Your first rabbit: the complete starter guide
Your first rabbit? We'll hop along with you!
From the very first hutch to the first cuddle: in 11 steps you'll know exactly what your rabbit needs.
Hi! How great that you're getting a bunny!
I'm Hoppel, and I'm a rabbit. I'm going to tell you everything about how to take good care of your rabbit. At every step I'll ask you a little question. Do you know the answer? Then you get a star! Collect all the stars and become a real Rabbit Expert. Are you picking out the supplies together with mum, dad or another grown-up? Ready? Hop, here we go!
— Hoppel
Hi, I'm Michael!Michael van Wassem · Founder of FidelloRead more
I graduated in Animal Management (BSc), specialising in companion animals. Rabbits are clever, curious animals, each with a character of its own. But they also need more than many people think. In this guide I'll take you through it step by step, so your rabbit has a top-notch life from day one. Ready? Hop, here we go!
Love, Michael
First, a quick start check
Two questions, then we'll tailor the guide to your situation.
Where will your rabbit live?
How many rabbits are you getting?
Good to know: rabbits are true group animals. On their own they often feel lonely, even if you're home a lot. So consider a companion. A neutered male with a female is often a golden pair. Read more about this in step 1.
Great! The guide has been tailored to your situation. Scroll down for step 1.
Step 1Better together than alone
In the wild, rabbits live in groups.
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They groom each other, lie snuggled up together and warn each other of danger. A human can't fully replace that company, however sweet you are. That's why we recommend keeping at least two rabbits together.
A popular combination is a neutered male with a female. Two females or two neutered males can work too, but they sometimes need a little more patience when getting to know each other. Feel free to ask the shelter or breeder which rabbits get along well. There are often already settled pairs looking for a new home together.
Tip from MichaelComing from a shelter? There are often already bonded pairs living there, looking for a home together. Then you get a close friendship in the house right away!
Fun factDid you know that happy rabbits sometimes do a 'binky'? That's a jump in the air with a twist in it. Pure happiness!
Step 1A friend for your rabbit
Do you also like playing with a friend best? Rabbits do too! A rabbit that is alone often feels a bit lonely. Two rabbits can cuddle, groom each other and play together. That's why it's best if your rabbit has a rabbit friend.
Question from Hoppel
Why is it nice for a rabbit to have a friend?
Correct! Rabbits like being together, just like you with your friends.
Step 2A spacious home
The home is the foundation of everything.
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Rabbits are sprinters and jumpers, so the more space, the better. A good rule of thumb: your rabbits should be able to make at least three hops in a row and be able to stand fully upright without bumping their ears. A small cage is therefore not enough. Always combine a home with a run or daily free run.
Indoors: the best solution is a spacious, open enclosure where your rabbits can run, jump and sit upright, such as a rabbit park. Prefer a cage? Then use it as a safe home base and give your rabbits several hours of free run every day in a rabbit-proofed room. Put the home in a quiet spot without draughts, not in full sun and not next to the radiator.
Outdoors: combine a dry, draught-free night shelter with a spacious run that they can always get into. Choose a run with a roof or netting, so predators and cats stay out, and provide shade and shelter from rain and wind. In winter, put extra straw in the night shelter. Preferably place the night shelter slightly raised, so the floor stays dry.
Tip from MichaelPlace the home at eye level with family life, not in a quiet shed. Rabbits want to be part of things!
Fun factDid you know that rabbits are most active at dusk? They only really wake up early in the morning and in the evening.
Step 2A home to hop around in
You have a bedroom, and your rabbit needs a home of its own too. Rabbits love hopping and running. So their home has to be big! Your rabbit should be able to make three big hops in a row and stand upright, like a meerkat. Pick out the prettiest home together with a grown-up!
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Homes differ mainly in floor area, material and whether they stand indoors or outdoors. That way there's something suitable for every house and every garden.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick: the most floor space for your money.
- Choosing a cage? Use it as a home base and give daily free run.
- Outdoors: always combine a night shelter with an outdoor run with a roof or netting.
Choose the home (and, if you like, an extra run)
Question from Hoppel
How many hops in a row should your rabbit be able to make in its home?
Well done! Three big hops, and preferably even more!
Step 3A soft floor and a toilet of their own
Good bedding keeps the home dry and fresh and is gentle on their feet.
