The Ultimate First-Time Rabbit Owner Guide
Updated: Aug 11
Rabbits are intelligent, social and affectionate animals that can make wonderful companions. However, they are often misunderstood, with many people believing they are easy, low-maintenance pets that can happily live in a small hutch.
In reality, rabbits have complex physical, behavioural and social needs. They require plenty of space to exercise, a carefully balanced diet, regular health checks and lots of mental stimulation to thrive.
Whether you're adopting a pair of rescue rabbits or welcoming your first bunny home, this guide covers everything you need to know to give them the best possible start.
Contents
Are Rabbits the Right Pet for You?
Should Rabbits Live Alone?
Housing and Space Requirements
What Do Rabbits Eat?
Enrichment and Exercise
Litter Training
Grooming and Daily Care
Health Checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rabbits the Right Pet for You?
Before bringing rabbits home, it's important to understand the commitment involved.
Rabbits typically live 8–12 years, although some can live even longer with excellent care. They need daily attention, regular cleaning, veterinary care and plenty of space.
Rabbits are also prey animals, meaning they can be naturally cautious. Many enjoy human companionship, but they usually prefer gentle interaction on their own terms rather than constant handling.
If you're looking for an interactive, intelligent pet and are prepared to meet their needs, rabbits can make incredibly rewarding companions.
Should Rabbits Live Alone?
One of the biggest myths about rabbit care is that rabbits are happiest living alone.
In reality, rabbits are highly social animals and should usually be kept in compatible pairs or groups, unless there is a veterinary or behavioural reason not to.
A bonded pair will often:
Groom each other
Sleep together
Play together
Provide comfort and companionship
Introducing rabbits should always be done carefully through a proper bonding process, as unfamiliar rabbits can become territorial.
Housing and Space Requirements
Housing is one of the most important aspects of rabbit care.
Rabbits need enough room to:
Stand fully upright
Stretch out comfortably
Hop several times in a row
Run, explore and play
Binky (joyful jumps and twists)
Zoom around at speed
Small hutches alone are not suitable as permanent homes.
Instead, rabbits should have access to a large enclosure, a secure shed conversion, a rabbit-proofed room or a spacious outdoor setup with an attached run.
The more space they have, the more opportunities they have to express their natural behaviours.
What Do Rabbits Eat?
A healthy diet is essential for your rabbit's digestion and dental health.
Hay
Hay should make up around 85–90% of your rabbit's diet and should be available at all times.
Good-quality feeding hay provides the fibre needed to keep the digestive system moving and helps wear down continuously growing teeth.
Fresh Greens
Offer a variety of rabbit-safe leafy greens every day, introducing new foods gradually.
Examples include:
Romaine lettuce
Spring greens
Coriander
Parsley
Basil
Mint
Avoid iceberg lettuce, as it offers little nutritional value and may upset digestion.
Pellets
Feed a measured amount of high-quality rabbit pellets each day.
Pellets should supplement the diet, not replace hay.
Fresh Water
Fresh, clean water should always be available.
Many rabbits prefer drinking from heavy ceramic bowls, although bottles can also be used if maintained properly.
Enrichment and Exercise
Rabbits are active, curious animals that need daily opportunities to explore and play.
Provide enrichment such as:
Cardboard boxes
Tunnels
Digging boxes
Willow balls
Untreated apple sticks
Platforms
Safe chew toys
Foraging toys
Changing the layout occasionally and rotating enrichment items can help prevent boredom.
Litter Training
Most rabbits can be litter trained with patience.
To encourage good habits:
Place litter trays where your rabbits naturally choose to toilet.
Fill trays with rabbit-safe litter and plenty of hay.
Clean trays regularly while leaving a small amount of used litter initially to reinforce the location.
Avoid clumping cat litter, as it can be dangerous if ingested.
Grooming and Daily Care
Your grooming routine depends on your rabbit's breed and coat type.
Long-haired rabbits require frequent brushing to prevent mats.
Short-haired rabbits benefit from regular grooming, especially during seasonal moults.
You should also:
Check nails regularly.
Monitor teeth for signs of problems.
Keep the living area clean.
Observe eating and droppings every day.
Health Checks
Spend a few minutes checking your rabbits each day.
Look for:
Bright, clear eyes
Clean nose
Healthy ears
Normal droppings
Good appetite
Smooth movement
Clean rear end
Healthy coat
Because rabbits often hide illness until they are very unwell, even small changes in behaviour or appetite should be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rabbits easy pets?
No. Rabbits require daily care, appropriate housing, enrichment, veterinary care and a carefully balanced diet. They are often more demanding than people expect.
Should rabbits live in hutches?
A hutch alone is not enough. Rabbits need access to a much larger living area where they can run, hop, stretch and explore.
Can one rabbit live happily alone?
Most rabbits are happier living with a compatible rabbit companion. A bonded pair is generally recommended.
What should rabbits eat most?
Hay should make up the vast majority of a rabbit's diet, alongside fresh greens, a small amount of pellets and constant access to fresh water.
How long do rabbits live?
With good care, many pet rabbits live between 8 and 12 years, and some live even longer.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate animals with complex needs that deserve careful consideration before bringing them home. Providing plenty of space, a high-fibre diet, companionship, enrichment and regular health checks will help them live long, healthy and fulfilling lives.
At Bellamy Pet Wellness, we're committed to promoting modern, welfare-first rabbit care. By understanding your rabbits' natural behaviours and providing an environment where they can thrive, you'll build a stronger bond and enjoy many happy years together.
Visit our Amazon Storefront for a wide selection of rabbit products and great value essentials for your pets!
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Disclaimer
All content provided on this website, including blog posts, guides, social media content, and recommendations, is created for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary, medical, or professional pet care advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or animal care professional before making decisions regarding your pet’s health, diet, or wellbeing. See Full T&C's here.
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