⚠️ Medical information: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian for health concerns. See our full disclaimer.
Welcome to Keeping Rabbits
Your trusted resource for raising happy, healthy rabbits
What We Offer
Getting Started
New to rabbits? Everything you need to know for the first week and beyond.
Get Started →Health & Wellness
Learn to recognize signs of illness, preventive care tips, and when to seek veterinary help.
Learn More →Recommended Products
Curated picks for hutches, feeders, toys, and more — vetted by rabbit owners.
See Products →Explore Rabbit Breeds
From the playful Holland Lop to the majestic Flemish Giant, discover which breed fits your lifestyle.
Browse All BreedsWhy Rabbits Make Great Companions
Rabbits are one of the most misunderstood companion animals. They are not starter pets, and they are not cats or dogs in miniature. They are something entirely their own — and that is precisely what makes them so rewarding.
Quiet and Considerate
Rabbits are naturally quiet. They do not bark, and they rarely make noise beyond a soft foot thump or a contented tooth grind when petted. This makes them well-suited for apartments and close quarters.
Surprisingly Smart
Rabbits can learn their names, come when called, solve simple puzzles, and be litter trained. They form strong bonds with their owners and can show affection in subtle, individual ways.
Low Impact Footprint
Rabbits require far fewer resources than dogs or cats — less food, less space, and less veterinary intervention for routine care. For households conscious of their environmental footprint, this matters.
That said, rabbits require a serious time commitment. They live 10–12 years on average, need daily exercise outside their enclosure, and require rabbit-savvy veterinary care which can be harder to find than a standard dog or cat vet.
From Our Articles
Deeper dives into the topics that matter most to rabbit owners.
GI Stasis: The Condition Every Rabbit Owner Must Know
GI stasis is one of the most common and dangerous health emergencies in rabbits. Know the signs before it becomes a crisis.
Read More →How to Bond Rabbits: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introducing two rabbits to each other takes patience and the right setup. Here is the method that works — and the mistakes to avoid.
Read More →13 Signs Your Rabbit Is Happy
Rabbits express contentment in ways that are easy to miss if you do not know what to look for. Here is what a truly happy rabbit looks like.
Read More →Did You Know?
Common Questions
Are rabbits good pets for children?
It depends on the child and the setup. Rabbits are fragile and can bite or scratch if handled roughly or startled. Children under 8 who have not yet learned to be gentle are not a good match. Older children who can be calm and consistent — and who are supervised by an adult — can form wonderful bonds with rabbits.
Do rabbits smell?
Healthy, spayed or neutered rabbits kept in a clean enclosure do not have a noticeable odor. The most common source of rabbit smell is an uncleaned litter box or an unneutered male marking territory. Daily spot cleaning and weekly full litter changes keep odor to zero.
Can rabbits live outside?
They can, but indoor rabbits consistently live longer and healthier lives. Outdoor rabbits face predators, weather extremes, and less social stimulation. If outdoor housing is the only option, a secure hutch with a sheltered run, protection from sun and cold, and daily human interaction is the minimum.
What do rabbits eat?
The foundation of a rabbit's diet is unlimited timothy hay — they should eat a pile of hay roughly their own body size every day. Supplement with a small amount of pellets (about 1/4 cup per day for an average adult rabbit), one cup of fresh leafy greens per day, and occasional fruit treats in very small amounts.
How much veterinary care do rabbits need?
Annual checkups with a rabbit-savvy vet are standard. Rabbits also need to be spayed or neutered, which significantly reduces health risks and behavioral problems. Beyond that, budget for unexpected illness — rabbits can go downhill quickly and may need emergency care. Exotic or exotic-specialist vets are the right choice, not general small-animal vets.
Before You Bring One Home
Rabbits are a 10–12 year commitment. A few honest questions now can prevent heartbreak later.
The Space Question
- Do you have room for an exercise area of at least 32 square feet where your rabbit can run daily?
- Can you rabbit-proof your home — covering cords, blocking small spaces, protecting baseboards?
- Will your rabbit free-roam or live in an enclosure? Free-roam requires more preparation.
The Time Question
- Can you spend at least 2–3 hours per day with your rabbit for social time and exercise?
- Who will care for your rabbit if you travel? Boarding rabbits is difficult — most sitters are not equipped for them.
- Are you prepared for the daily routines — feeding, litter cleaning, hay refills — for a decade or more?
The Budget Question
- Can you afford an initial setup (hutch or pen, hay, litter, toys, spay/neuter) of $300–500?
- Do you have access to a rabbit-savvy vet? Emergency vet visits can run $500 or more.
- Are you prepared for ongoing costs — hay ($15–30/month), vet checkups, and occasional medical needs?
Still interested? Start with our Getting Started guide — it covers everything you need for the first week and beyond.