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Choose a low-dust, highly absorbent bedding, such as hemp, flax, cotton or wood fibre. Put a layer of hay or straw on top, so they can happily rummage around.
Did you know that rabbits can be litter-trained? They like to pee in the same corner every time. Put a rabbit toilet there with bedding and a pinch of hay. Rabbits actually like to eat while sitting on the toilet (really!).
Tip from MichaelFor the toilet, choose a different bedding from the rest of the home. That way your rabbit learns faster where the toilet is.
Fun factDid you know that many rabbits become house-trained just as easily as cats?
Step 3A soft bed and a loo
The floor of the home gets something soft on it, so your rabbit can lie comfortably and it stays dry. And did you know a rabbit can learn to go to the loo? Just like you! Rabbits like to pee in the same little corner. That's where you put a rabbit loo. Funny thing: rabbits like to eat hay while they sit on the loo!
Pick at least 2 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Bedding differs mainly in material (hemp, flax, paper, cotton, wood fibre), in how much it absorbs and in price. That way you choose what suits your home and budget.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick and add a corner toilet.
- Hemp or flax in the toilet, a more affordable type for the rest.
- Choose a toilet that's roomy enough to turn around in.
Choose bedding and a toilet
Question from Hoppel
What do rabbits like doing when they sit on the loo?
Ha ha, yes! That's why you put a pinch of hay by the rabbit loo.
Step 4Hay, hay and more hay
Hay is the most important part of the rabbit menu.
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Give it unlimited, fresh every day. Rabbits nibble all day long, and that chewing is part of their natural behaviour. Their teeth keep growing their whole lives.
Choose good, fragrant hay without dust. A hay rack keeps the hay clean and dry, so less ends up in the bedding. Feel free to vary with different types, such as meadow hay, timothy or hay with herbs and flowers.
Tip from MichaelHave a sniff of the hay! Good hay smells fresh and sweet. Does it smell musty or dusty? Then better not to give it.
Fun factA handy rule of thumb: every day, give at least a pile of hay as big as your rabbit itself. And top up when it runs low!
Step 4Hay is the tastiest food
What do you like to eat best? For a rabbit, that's hay! Hay is dried grass and the most important food for your rabbit. Your rabbit can eat as much of it as it likes, all day long. Every day your rabbit gets a pile of fresh hay, at least as big as itself!
Pick at least 2 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Types of hay differ in grass type, smell and structure, and racks in material and size. Variety actually makes it more fun for your rabbit.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick (meadow hay) as your everyday basic hay.
- Alternate with timothy or herbal hay.
- Always get a rack or hay bag, so the hay stays clean.
Choose your hay and a hay rack
Question from Hoppel
How much hay may a rabbit eat?
Exactly! Hay is always allowed. So make sure the hay rack is always full.
Step 5Pellets, vegetables and always fresh water
Besides hay, you give fresh vegetables every day, such as endive, romaine lettuce, fennel or some carrot tops.
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Introduce new vegetables gradually, so the tummy can get used to them. Carrots and fruit are tasty, but contain a lot of sugar. So only give them now and then as a treat.
A small amount of rabbit pellets completes the menu. Rather choose pellets than a muesli mix: with muesli, rabbits often pick out only the tastiest bits. And of course: always fresh water! Many rabbits prefer to drink from a heavy bowl, but a drinking bottle is handy as an extra.
Tip from MichaelUse a heavy food bowl made of stone or stainless steel with a wide base. Rabbits think it's hilarious to tip over light dishes.
Fun factDid you know that rabbits can sneeze and hiccup, but cannot vomit? That's why good, suitable food is extra important.
Step 5Vegetables, pellets and water
Besides hay, your rabbit eats some fresh vegetables every day, such as lettuce and endive, and a small amount of pellets. A carrot is a treat for a rabbit. Tasty, but not too much, just like sweets for you! And your rabbit always needs fresh water. Refill the bowl every day.
Pick at least 2 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Pellets differ in composition, age group and price, and bowls and bottles in material. You only need to choose a few.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick plus a heavy bowl for water.
- Young rabbit? Choose the pellet made for young rabbits.
- A drinking bottle is handy as an extra alongside a water bowl.
Choose pellets, a food bowl and a drinking bottle or water bowl
Question from Hoppel
What is a carrot for a rabbit?
