Animals like their routines and moving from one home to another or from a shelter to a permanent home can be stressful for any pet, including rabbits. By preparing everything ahead of time, you can help ease the process for your new rabbit.
Get ready for rabbits
Here's a quick checklist for what to do before you get your new bunnies:
Set up your rabbit's "rabbitat" in a quiet, out-of-the-way area with one or more litterboxes (and safe litter), water bowl or bottle, and safe chew toys.
Rabbit-proof any areas of your home to which your rabbit will have access in order to prevent injuries, but don't forget to supervise him when he's not contained.
Check with the shelter, rescue, or foster home ahead of time to find out which types of hay and vegetables your rabbit really likes and have them on hand.
Try not to handle your rabbit too much during the first few days. You can allow your rabbit to check you out by sitting on the floor and letting her come to you.
Keep the environment as quiet as possible.
Let your rabbit get used to his new home before introducing them if you have other pets, like cats or dogs.
If you already have one or more resident rabbits, keep your new rabbit separate from them until you can do introductions in a neutral location.
If you're adopting multiple rabbits at once, keep an extra close eye on them. The stress from a change of venue can result in fights, even with rabbits who have been bonded for years.
Is a Rabbit Right for You?
The first thing to consider is that rabbits have a long life span, so be prepared to care for your pet rabbit through the long term. They are also unique creatures, who form tight bonds with their families, though they have some quirks you should know about. They also require some routine vet care from a good rabbit vet, and are not low maintenance pets. If you are prepared for all the unique qualities and needs of rabbits, you will best be able to fully enjoy the wonderful companionship they can offer.
2. Choosing a Healthy Rabbit
A fairly quick look at potential pet rabbit will help you sort out if there are any obvious signs of illness or other issues. While there are no guarantees, avoiding rabbits that have common signs of health problems can save you a lot of heartache in the future. By having a close look at a rabbit you are considering, you also get a chance to see the personality of the rabbit.
A note on where to find rabbits: if you have decided to add a rabbit to the family, I highly recommend you start out by looking at your local shelter or rabbit rescues. There are lots of rabbits who need a second chance at a forever home.
Read More on Healthy Rabbits
3. Choose a Rabbit Cage
Choosing the right kind of cage for your rabbit is extremely important. Cages that are spacious enough, easy to clean, and easy to for your rabbit to get in and out of, will make sharing your home with a rabbit so much easier. A cage that is large enough is important for the well-being of your pet rabbit, but is is no substitute for exercise and social time out of the cage.
Related items:
Choosing Bedding and Litter
Rabbit Cage Cleaning Tips
4. Feeding Pet Rabbits
Even the best quality rabbit pellet is not adequate on its own as a diet for pet rabbits. Plenty of fresh grass hay is very important in a rabbit's diet, as are fresh greens and vegetables. The right diet is critical to keeping pet rabbits healthy -- find out the scoop on feeding your rabbit a well balanced and high fiber diet.
Read More About Feeding Rabbits
5. Toys for Rabbits
Photo © AlexRabbits are playful, active, and curious, and need a good variety of toys to keep them occupied (and out of trouble!).
6. Rabbit Training and Behavior
Rabbits are really trainible, but it may take some patience, especially when it comes to litter training and redirecting very natural behaviors like chewing and digging. The following articles can help you understand why your rabbits do the things they do, and ways to train them to do some of the things you want them to do:
Rabbit Communication Basics - Understanding Your Rabbit
Litter Training Pet Rabbits
Rabbit-Proofing Your Home
How To Stop Rabbits From Chewing Your Belongings
How To Stop Rabbits From Digging Up Your Carpet
7. Grooming Rabbits
Find out why regular brushing is a must, bathing is out, and the low down on nail trims.
Read More About Grooming Rabbits
8. Rabbit Health
You should try to find a knowledgeable rabbit vet, to spay or neuter your rabbit and to call on if your rabbit develops health problems. In some parts of the world, rabbits are vaccinated as well, so find a vet and check with them about a preventative health plan for your rabbit.
