Simple Rabbit Care Guide

A gentle place to begin

Bringing a rabbit into your home is a meaningful commitment, and understanding basic rabbit care from the beginning makes a big difference.

This page is not meant to cover everything. It is simply a starting point to help you understand the basic care and steady routines that help a rabbit thrive.

Feeding Your Rabbit

A rabbit’s diet is simple, but very important.

• Unlimited quality hay should always be available
• A measured amount of quality pellets supports their diet
• Fresh water should be available at all times
• Leafy greens can be introduced gradually and fed in small amounts

Hay is the foundation of a rabbit’s diet. It supports digestion and helps keep teeth worn down properly. Young rabbits under six months of age may eat alfalfa hay, but adult rabbits age 6 months+ should eat only timothy or orchard hay. Alfalfa is higher in calcium and can contribute to health issues if fed long-term to adults.

Treats should be minimal. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and simple is best. We feed our rabbits a consistent diet of hay, quality pellets, and fresh water, and see fewer digestive issues as a result.

Living Space

Rabbits are indoor companions and do best as part of daily home life.

They need:

• Space to move, stretch, and explore
• A safe enclosure for rest and unsupervised time
• A clean, comfortable environment

Exercise pens, bunny-proofed areas, or free-roam setups can all work well when arranged thoughtfully.

Rabbits are not meant to live in small cages. They are active and aware animals who need room to move.

Personality and Expectations

Rabbits are gentle, intelligent animals, but they are not always naturally cuddly.

Many prefer:

• Interaction on the ground rather than being picked up
• Time to build trust
• Consistent, calm handling

Each rabbit is different. Some are playful, some are quiet, and many show affection in subtle ways.

Learning their personality is part of the relationship.

Veterinary Care

Not all veterinarians are trained to treat rabbits.

Before bringing a rabbit home, it is important to:

• Locate a rabbit-savvy (exotic) veterinarian
• Be prepared for both routine and unexpected care
• Plan for spaying or neutering at the appropriate age

Spaying and neutering supports long-term health and helps prevent behavioral and medical issues.

A Final Thought

You do not need to know everything before you begin.

Most good rabbit homes start with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and grow over time.

If you approach this thoughtfully, you are already on the right path.

For supplies and tools we use in our own rabbit care, you can visit the Bunny Care Supplies page.