I Adopted a Rabbit: Now What?

Set your rabbit up for success. Preparing your space for bunny ahead of time will help you navigate that transition. Bringing home a rabbit is exciting, and just like with any new animal, it can seem overwhelming.

BEFORE YOU BRING A BUNNY HOME

Bunny proofing is important and here’s why: Rabbits like to chew and dig! You don’t have to allow your rabbit into every room, but be sure to bunny-proof the rooms where they will live and play.

Young rabbits are generally the ones who get into this type of mischief. So, you might check every few months to see if they can earn more freedom as they age. Often, a bunny-proofed bathroom, laundry room, kitchen or bedroom is a good, safe place to confine your rabbit while you can't supervise them. These rooms are easy to rabbit-proof. If none of these rooms is practical, then they probably need to stay in a pen.

Digging and chewing are natural bunny behaviors. Bunny proofing helps you prevent damage to your home and possessions AND keeps your rabbit safe when they are out and about for play time.

BASIC BUNNY SUPPLIES

---

You will want to purchase these items before bringing a bunny home:

• 4’x4’ X-Pen (minimum height of 30”)

• Plastic litter box

• Paper-based or wood pellet litter (such as Carefresh)

• Large box of grass hay (Timothy, Orchard, or mixed)

• Small food bowl

• Large ceramic water crock

• Hidey box with at least two openings for entrance/exit

• Non-slippery flooring such as carpet squares, area rug, towels, or blankets

• Timothy hay-based pellets

• Leafy green vegetables

• Bunny-safe toys

• Hardshell carrier