. ^{[1]
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- Set up a large enclosure that your rabbit can comfortably hop around in without any risk of escaping.
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Sit near your rabbits so you can begin to bond with them . Let your rabbits hop around their enclosure and come over to you. Don’t try to pick them up at this point—just let your furry friend give you a good sniff before they go on their merry way. To encourage even more bonding, set out some treats next to you, like a small piece of parsley. ^{[2]
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- Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little while for your rabbit to adjust and warm up to you.
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Studies have shown that rabbits value companionship as much as they value food. If you have a single rabbit, then it is important for their welfare that you look into getting them a friend.
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Always keep rabbits in pairs or groups. Bunnies are social animals and need a friend of the same species as them otherwise they will get lonely. As much as they might like spending time with you they also need someone who can speak 'rabbit'! A pair or group of bunnies may sometimes nip one another or chase - this is normal. If fighting becomes more intense you may want to reach out to a reputable rescue for rabbit bonding advice. ^{[3]
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- Dissolve fights by temporarily reducing their space – this will stop them establishing territories. However it is vital that they are slowly then introduced back to larger areas once behaviour normalises. If behaviour doesn’t improve seek advice from a reputable rabbit rescue. ^{[4]
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Introduce new rabbits to each other gradually. Start by switching your rabbits’ toys—this way, they can get used to each others’ scent. From there, keep the rabbits in separate areas but let them see one another. While they’re still separated, feed them so they can watch each other while they eat. At this point, find a “neutral” spot that neither rabbit is familiar with and let them meet there. ^{[5]
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- Make sure that your rabbits are neutered before they meet.

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Diet

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1
Give your rabbit unlimited grass or hay. Grass or hay is the main component of a rabbit’s diet, so it’s important for it to be available at all times—put it out on a daily basis in a clean area of the rabbits' enclosure. Some great hays to consider include: ^{[6]
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- Timothy hay
- Orchard hay
- Brome hay
- Exception: If you’re caring for a baby rabbit (less than 7-8 months old), give them alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets , which are both great sources of calcium.
2
Offer rabbits a small portion of Timothy hay pellets . Give rabbits ⅛ to ¼ cup of Timothy pellets for every 5 lbs (2.25 kg) they weigh. Carefully measure out the hay pellets, making sure that you don’t give your bunny too much—otherwise, they might gain too much weight. ^{[7]
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- 5% of your rabbits’ diets should be pellets - high quality pellets are needed to fill the gaps in a diet, ensure all nutritional needs are met and to maintain a healthy weight. A very small amount of pellets should be fed so the rabbits are still hungry to graze on hay. Muesli style rabbit food is a big no as bunnies will pick out the tasty bits and leave the stuff that’s actually good for them! Pellets can offer certain nutrients that aren’t always accessible in hay and produce. ^{[8]
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Give your bunny a small amount of fresh herbs. As a treat you can set aside leafy, low-carb plants for your rabbit to snack on, like carrot tops and herbs like basil and mint. Non-leafy veggies like broccoli are okay as a rare treat but the more veg rabbits fill up on the less hay they will eat so it's vital you always feed hay first to keep to keep them happy and healthy. ^{[9]
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- Steer clear of dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and escarole; since they have a lot of calcium, they could eventually give your bunny bladder stones. Iceberg lettuce also isn’t a great option, since it doesn’t offer much in the way of nutrients.
- Instead of buying supermarket veg you can pick natural plants. There are many benefits to growing and foraging for your rabbits. Plants like brambles, clover, dandelions and common plantain are great healthy treats that you can gather for free. ^{[10]
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- Believe it or not, carrots aren’t good for rabbits, since they have a lot of carbs and can mess with your bunny’s internal bacterial ecosystem.
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Supply plenty of clean water so your rabbit is always hydrated. Make sure that your rabbit always has access to fresh water that’s changed daily. Rabbits tend to consume water and food at a 2:1 or even 3:1 ratio, so giving them a good supply of water in an easy to access bowl is essential. ^{[11]
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- Water is essential to a rabbit’s health and well-being. If they lose even 10% of their body’s total water content, they could pass away.

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Housing & Environment

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1
Provide an indoor resting space for your rabbit. Set up a large, enclosed shelter with a minimum area of at least 3m x 2m by 1m high. Add in different levels so that your rabbits can explore. ^{[12]
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- Warning: Never keep your rabbit in a cage—they’re too small for your bunny to live comfortably. ^{[13]
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Set up a litter box for your bunny. Grab a plastic litter box tray (for cats) and fill it up with paper-based litter, or a rabbit-safe brand like Carefresh , Critter Country , Feline Pine , or [1] . Spread out a 1 in (2.5 cm) layer of this litter and then arrange a very large scoop of hay on top. Aim to clean and replace your rabbit’s litter box very frequently (once every 2-3 days at the absolute latest). ^{[14]
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- Steer clear of generic cat litter, since many varieties aren’t safe for rabbits to eat (like clay or crystals).
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Create a bunny-proofed indoor enclosure where your bunny can run around. Set up a space that’s at least 8 sq ft (0.74 m ² ) so your bunny has plenty of room to hop and run. A dog enclosure works really well for this. ^{[15]
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- If you have the space, dedicate a room entirely to your rabbit - just be sure to rabbit-proof it beforehand by: ^{[17]
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  - Adding a protective cover to cables
  - Setting cleaning chemicals somewhere the rabbits can’t get to them
  - Keeping out any other pets that could scare or hurt the rabbits (like a dog or cat)
  - Taking out any poisonous plants
- Tip: If possible, give your bunnies “free range,” where you let them travel all around your home—just make sure that every room they can access is bunny-proofed. ^{[18]
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  Research source} Many rabbit owners find free-roaming (or some combination of free-roaming) to be the gold standard for rabbit care.
Rabbits prefer mild temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold. Whenever possible, check your home’s temperature to make sure that it falls somewhere within this range. ^{[19]
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Despite popular belief, an outdoor home simply isn’t suitable for a bunny, as there are many threats outside (predators, harsh weather, disease-carrying insects, etc.). Plus, most hutches don’t give rabbits enough room to comfortably run and play. Instead, keep your bunny indoors so they can stay safe and healthy. ^{[20]
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Handling, Playtime & Grooming