Correct! Carrots are sweet, so just like sweets: a little now and then.
Step 6A safe hiding spot
Rabbits are prey animals by nature.
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They only feel truly safe when they can hide. So provide at least one hideaway per rabbit, preferably with two exits. That way nobody can get trapped when they don't feel like each other's company for a while.
Houses, tunnels and hideaways made of wood, willow or hay are ideal. They're safe to gnaw on and give them something extra to do right away.
Tip from MichaelA rabbit that feels safe comes to you by itself sooner. A good hideaway is therefore also the quickest route to cuddles!
Fun factDid you know that rabbits can see almost 360 degrees all around them?
Step 6A secret hiding spot
Do you ever hide under a blanket or in a den? Rabbits love doing that! In a little house or tunnel they feel safe. Every rabbit needs a hiding spot of its own. When your rabbit hides, leave it alone for a while. It will come out again by itself.
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Houses and tunnels differ in material (wood, grass, willow) and size. By combining them, every rabbit gets a spot of its own.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick and add a tunnel.
- Two rabbits? Provide at least two hideaways.
- Houses with two entrances stop anyone getting trapped.
Choose a house or tunnel (one per rabbit)
Question from Hoppel
What do you do when your rabbit hides in its house?
Well done! A little peace, and it comes back to you by itself.
Step 7Gnawing, digging and playing
A rabbit gets bored easily.
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So give it plenty to do! Rabbits love to gnaw, dig, sniff and run. Gnawing wood, willow toys and hay toys are ideal, because they're fun and gnawing is part of their natural behaviour.
Swap the toys around regularly to keep things exciting. A snuffle mat with some hay and herbs in it is a party. And a digging box with some sand or torn-up paper? Pure rabbit joy!
Tip from MichaelPut out one different toy every week and take one away. That way there's always something 'new' to discover, without having to keep buying.
Fun factDid you know that rabbits are real explorers? They 'mark' their favourite spots with scent glands under their chin.
Step 7Playing and gnawing
Just like you love to play, your rabbit does too! How boring it would be without toys, right? Rabbits love running, digging, sniffing and gnawing. Did you know gnawing isn't just fun? It also helps keep their teeth nicely short, because they keep growing their whole lives! Pick out at least three toys together, so your rabbit can always do something different.
Pick at least 3 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Toys differ in material and in what your rabbit does with them: gnawing, sniffing or running. That variety is exactly what keeps it fun.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick, a snuffle toy and a tunnel.
- Choose from at least two types: gnawing, pulling apart hay, sniffing or running.
- Swap one toy every week.
Pick at least 3 for variety
Question from Hoppel
Why do rabbits love gnawing?
Great! Gnawing is fun and good for their teeth, because those keep growing.
Step 8Extras for outside the cage
These don't belong in the cage itself, but they can come in handy.
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A run gives your rabbits extra space to move around, indoors or in the garden. Only use it under supervision, and outdoors always with netting or a cover against cats and birds of prey.
An outdoor house is meant for an outdoor run, not for an indoor cage. Soft tunnels and igloos made of plush or fabric are cosy under supervision, but don't belong in the cage: they can hold moisture and odour and are easily chewed to bits. Take them away again after playtime.
Tip from MichaelChoosing a run? Put a hiding spot and some hay in it, so your pet feels safer.
Fun factIn a run, many animals run and jump more than in their cage. Just see how happy they are!
Step 8A little time outside the cage
Sometimes your rabbits get to play outside the cage for a while, in a run. You always do that together with a grown-up. A soft little tunnel is cosy, but doesn't stay in the cage. Go ahead and pick something out if mum or dad says it's OK!
This is an extra: only choose what you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Choose something extra, only if you want to
Step 9Brushing and grooming
Rabbits groom themselves and each other, but a little help is nice.
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Especially during the moult, about twice a year, they lose quite a lot of fur. Brush your rabbit regularly then. Long-haired rabbits always need some extra attention.
Also check the nails now and then. Getting too long? Then carefully trim only the tip, and stay clear of the pink quick. Nervous about it? Then have it demonstrated at the vet or a grooming salon.
Tip from MichaelMake brushing a cuddle moment: short, calm and with a tasty leaf of vegetable as a reward.
