Your new rabbit may take some time to feel confident in its new environment. Don’t expect it to warm up to you immediately, as rabbits are often scared when adjusting to a new place. Keep the enclosure in a quiet, dimly lit area to help your rabbit feel safe. Offer small portions of food throughout the day so the rabbit begins to associate you with feeding.

By giving your rabbit the right care, space, and attention, it will soon feel at home and become a happy, healthy companion!

Rabbits are gentle, social creatures that need proper care to stay happy and healthy. Please read all essential care tips!

• Provide a spacious, clean, and well-ventilated enclosure with enough room for your rabbit to hop, stand, and stretch.
• Ensure the floor is solid (no wire mesh) to prevent injury to its feet. Use soft bedding like straw or hay.
• Keep the area dry, free from drafts, and clean the enclosure regularly to avoid waste buildup.

• Hay: This should be the primary part of a rabbit’s diet, aiding digestion and keeping teeth healthy.
• Fresh Vegetables: Leafy greens like romaine lettuce and spinach are great, but avoid iceberg lettuce and limit starchy vegetables like carrots to occasional treats.
• Pellets: A small amount of rabbit-specific pellets can provide extra nutrition.
• Water: Ensure a constant supply of fresh water.

• Rabbits need daily exercise outside their enclosure. Create a safe, enclosed space for them to explore and play.

• Provide stimulating toys like tunnels, cardboard boxes, and chew toys to keep them entertained.

• Check your rabbit regularly for signs of illness like lethargy, appetite changes, or unusual droppings, and consult a vet if needed.
• Although rabbits groom themselves, they may need brushing during shedding to prevent fur blockages.
• Trim their nails to prevent overgrowth.

• Rabbits are social and do well with companionship. If you have more than one rabbit, ensure they are properly bonded.
• Handle your rabbit gently and consistently to build trust and help it feel comfortable around you.

• Keep your rabbit in a secure, predator-proof environment. Ensure outdoor enclosures protect against snakes and other predators.
• Rabbits are sensitive to extreme weather, so provide appropriate shelter from heat, cold, and rain.

To toilet train your rabbit, follow these simple steps:

1. Provide Two Litter Trays: Use shallow, small cat litter trays and fill them with oaten chaff.

2. Place the Trays Strategically: Rabbits tend to go to the toilet while eating, so place their food directly in the litter trays. This encourages them to use the tray while they eat.

3. Clean Regularly: Check and clean the trays as needed to maintain hygiene. The waste and litter tray contents make excellent fertilizer for plants.

With consistency and patience, your rabbit will learn to use the litter trays effectively!

Behavior problems in rabbits are often preventable with proper care, environment, and attention. Here are some tips to help prevent issues:

1. Provide a Stimulating Environment: Rabbits need mental and physical stimulation. Ensure they have toys, tunnels, and plenty of space to hop and explore to avoid boredom-related behaviors like chewing or digging.

2. Socialization: Rabbits are social animals. Regular interaction and bonding with you or another rabbit can prevent aggressive or withdrawn behavior.

3. Proper Diet: Ensure they have a balanced diet with hay, fresh vegetables, and water. An unhealthy diet can lead to digestive issues and discomfort, which can cause behavior problems.

4. Spaying/Neutering: Hormonal changes can lead to territorial or aggressive behaviors. Spaying or neutering your rabbit can help minimize these issues.

5. Litter Training: Training your rabbit to use a litter box can prevent inappropriate toileting and keep their space clean and comfortable.

By providing the right environment, care, and attention, many common behavioral issues in rabbits can be avoided. 

RSPCA Knowledge base