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1
Give your rabbit plenty of toys to play with. From straw baskets and paper towel rolls to pieces of untreated wood and cardboard boxes, there are plenty of inexpensive options at your disposal when it comes to playing with your bunny . Here are a few items you might consider: ^{[21]
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- Paper grocery bags
- Towels
- Hard baby toys (like plastic keys)
- Cylindrical cardboard boxes
- Black and white newspaper
- Parrot toys
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Support the rabbit whenever you pick them up . Slip one hand beneath the rabbit’s tummy, directly beneath their front arms. Then, use your opposite hand to lift and support the bunny’s rump. This way, their back is well-supported and they’re at less risk of injury. ^{[22]
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- Never pick up a rabbit by the ears (or in any way where they aren’t fully supported).
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Brush your rabbit at least twice per week. Start by going over your rabbit’s fur with a bristle brush ; then, brush over the fur with a rubber grooming tool . Your main goal is to get rid of any loose fur that your bunny might eat by mistake, which can cause GI problems. ^{[23]
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- Some rabbits might need a more rigorous grooming routine, like an Angora and Lionhead breeds. These breeds will need regular trims to make sure their fur doesn’t become long and uncomfortable for them. Your bunny may need more frequent brushings when they’re shedding heavily, too.
- Warning: Rabbits don’t typically need to be bathed; in fact, this process can do more harm than good due to the stress it causes, among other reasons. ^{[24]
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Trim your rabbit’s nails as needed with a nail clipper . Inspect your bunny’s nails on a weekly basis—if they’re looking a bit unruly, it’s time for a trim. Hold your rabbit in a feet-up position, or cuddle them in your arms so you can easily reach each paw. Snip the sliver of nail beneath the quick (the red, blood-filled portion of the nail); if the nail is too dark, inspect it with a flashlight first. ^{[25]
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- Typically, rabbits can go without having their nails trimmed for 4-6 weeks. ^{[26]
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Vet Visits

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Lops may need more regular check-ups as they are more susceptible to problems such as ear infections. Rabbits need annual checkups to make sure they're healthy. During these check-ups, your vet will make sure that your bunny is up-to-date on all their necessary shots, and that they’re feeling happy and healthy. ^{[27]
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As rabbits get older, they’re more likely to contract illnesses like uterine cancer. Spaying, a process where the rabbit’s reproductive organs are removed, helps prevent this. ^{[28]
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Take your rabbit to the vet if they seem sick . Pay attention to your rabbit’s daily behaviors and mannerisms. Do they seem to behave normally, or does something seem off? Here are a few symptoms to be on the lookout for:
- Not eating for 5 to 12 hours
- Runny eyes or nose
- Low energy levels
- Hunched posture
- Audible tooth grinding ^{[30]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What should you do if you go on vacation for a long time?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

You need to ensure that your rabbit will be taken care of while you are away. You can look into a boarding facility where your rabbit will be fed, groomed, and have regular interaction with people. If a facility is not an option, then find a pet sitter to check on your rabbit at least once a day to feed, water, and play with your rabbit. Consider asking a trustworthy friend or neighbor.

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Question

There is something white on my rabbit's back, and I do not know what it is. What should I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If the white areas look like flakes of skin and the rabbit is itchy, it may be infected with mites called cheyletiella. These can be treated, but you should see your vet to check things out.

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Does my rabbit need shots in the UK?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

In the UK pet rabbits are given immunizations against two diseases, myxomatosis and hemorrhagic viral diarrhea. However, these are not a problem in the US and rabbits are not routinely vaccinated against them.

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Tips

Always be kind and gentle with your rabbit, and never yell at or negatively discipline your pet. If you’re really struggling with bad rabbit behavior, talk to your vet for advice. ^{[31]
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If you have mesh on your rabbit's hutch, their nails can get stuck in the mesh if they get too long. Get some clippers at your local pet store so you can trim your rabbit's nails regularly.
Make sure there are no loose wires or cables anywhere near your rabbit's hutch. Your rabbit could chew through them and also is at risk of electrocution.
If rabbits get muddy outside, don't bathe them! Just wipe them off with a washcloth that's damp with lukewarm water.

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Warnings

Don’t try to pair a rabbit with a guinea pig, as they have different dietary and medical needs. Your bunnies may also pick on the guinea pigs, which isn’t good for their stress levels. ^{[32]
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Things You’ll Need

Diet

Grass hay
Timothy hay pellets
Herbs such as parsley, coriander, basil and mint.
Clean water
Alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets (optional)

Housing & Environment

Resting space
Litter box tray
Litter
Hay
Enclosure

Handling, Playtime & Grooming

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How to Take Care of a Bunny: A Complete Guide

Things You Should Know

Steps

Bringing the Rabbit Home

Diet

Housing & Environment

Handling, Playtime & Grooming

Vet Visits

Expert Q&A

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

Things You’ll Need

Diet

Housing & Environment

Handling, Playtime & Grooming

You Might Also Like

References

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