Fun factDid you know that rabbits can groom each other for hours? That's their way of saying: you're my best friend.
Step 9Brushing and looking pretty
You comb your hair, and a rabbit likes being brushed too. Especially when it's losing lots of fur. Brush very gently, in the direction of the hair, and then give a tasty leaf as a reward. A grown-up or the vet trims the nails.
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Brushes differ in type: rubber for short hair, a slicker for long hair and a comb for tangles. That way you find what suits your rabbit's coat.
- Not sure? The Top pick set has several brushes in one.
- Short-haired: rubber brush. Long-haired: slicker brush and a comb.
- Add a pair of nail clippers right away.
Choose a brush and nail clippers
Question from Hoppel
How do you brush a rabbit?
Yes! Very gently, and your rabbit will find it a lovely cuddle moment.
Step 10Safe on the road
Your rabbit obviously has to get home first.
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And after that now and then to the vet or to the pet sitter when you go on holiday. A sturdy travel carrier with good ventilation is therefore essential. Put a towel and some hay in it, and it's instantly much cosier.
After arriving, also plan an introductory visit to a vet who has experience with rabbits. They can check your rabbit over and advise you on things like vaccinations.
Tip from MichaelSimply leave the travel carrier open at home with some hay in it. Then it becomes a familiar spot instead of 'that scary thing'.
Fun factDid you know that rabbits have a great memory for routes? In their home they find their favourite spots again blindfolded.
Step 10Travelling with your rabbit
Your rabbit obviously has to get to your home first. You do that in a travel carrier. It's safe in there. Put a soft cloth and some hay in it. You also use the travel carrier when your rabbit goes to the vet. That's the doctor for animals!
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Travel carriers differ in size, opening (front or top) and price. A carrier that opens at the top makes loading and unloading easier.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick: sturdy plastic with lots of ventilation.
- Large rabbit or travelling together? Choose the extra spacious carrier.
- An opening at the top is handy if your rabbit doesn't like coming out.
Choose a travel carrier
Question from Hoppel
What is the doctor for animals called?
Well done! The vet checks whether your rabbit is healthy.
Step 11Becoming friends
You can't buy trust, but you can earn it.
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Regularly sit on the floor, at rabbit height, and let your rabbit come to you by itself. A healthy treat from your hand helps enormously. Think of a dried herb, a hay biscuit or a piece of carrot.
Don't pick up your rabbit unnecessarily. For a prey animal it feels like being grabbed by a bird of prey. Do you have to? Then always support the hind legs and hold your rabbit close against you.
Tip from MichaelGive treats in moderation: a few a day is enough. It has to stay something special!
Fun factDid you know that rabbits can learn their name? With a bit of practice they even come running when you call.
Step 11Becoming best friends
Now comes the best part: becoming friends with your rabbit! Sit calmly on the floor and wait until your rabbit comes to you. Hold a tasty treat in your hand. Don't just pick up your rabbit, because rabbits find that scary. Stroking is fine once it comes to sit beside you. And do you know the loveliest thing? When your rabbit is very happy, it jumps in the air. That's called a binky!
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Treats differ in flavour and shape: biscuits, flowers, leaves or a stick. Nice to alternate, as long as you go easy on them.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick: small biscuits, easy to give from your hand.
- Only give a few pieces a day.
- Dried flowers and leaves are lovely to scatter.
Choose a healthy treat for the first introduction
Question from Hoppel
What is a binky?
Absolutely right! A binky means: I'm super happy!
Your starter pack
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Look at everything you've picked out! Mum or dad: is everything correct? Then put it all in the basket in one go.
Rabbit Expert certificate
Collect all the stars to get your certificate. You have now: 0
This certificate is for
has learned everything about caring for rabbits and is ready to become a super owner!
Hoppel & Michael from Fidello
Ready for an adventure full of binkies!
You now have everything you need for a flying start. Got another question? Our customer service team will happily help you out. And if you're worried about your rabbit's health? Then always go to your vet.
- Ordered before 17:30, shipped today
- Free shipping from €49
- 14 days to change your mind on unused products
- Personal advice from Michael
Questions? Michael is here for you
Not sure which product fits best, or want to bounce ideas around about your new pet? Send Michael a message. He'll gladly help you with all your pet questions.
This guide is intended as general, practical starter information and does not replace advice from a vet.