Rabbit Care

Rabbit Care Guide: Setup, Diet, Daily Routine & What New Owners Need to Know

A complete, beginner‑friendly guide to rabbit care — covering housing, diet basics, litter habits, enrichment and the everyday routines that help you keep rabbits healthy and calm.

Important: Rabbits can deteriorate quickly if they stop eating or their droppings reduce. If your rabbit isn’t eating, has fewer/no droppings, or seems unwell, contact a rabbit‑savvy vet promptly.

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Rabbit care guide hero image

Start Here

This page gives you the full foundation for caring for rabbits. Use it as your main reference, then jump into the deeper guides linked throughout when you need more detail.

Housing & Space Requirements

Rabbits need room to stretch out fully, hop, stand up comfortably, and feel safe. Small cages alone are rarely suitable for long‑term living — most rabbits do best with a larger pen/enclosure setup, with a protected “home base”.

  • Prioritise space: bigger is better — rabbits are active and need room to move.
  • Non‑slip flooring: provide rugs/mats/fleece so rabbits feel confident moving.
  • Hide + rest areas: a covered hide or sheltered corner reduces stress.
  • Temperature matters: avoid direct sun, poor ventilation, and overheating risk.
Rabbit enclosure setup example

Recommended setup categories

Diet Basics (Hay Comes First)

Diet is one of the biggest drivers of long‑term rabbit health. A good rabbit diet is simple: unlimited hay as the foundation, plus fresh water, measured pellets, and daily greens where appropriate.

Simple diet framework

  • Unlimited grass hay: supports digestion and normal tooth wear.
  • Fresh water: always available; monitor changes in drinking.
  • Pellets: measured amount appropriate to your rabbit’s size/age.
  • Greens: introduce gradually and keep changes steady.
  • Treats: small and occasional — focus on safe, low‑sugar options.
Rabbit diet and feeding setup

Shop diet essentials here: Rabbit Food and Rabbit Treats.

Litter Habits & Cleanliness

Most rabbits can learn litter habits quickly, especially when you keep the setup consistent. A clean, dry base is also important for comfort and hygiene.

  • Place litter areas where your rabbit naturally chooses to toilet.
  • Keep litter areas dry and cleaned frequently to reduce smell.
  • Provide hay near the litter area — many rabbits like to eat while toileting.

Daily & Weekly Routine (Easy & Effective)

Routines make rabbit care easier and help you notice subtle changes early. Appetite and droppings are two of the most important daily indicators.

Daily (5–10 minutes)

  • Top up hay and refresh water.
  • Check droppings: quantity and size compared to normal.
  • Quick visual check: posture, breathing, movement and comfort.
  • Spot clean litter areas and remove wet patches.

Weekly (15–30 minutes)

  • Deep clean litter areas and refresh bedding.
  • Check nails, coat condition and feet (keep areas dry).
  • Refresh enrichment layout (swap toys, tunnels, chew items).
Rabbit daily routine and care setup

Enrichment & Toys

Enrichment keeps rabbits active and reduces boredom. Chew‑safe toys and foraging options support normal behaviour and mental stimulation.

Start here: Rabbit Toys and Rabbit Accessories.

Health & Early Warning Signs

A rabbit that stops eating or has fewer/no droppings can become unwell quickly. If anything changes noticeably from your rabbit’s normal, it’s best to seek advice early.

Read: Rabbit Health Guide →
Read: Common Rabbit Issues →
Read: First Aid & Preparedness →

Handling & Transport

Rabbits can injure themselves if they kick out while being held. Safe handling and secure carriers make vet visits and travel calmer and safer.

Read: Rabbit Handling & Transport →

Related Care Guides

Shop Essentials

Not sure what suits your setup? Contact Bree & Co and we’ll point you in the right direction.