There’s some magical feeling about strolling into a pet shop and laying your eyes on a pen full of fluffy, long-eared bunnies that make you want to take all of them home! However, buying a rabbit cannot be an impulsive decision, and you must ensure you’re ready. What do you need for your first rabbit?
For your first rabbit, you need a suitable enclosure or cage, litter tray, bunny-safe litter, and food. Your rabbit will also need a food and water bowl and bedding materials. Rabbit-safe cleaning materials are crucial. Also, remember that a travel carrier and toys are needed for your first rabbit.
Bringing your first pet rabbit home is such an exciting event, and it could be so rewarding once your rabbit becomes comfortable and shows you its quirks! Are you getting your first rabbit? Continue reading to make the transition from the pet store to your home as smooth as possible!
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Crucial Supplies For Your First Pet Rabbit
Bringing a new and unfamiliar pet into your home for the first time is an exciting milestone! You need to make sure you are fully prepared for your new bunny, to make sure you get off on the right foot, and you provide them with everything they need to survive and live a long, happy life.
Rabbits may not have to go for walks like dogs, but they are seen as high-maintenance pets. They need a special diet, health checks, and exercise.
Rabbits may also have destructive habits, and you need to take the time to make sure your home is safe and bunny-proof before leaving your rabbit alone.
Learn all the necessities of a rabbit to make sure everything goes well with your new companion:
Choose A Suitable And Secure Rabbit Enclosure Or Cage
The first thing you need to have locked and loaded for your first rabbit is a suitable home that is spacious enough while remaining protected from the elements if you decide to keep your rabbit outside.
Keep in mind that rabbits usually prefer to live in pairs, as you may want to get your rabbit a friend once it is comfortable in its new home. Make sure there is enough space to hide and explore.
Make Sure Your Rabbit Has An Accessible Litter Tray
If you want to keep your rabbit’s new enclosure or cage clean, placing a litter tray in the corner of their cage might be a good idea. If you plan on letting your rabbit roam freely in your home at times, make sure you have an extra litter tray if your rabbit needs to use it outside its cage.
Make Sure Your Bunny Has Litter Or Any Appropriate Filling
Now that you have your litter box, you should consider filling it with appropriate materials. You can use filling such as newspaper, hay, straw, or wood shavings.
Stock Up On All Sorts Of Rabbit Foods
Rabbits are herbivores, but you are probably already aware of this if you’re thinking about getting your first bunny! You will need to provide them with a consistent supply of two or more types of hay, as hay and grass should make up 80-90% of their diet.
Appropriate types of hay include timothy or alfalfa, with no added snacks or treats. Your rabbit will also enjoy fresh vegetables and should consume them daily to stay healthy.
You should also purchase specially formulated pellets, as rabbits enjoy them in small amounts. Make sure to stock up on these sorts of food before bringing your first rabbit home!
Provide Your Rabbit With A Water Bottle Or Water Bowl
Rabbits will require a constant supply of freshwater for survival, and you need to make sure you supply them with enough.
You can buy them a water bottle that clips onto the side of their cage or enclosure, much like a hamster water bottle. You could also place their water in a regular water bowl.
Make Sure Your Rabbit Has A Food Dispenser Or Bowl
While you can feed your rabbit grass and hay directly from the floor, buying a special dispenser or bowl for other types of food may be a good idea. This could be ideal for nuggets or pellets.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also purchase a food dispensing ball, releasing the food slowly. This will ensure that you don’t overfeed your rabbit.
Make Sure You Have Enough Bedding Materials For Your Rabbit
Rabbits love to get all cozy and warm in their bedding, so providing them with a soft and dry bed is essential. You will need to buy lots of absorbent materials, including dust-free straw, newspapers, and bedding hay.
This will make sure to keep them dry and warm, even if they tend to be messy.
You should also remember that extra bedding supplies may be needed in the winter, as you will need to insulate their cage or enclosure.
Buy Rabbit-Safe Cleaning Products To Keep Your Rabbit Safe
Rabbits are clean animals and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Therefore, it only makes sense for their home to be clean and hygienic.
This includes cleaning out litter trays daily and changing bedding when needed.
Moreover, apart from daily tasks such as picking up uneaten food, you should disinfect and deep clean their enclosure or cage at least once weekly.
Buy A Travel Carrier For When Your Rabbit Needs To Travel
Similar to cats and dogs, your rabbit will also need occasional checkups by a veterinary professional. It would be best to purchase a hard-sided travel carrier with a top and front opening.
This will help your rabbit stay safe and comfortable when you need to take them to the vet or if you want to travel with your companion.
Be sure to line the bottom of the carrier with some bedding and familiar items to optimize comfort!
Toys Will Keep Your Rabbit Stimulated
Bored rabbits are naughty rabbits! Rabbits need many exciting toys or objects to keep them stimulated and happy.
You can make your own rabbit toys with cardboard boxes or plant pots. Many rabbits will enjoy being stimulated by agility courses, but it all depends on the nature of your rabbit.
Conclusion
Knowing what supplies you need for your first rabbit and getting them ready is almost as exciting as the day you bring them home! It may also be helpful to purchase a rabbit care book, as it could help you to notice any indications of stress or illness and how to identify them.
Nevertheless, by checking all these things off your list, your bunny will be comfortable in its new home in no time!
