Creating the Ideal Rabbit Environment

To make you bunny's transition into their new home as smooth and comfortable as possible, we've created a list of our most recommended supplies. Each product is something we've personally used and trust, chosen with your rabbit's health, comfort and happiness in mind.

For your convenience, we've organized these items into a checklist that can be accessed through our Amazon affiliate store. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Housing
Bunnies can thrive both indoors and outdoors, but the ideal setup is a climate-controlled indoor space. A exercise pen works well, with vinyl or foam puzzle mats for comfortable, easy-to-clean flooring. Adding blankets, beds, or hay mats provides variety in texture that your rabbit will love.

Since rabbits are prey animals, hidey houses and tunnels give them safe spaces to relax and feel secure.

If you prefer to house your rabbit outdoors, make sure they have a fully shaded area protected from wind. An all-weather hutch and mobile exercise pens are recommended for safe roaming and enrichment.

Litter Training
Did you know rabbits can be trained to use a litter box? All bunnies from us are spot-trained, giving them a head start toward successful litter training—a significant advantage!

Each rabbit will still require patience and guidance as they adjust to their new home.

Once fully litter-trained, you can allow them to safely free-roam in rabbit-proofed areas of your house. While free-roaming is ideal for enrichment, we understand that this may not be feasible for every home.

         ✓  Unlimited hay

         ✓  1/4 cup pelleted food

         ✓  1 cup leafy greens

         ✓  Unlimited water

         ✓  Limited treats

Pellets

Pellets are an important part of your rabbit’s diet, providing essential vitamins and nutrients that hay alone cannot supply. For an adult Holland Lop, ¼ to ½ cup per day is typically sufficient.

There are two main types of rabbit pellets: plain pellets and those mixed with colorful treats. The treats offer little to no nutritional value, and rabbits often pick them out, leaving the healthy pellets uneaten—this can lead to obesity. We recommend that you do not feed pellets with colorful treats or shapes in them.

At our rabbitry, we use Tucker Milling non-gmo pellets, which contain no soy or corn. Other high-quality options include Sherwood Adult Rabbit Food and Oxbow Garden Select Pellets. If you switch to a different brand, transition gradually over a few weeks to avoid digestive upset. Instructions will be provided after you secure your bunny with a deposit.

Hay

Pellets alone are not enough to provide a balanced diet—hay is also essential as it provides fiber needed for healthy digestive processes. Baby bunnies can have alfalfa hay, as its higher calories and protein support healthy growth but we find it too rich for many babies tummies. Once they reach about 3 months old, transition them to Timothy or orchard hay to help prevent obesity.

Some rabbits may be picky about hay. If yours isn’t eating much, try offering a different cut or variety. You can also sprinkle a few pellets or treats throughout the hay to encourage natural foraging behavior. Fresh hay is available year-round from sources like Small Pet Select or local farms.

We recommend waiting until your bunny is 4-6 months old before regularly feeding vegetables and fruits.

Veggies

A baby bunny can be greeted with very tiny treat once per day at a maximum. Adult bunnies can eat up to 1 cup of greenery per day as part of a healthy diet. Some safe vegetables your rabbit will find yummy are herbs such as parsley, cilantro, basil, dill or mint; varieties of lettuces (not iceberg), dandelion, clover, cucumber or cabbage leaves, and of course, carrots (with the tops!)!  strawberries, carrots, or a slice of banana.

Treats

We suggest limited treats such as a pinch of raw oats, a small slice of apple or banana, or a strawberry daily. Treats that can be harmful to bunnies include, seeds, iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, corn, potatoes, avocado or rhubarb.

Hydration
Rabbits can drink from either a water bottle or a bowl. If you choose a bowl, be sure to use a heavy, tip-resistant option, such as ceremic, that won’t easily be moved around. Gravity waterers are also suitable for rabbits.

While bowls require more frequent refilling, they provide a more natural drinking experience and carry less risk of malfunction compared to bottles.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV offers many health benefits for rabbits when used properly. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that support overall wellness.

At our rabbitry, we add about 1–2 tablespoons of organic ACV per gallon of water every other week. Our rabbits accept the taste easily, and the benefits are numerous:

• Immune Support: Helps strengthen the immune system.
• Urinary Health: Aids in preventing urinary tract infections and bladder sludge.
• Balanced pH: Regulates internal pH levels.
• Skin & Eye Health: Can assist with clearing mild skin or eye issues.
• Fur Quality: Promotes softer, shinier, and healthier coats.
• Natural Pest Deterrent: Its scent helps repel fleas and mites.

Beyond health benefits, ACV is also a fantastic natural cleaner. It prevents slime build-up in water bowls or bottles and helps to remove urine stains safely.

Adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your rabbit’s routine is a simple, natural way to support their health and keep their environment fresh.

Toys

Bunnies enjoy daily enrichment and safe toys to occupy them. You can rotate them weekly to prevent boredom and it's so fun to watch them do binkies and zoomies during playtime!

Popular toy options include:

• Cat balls, toys with bells, stacking cups
• Natural woven toys (seagrass, willow, apple wood)
• Tunnels and hidey houses for zoomies and play
• DIY toys like hay-stuffed toilet paper rolls or cardboard box mazes

Chew toys are especially important since rabbit teeth never stop growing. Foraging toys such as snuffle mats or treat balls can also make mealtimes more stimulating and fun. Etsy and Chewy have a great variety of bunny toys!

Grooming

Rabbits require regular grooming to stay healthy. Trim their nails every 2–4 weeks and brush them weekly—or more frequently during molts—to prevent fur ingestion and intestinal blockages.

