Essential Supplies Checklist

Before bringing your bunny home, make sure you have:

Housing

  • Large enclosure - Minimum 4x their body length (bigger is always better!)
  • Exercise pen (x-pen) - For safe supervised playtime
  • Hidey house - Rabbits need a safe retreat space
  • Soft bedding - Fleece or towels work great

Food & Water

  • Unlimited timothy hay - This is 80% of their diet
  • Heavy ceramic bowl or mounted bottle for water
  • Food dish for pellets
  • Fresh vegetables - Introduce slowly

Litter & Cleaning

  • Large litter box - Corner boxes are often too small
  • Paper-based litter - Never use cedar, pine, or clumping cat litter
  • White vinegar - For cleaning accidents

The First Week: Building Trust

Your bunny may be scared at first. This is completely normal!

Day 1-3: Let Them Decompress

  • Keep their space quiet and calm
  • Sit near their enclosure and read or work quietly
  • Don't try to pick them up yet
  • Let them come to you on their terms

Day 4-7: Start Bonding

  • Offer treats from your hand (small piece of banana or herb)
  • Get down on their level - sit on the floor
  • Let them sniff and explore you
  • Talk to them softly so they learn your voice

Signs of Stress

Watch for these signs that your bunny needs more time:

  • Thumping
  • Hiding constantly
  • Refusing to eat
  • Aggressive lunging

Bunny-Proofing Your Home

Rabbits chew EVERYTHING. Before giving them free roam time:

  • Cover all wires with split loom tubing or hard plastic covers
  • Block off furniture they can get stuck behind
  • Remove houseplants - many are toxic to rabbits
  • Protect baseboards with plastic guards or bitter spray
  • Cover carpet edges - they love to dig and chew

The First Vet Visit

Schedule a checkup within 30 days of bringing your bunny home. Your vet will:

  • Do a full physical exam
  • Check teeth alignment
  • Discuss spay/neuter (crucial for health and behavior!)
  • Set up a vaccination schedule if needed in your area
  • Establish a baseline for future visits

Pro tip: Find a rabbit-savvy vet BEFORE you need one. Not all vets have rabbit experience!

Common First-Week Questions

Q: My bunny isn't eating much. Is this normal?

A: Some appetite reduction is normal due to stress, but monitor closely. If they don't eat for 12+ hours, contact your vet.

Q: Why does my bunny thump?

A: Thumping signals fear or annoyance. Something startled them or they're telling you to back off.

Q: Can I let my bunny outside?

A: Only in a secure, enclosed space with supervision. Predators, escape, and parasites are all risks.

Q: When will my bunny be comfortable with me?

A: Every bunny is different! Some warm up in days, others take weeks or months. Patience is key.