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💡 Pro tip: Start gathering supplies 1-2 weeks before your rabbit arrives. Rabbits need time to adjust, and being prepared reduces stress for both of you.

New Rabbit Setup Checklist

Everything you need before bringing your rabbit home

Congratulations on preparing to welcome a rabbit into your family! This checklist covers everything a new rabbit owner needs: from enclosure setup and essential supplies to food preparation, vet selection, emergency kit, and a plan for the critical first 24 hours. Follow these steps in order for a smooth transition.

⚠️ 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.

🏠 Step 1: Set Up the Enclosure

Enclosure: minimum 4ft x 2ft x 2ft for small breeds (larger is always better) Large litter box with rabbit-safe paper-based litter Hay rack or hay feeder mounted at litter-box height Heavy ceramic food bowl (prevents tipping) Water bowl or bottle (bowls are more natural) Hide house or tunnel for security Soft fleece or cotton bedding for hide house Rabbit-safe flooring or interlocking foam mats Location: quiet room, away from direct sunlight and drafts

🥗 Step 3: Stock Up on Food and Hay

Timothy hay: 80% of diet, unlimited supply always available Orchard grass or meadow hay as variety Quality pellets: 1/4 cup/day for average adult rabbit Fresh leafy greens: romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, bok choy Safe vegetables list: carrot tops, basil, mint, dill Limited treats: small piece of fruit, commercial treats no more than 1 tbsp/day Know which foods are toxic: avocado, onion, garlic, chocolate, ice plant 2-week supply of hay and pellets before arrival

🏥 Step 4: Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet

Search for exotic animal vets or rabbit-specialist vets near you Save vet contact information prominently (fridge, phone) Identify 24-hour emergency exotic vet clinic in your area Schedule wellness exam within 48-72 hours of rabbit arrival Ask about new rabbit exams and what to expect Get a copy of vaccination records if adopting from a shelter Discuss spay/neuter timeline and cost upfront

🩹 Step 5: Build a Basic Emergency Kit

Styptic powder (for nail trim bleeds) Saline solution for eye/wound cleaning Gauze pads and non-adhesive bandages Digital thermometer (normal rabbit temp: 101-103°F / 38-39.5°C) Critical Care emergency feeding formula Simethicone infant drops (for gas/GI stasis) Syringe for hand-feeding (no needle) Printed emergency vet contact card Your rabbit's baseline weight recorded

🧘 Step 6: Prepare a Quiet Settling-In Space

Choose a small, quiet room for the first 24-48 hours Set up enclosure with all supplies ready Include item with breeder's or previous owner's scent Fresh hay, water, and familiar food available Hide house positioned for security Soft lighting, no harsh sounds Limit foot traffic and handling on day one Let rabbit come out on their own terms—no forcing

🔌 Step 7: Complete Rabbit-Proofing

Cover or elevate all electrical cords Remove toxic plants: lilies, ivy, philodendrons, aloe, dieffenbachia Close gaps behind furniture where rabbits can get stuck Install baby gates to restrict access to unsafe rooms Remove or secure rubber bands, small toys, hair ties Cover baseboards or accept some chewing Check for and block access under beds/couches with no escape Secure trash cans with lids Inform household: no sudden loud noises near rabbit

📅 Step 8: Plan the First 24 Hours

Keep handling to an absolute minimum Let rabbit explore enclosure and chosen room quietly Offer familiar hay and vegetables from previous home Ensure fresh water is always available Weigh rabbit and record baseline weight Watch for stress signs: hiding, not eating, heavy breathing By day 2-3, rabbit should be eating hay and passing droppings If rabbit hasn't eaten in 12+ hours, contact vet immediately No baths, no nail trimming, no stressful activities first week

New Rabbit Setup Checklist

🏠 Step 1: Set Up the Enclosure

🛒 Step 2: Gather Essential Supplies

🥗 Step 3: Stock Up on Food and Hay

🏥 Step 4: Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet

🩹 Step 5: Build a Basic Emergency Kit

🧘 Step 6: Prepare a Quiet Settling-In Space

🔌 Step 7: Complete Rabbit-Proofing

📅 Step 8: Plan the First 24 Hours

📝 Notes

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New Rabbit Setup Checklist

🏠 Step 1: Set Up the Enclosure

🛒 Step 2: Gather Essential Supplies

🥗 Step 3: Stock Up on Food and Hay

🏥 Step 4: Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet

🩹 Step 5: Build a Basic Emergency Kit

🧘 Step 6: Prepare a Quiet Settling-In Space

🔌 Step 7: Complete Rabbit-Proofing

📅 Step 8: Plan the First 24 Hours

📝 Notes

Get Free Printable Resources

You're in!

What you'll get: