Rabbit Care for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Happy Bunny

Thinking about getting a rabbit? You’re not alone—rabbits are becoming one of the most popular small pets for families, singles, and apartment dwellers alike. But here’s the thing: rabbit care are not low-maintenance animals.

If you’re new to bunny care, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from setting up their living space to what they should eat, how to groom them, and how to keep them healthy and happy.

Common Health Problems in Pet Rabbits | Simple Care Tips for Rabbit Owners

Are Rabbits Good Pets for Beginners?

Rabbits can be good pets for beginners, but they require more care than many people initially expect. They are quiet, gentle animals with unique personalities, making them enjoyable companions for those who are patient and attentive. However, they’re not low-maintenance. Rabbits need a proper diet (mainly hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets), a spacious and clean living environment, and regular social interaction.

They also need time outside of their enclosure daily to exercise and explore. While they typically don’t enjoy being held or cuddled excessively, they bond well with humans through calm, consistent interaction. Veterinary care is essential too, as rabbits are prone to specific health issues. With proper education and commitment, rabbits can be rewarding pets, but beginners should be prepared to invest time in learning about their needs.

What You Need Before Bringing a Rabbit Home

Before adopting a rabbit, make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s a quick checklist for beginner bunny owners.

1. Safe and Spacious Housing

Your rabbit’s cage or pen should be large enough for them to hop around, stretch out, and stand on their hind legs. Avoid small wire cages. Instead, go for:

• An exercise pen (X-pen)
• A large indoor hutch
• A bunny-proofed room for free-roaming

Minimum recommended size: 4×2 feet for a single rabbit, with several hours of daily exercise outside the enclosure.

2. Proper Bedding and Flooring

Use soft, absorbent materials like:

• Paper-based bedding (e.g., Carefresh)
• Fleece blankets
• Straw or hay in some areas

Avoid cedar or pine shavings, which can harm your rabbit’s liver.

3. Litter Box Setup

Yes, rabbits can be litter trained! Use a cat litter box and line it with paper-based litter. Place it in the corner they tend to use for peeing. Put hay on top of the litter to encourage use—they love to eat and poop at the same time.

4. Food and Water Essentials

• Heavy ceramic bowls (not easy to tip)
• Water bottle or bowl (cleaned daily)
• Hay rack to keep hay fresh and clean

5. Toys and Enrichment

Bored bunnies chew things they shouldn’t. Offer:

• Chew toys (wood, cardboard, hay-based)
• Dig boxes
• Tunnels
• Foraging toys

What Do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits have a specialized diet that is essential for their health and well-being. The main component of a rabbit’s diet is high-quality hay, such as timothy, meadow, or orchard grass hay. Hay provides the necessary fiber to keep their digestive system functioning properly and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth. It should be available to rabbits at all times.

In addition to hay, rabbits benefit from fresh vegetables daily. Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, parsley, and cilantro are excellent choices. Other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli can be given in moderation. It’s important to introduce new vegetables gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Pellets specially formulated for rabbits can be given but in limited quantities, as overfeeding pellets can lead to obesity. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Avoid feeding rabbits sugary or starchy foods like bread, crackers, or most fruits in large amounts, as these can cause serious health problems. With a balanced diet focused on hay, fresh greens, and moderate pellets, rabbits stay healthy, energetic, and happy.

Fresh hay should make up 80–90% of your rabbit’s diet. It helps with digestion and keeps teeth healthy. Popular types include:

• Timothy hay
• Orchard grass
• Meadow hay
• Romaine lettuce
• Cilantro
• Basil
• Parsley
• Kale (in moderation)

Avoid iceberg lettuce—it has little nutritional value.

Choose high-fiber, plain pellets (no seeds, dried fruit, or colored bits). Feed about ¼ cup per 5 pounds of body weight.

Give fruit sparingly—no more than 1–2 tablespoons per day. Safe treats include banana, apple (no seeds), or berries.

Avoid:

• Bread
• Cereal
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Avocado
• Processed human food

How to Handle and Bond With Your Rabbit

Rabbits are prey animals—they don’t like being picked up unless they trust you. Here’s how to build a bond:

• Sit quietly and let your bunny come to you
• Offer treats by hand
• Gently pet their forehead and cheeks (they love it!)
• Avoid lifting unless necessary

Never pick them up by the ears or scruff.

Cleaning and Grooming Needs

Rabbits groom themselves often but still need your help.

• Brush weekly (daily during shedding)
• Trim nails monthly
• Clean litter box every 1–2 days
• Check ears, eyes, and teeth regularly

Long-haired breeds like Angoras need daily grooming.

Rabbit Health: Signs of Illness to Watch For

Rabbits hide illness well. Look for:

• Not eating or pooping
• Lethargy
• Runny nose or eyes
• Drooling
• Tilted head
• Sudden aggression

If you notice any of these, contact an exotics vet immediately. A rabbit not eating for 12 hours is a medical emergency.

Common Mistakes New Rabbit Owners Make

New rabbit owners often make several common mistakes that can affect their pet’s health and happiness. One frequent error is housing rabbits in small wire cages, which can hurt their sensitive feet and restrict their movement. Many also underestimate the amount of daily exercise rabbits need, leading to boredom and health issues.

Another mistake is feeding rabbits an improper diet—giving too many pellets or sugary treats instead of a fiber-rich diet mainly consisting of hay and fresh vegetables. Lack of proper dental care and not providing chew toys can result in overgrown teeth, causing pain and eating difficulties.

Some new owners also expect rabbits to be cuddly like cats or dogs, not realizing rabbits often prefer gentle interaction and need time to build trust. Finally, skipping regular veterinary check-ups can lead to undiagnosed illnesses. Understanding these pitfalls helps ensure rabbits receive the care they need to thrive.

Final Tips for First-Time Bunny Parents

• Rabbits need at least 4 hours of exercise outside the enclosure daily
• Keep their environment quiet and stress-free
• Spay/neuter your rabbit to prevent health and behavior problems
• Spend time with them daily to build trust
• Be patient—every bunny has a different personality

FAQs: Rabbit Care for Beginners

Q1: Are rabbits easy to take care of?
Rabbits are not as easy as many think. They require daily feeding, cleaning, attention, and vet care. But with the right setup and dedication, they are amazing pets.

Q2: Can I keep a rabbit in my apartment?
Yes, rabbits do well in apartments, especially as indoor pets. Just make sure you give them enough space to roam and bunny-proof your home.

Q3: Do rabbits need to go to the vet?
Absolutely. Rabbits need regular checkups with an exotic animal vet, especially after neutering/spaying. Annual visits are recommended.

Q4: How often do I clean my rabbit’s litter box?
Every 1–2 days is ideal to prevent odors and health issues. Deep clean the box weekly.

Q5: Can rabbits be left alone all day?
You can leave a rabbit alone during work hours, but they should not be left alone for more than 24 hours. Ensure they have enough food, water, and a clean environment.