You can trim nails at home with pet clippers, taking care to avoid the quick. If you’re unsure, start with just the tips or have a rabbit-savvy vet do it for a small fee. Always reward your bunny with gentle praise or a small treat to make grooming positive.



Rabbits clean themselves and should never be bathed, as submersion in water can cause shock, pneumonia, or even heart failure. For dirty bottoms, a quick “spot bath” of just the rear may be necessary, followed by gentle drying. Pee stains can often be cleaned with cornstarch powder instead of water.

Bonding with Your Bunny

From day one, we pour love into our bunnies so they’re ready to become cherished companions in their new families. Rabbits are incredibly sweet and affectionate once they feel safe, but each one has a unique personality and may take a couple weeks to settle in. Patience, gentleness, and unconditional love are the keys to building a lifelong bond.

To help your bunny adjust, provide cozy hides like hidey houses or tunnels and place an item with your scent in their space so they learn to associate you with comfort. Remember, bunnies feel safest on the ground. Spend time sitting quietly at their level—reading, working, or simply being near—so they can approach you at their own pace.

Once they’re more comfortable, try hand-feeding pellets or healthy treats to create positive connections. Over time, your bunny will learn to trust you, and you’ll discover how much of a joy they can be!

Bonding Companion Bunnies

Bunnies can thrive as singles or in pairs, but a bonded companion can bring extra comfort and joy—especially when you’re away. Bonding is easiest when both bunnies are pre-pubescent in age. It you know you would like multiple bunnies, it's a great option to get siblings from the same litter.  Bonding takes patience, as some bunnies connect instantly while others need time, neutral territory, and careful introductions. Spaying/neutering is highly recommended when bonding to reduce hormones and prevent fussing. With patience and care, bonded bunnies can become lifelong companions who eat, play, and groom together. The only thing better than a bunny...is more than one bunny!

Bonding Steps to Consider

1. Side-by-Side Enclosures

When rabbits first see and smell each other, some restlessness is normal and usually fades in short order. Place them in side-by-side enclosures close enough to smell but not touch unsupervised, and swap litter boxes, blankets, or toys to share scents.

A helpful bonding technique is “coerced closeness”: hold both rabbits on your lap, facing outward, and gently pet them to help them adjust to each other’s touch and scent.

  2. Introduction

Bonding should always start in a neutral space where neither rabbit has been before (such as a bathroom, bathtub, or garage). Supervise all sessions closely and be prepared with gloves or water spray in case of fussing. If it's love at first sight, you can move them into their shared space. If there’s chasing, mounting, or hesitancy, monitor carefully and separate when unsupervised. Signs of aggression may require slower bonding to encourage comfort with each other. Work daily for at least 15 minutes, adjusting the pace to their personalities and health needs.

  3. Body Language

Dominance is natural in bonding rabbits and may include mounting, which is normal as long as both tolerate it. Subordinate rabbits often show acceptance by licking the dominant rabbit. Positive signs: sitting or lying together, grooming, seeking interaction, or relaxed behavior. Negative signs: chasing, circling, boxing, fighting, nipping, or growling.

  4. Successful Bonding

Keep bonded rabbits together to maintain their relationship. Initially, supervise them in their shared space until they spend 1–2 hours together without issues. Once positive behaviors are consistent, they can safely be left alone together. A bonded companion can make your rabbit happier, more social, and still affectionate toward you.

Spaying and Neutering

Rabbits are wonderful companions, cherished for their playful spirits and gentle nature. Choosing to spay or neuter your bunny is a caring decision that supports their long-term health and well-being. While these surgeries are common, paying close attention to the recovery period is important to help your furry friend transition comfortably and safely. Spaying or neutering your bunny offers many benefits: a longer, healthier life, reduced cancer risk (especially for females), improved litter box habits, and fewer hormone-driven behaviors like marking, digging, or nipping. It’s also essential for bonding rabbits.

Always use an experienced rabbit-savvy vet, as it's important the procedure is done properly. The age at which a bunny can be treated depends on the preference of the vet but it usually between 14-20 weeks of age.

After surgery, your bunny will need a calm, cozy space to heal. Make sure the area is quiet, draft-free, and away from other pets. Provide a soft, enclosed spot with comfortable bedding so your rabbit can rest peacefully and undisturbed. During the first few days of recovery, closely monitor your bunny for any signs of discomfort, such as decreased activity, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. Give any prescribed medications exactly as directed by your veterinarian, and follow all post-surgery care instructions carefully to support a smooth and safe healing process. Feed your bunny plenty of hay to keep bowels working regularly.

While your bunny needs plenty of rest, brief, gentle activity can help prevent stiffness. Offer short, supervised play sessions in a safe, familiar area, taking care to avoid anything that might stress the healing incision. Make sure the space is free of hazards so your rabbit can move safely.

Recovery can be a tender time for both you and your bunny. Shower your rabbit with love, gentle pets, and soothing words to help them feel safe and comforted. Patience is essential as your furry friend adjusts after surgery. Spaying or neutering is a caring choice that supports their long-term health and happiness. By understanding the recovery process and providing attentive care, you can help your rabbit heal smoothly and enjoy a healthy, joyful life by your side.

Health and Observation

Bunnies are prey animals and often hide pain, so it’s crucial to monitor their behavior, eating, and droppings closely. Signs like lethargy, changes in appetite, or abnormal stools require prompt attention from a rabbit-savvy vet. Maintaining a high-fiber diet with unlimited hay, fresh water, enrichment, and exercise supports digestive health and helps prevent GI stasis, which can be life-threatening. Keep basic first-aid supplies on hand—such as Oxbow Critical Care, syringes, and heat pads—to respond quickly in emergencies.