There are many necessities you will need to buy before bringing your rabbit home in order to create a safe, comfortable, and stimulating home. Adopting a new pet rabbit is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of providing the right care and necessities to ensure their health and happiness. Rabbits are sensitive, social creatures that thrive in environments designed to meet their physical and emotional needs. From proper housing and nutrition to enrichment and grooming tools, having the right essentials is crucial for your bunny’s well-being.
Health and Welfare Necessities
Carrier: One of the the most important necessities you must have is a carrier. After all, you do need it to bring your bunny home! There are a wide range of carriers to choose from so take your time researching them. I have used both hard case and soft carriers, but my preference is the soft. I find the door on the hard carrier gets in the way when trying to get the bunny out. Especially at the vet!
First Aid Kit: Next to the carrier, one of the most important necessities you must invest in is a good first aid kit. Rabbits are fragile animals and when they get sick or injured, quick treatment can mean the difference between life or death. This is something I recommend you putting together yourself rather than buying pre-made. I find a tackle box to be especially helpful for this and I keep it in a central location that is easily accessible. All of the little compartments make organizing easy and accessibility quick!
Litter Box and Litter: The third item on your list of necessities is for cleanliness! Your rabbit will need a litter box and rabbit safe litter. I prefer washable fleece pee pads in place of disposable litter. They are better for the environment and much cheaper in the long run. My pro-tip: get 2 per bunny. Keep the second set filled with litter so on cleaning day you can do a quick swap out.
Dining: Water and Hay are 2 necessities your rabbit needs daily. It is best for a rabbit to drink from a bowl rather than a water bottle so look for a crock that is large, heavy and hard to move. You may get that one stubborn rabbit like I have that refuses to drink from a bowl so make sure their bottle is kept very clean. Use another bowl or plate for greens and a snuffle mat for pellets. Be sure their bowls or plates are appropriately sized for your rabbit.
A hay rack or holder for their hay will make access easy and neat. Ideally it should be placed in front of or just above their litter box. Doing this will make them work a little bit for it while keeping it off their litter since rabbits tend to pee and poop while eating.
Food: 80% of your rabbit’s diet should be hay along with unlimited water. In addition, fresh leafy greens should be incorporated in a limited supply. Treats should only be given on occasion. I suggest you follow the rabbit food pyramid. Note: baby rabbits, or kits have different dietary needs. They need a specially formulated pellet and alfalfa hay. Fresh greens should be introduced after 12 weeks of age. Elder aged buns or overweight buns also will need a special diet. Your vet should be able to help you plan a proper diet..
Habitat and Lifestyle Necessities
Exercise Pen: Even if you decide to completely free roam your rabbit, I highly suggest investing in an exercise pen. They come in handy if you want to contain them for safety reasons when you are out of the house, to secure them when you are asleep or when you have company. A x-pen will keep them enclosed yet still give them room to move around. 1 pen is fine, but if you have a bonded pair or trio I recommend buying 2 and attaching them together. On a side note…if you have a climber, and there are those that do, I recommend getting a tall x-pen and attaching a sheet across the top with butterfly clips.
Grooming Kit: Just like you, your bunny needs to be groomed. Time to invest in a good grooming kit. Included should be nail clippers, styptic powder (to stop bleeding in case you nick the quick), a good comb and brush. I also recommend using a towel when grooming to collect any stray fur.
Sleeping Items: Your bunny needs a bed, comfy blanket or plush rug to sleep on. Small pet beds typically cat sized, are perfect for most rabbits. Look for one that is washable since your bunny will shed and may have the occasional accident. Some people get the Ikea doll sized wood beds, but they seem to work best for smaller bunnies. I have also seen carpet samples used. You can acquire these at a local carpet store. Fleece blankets are another comfy option. Some of my bunnies have small stuffed bunnies to curl up with too.
Toys: Toys are necessities that will help to keep your bunny from getting bored. Rabbits need to be stimulated and enriched. Look for safe, chewable and interactive items. Toys don’t need to be expensive. DIY toys, Dollar Store items and old baby toys are all good options that don’t cost a lot. In addition, they need love and companionship so set aside plenty of time each day to play with your rabbit.
Rabbit Proofing: Bunny proofing items are necessities for the both of you! An absolute must have are cord protectors for your tv, phone, light and any other electric cords. You’ll need to think about stairs if you live in a multi-level home. A mesh baby gate is a good option if you want to confine your rabbit to one level. I haven’t found any good way to protect wood or fabric other than keep your valuables and antiques away from your bunny.
You can find all the necessities you and your bunny will need in the mercantile. I recommend investing in my Rabbit Guide and Logbook to keep all your rabbit’s information in.
Final Thoughts…
Providing your rabbit with the right essentials is the foundation for a long, healthy, and joyful life. By investing in proper housing, a balanced diet, engaging toys, and essential grooming tools, you’re not only meeting their basic needs but also enhancing their quality of life. A well-cared-for rabbit is a happy rabbit, and with the right setup, you’ll build a strong bond and create countless cherished moments together. Start with these necessities, and you’ll be well on your way to giving your bunny the love and care they deserve.
Sources:
- Leeson, Janelle “How To Bunny-Proof a Room” February 22, 2024 PetMD
- Be Chewy Editors “Bringing Home a Bunny? Here’s How to House Rabbits Indoors” June 25, 2024 Chewy
- Think Tank “Essential House Rabbit Supplies” Rabbit.org
