Bringing home a new rabbit is an incredibly exciting experience. I still remember the first day I brought my rabbit home—Hazel, a shy little lop-eared bunny who changed my life. I’d done plenty of research, but nothing could fully prepare me for those first 24 hours. I learned so much by trial and error, and looking back, I wish I had known exactly what to do to make the transition smoother for both of us.
Whether you’re adopting a rabbit for the first time or adding another bunny to your family, those first 24 hours are crucial for setting the tone for your relationship and helping your rabbit feel safe in their new environment. In this article, I’ll share step-by-step guidance, based on my own experiences, to help you navigate your rabbit’s first day in their new home.
1. Prepare a Safe Space Before Bringing Them Home
One thing I can’t stress enough is the importance of setting up your rabbit’s space before you bring them home. I learned this the hard way. On Hazel’s first day, I was still scrambling to put her enclosure together, which made her more nervous than she already was.
Rabbits need a quiet, secure area to call their own, especially during the first 24 hours. I set up a large pen in a quiet corner of my living room, away from loud noises and heavy foot traffic. Inside, I included the essentials:
A comfortable hideaway (like a cardboard box or small rabbit house).
Soft bedding or a fleece mat for lounging.
A litter box filled with rabbit-safe litter and a handful of hay.
Fresh hay in a hay rack.
A bowl of water and a food dish with pellets.
Having everything ready when Hazel arrived made her transition much easier. I noticed that she immediately hopped into her hideaway, which became her safe zone for the first few hours.
2. Let Them Settle In Without Disturbing Them
When I first opened Hazel’s carrier, I was so tempted to pick her up and cuddle her. But I quickly realized that she needed time to adjust on her own terms. Rabbits are prey animals, and moving to a new home can be incredibly stressful for them.
I gently opened the door to her carrier and let her explore at her own pace. At first, she stayed inside the carrier, peeking out cautiously. I sat nearby, staying as quiet and still as possible. After about 15 minutes, she slowly hopped out and started exploring her new space.
If you’re bringing home a rabbit, resist the urge to interact with them too much on the first day. Let them settle in, sniff around, and get used to their environment. You’ll build trust faster by giving them the time and space they need.
3. Keep the Environment Calm and Quiet
One mistake I made on Hazel’s first day was accidentally dropping a heavy object near her pen. She bolted to her hideaway and stayed there for hours, too scared to come out. Rabbits are very sensitive to noise and sudden movements, so it’s important to create a calm environment during their first 24 hours.
If you have kids or other pets, keep them away from the rabbit’s space until your bunny feels more comfortable. Avoid loud noises, like vacuuming or playing loud music, and minimize foot traffic around their area.
I also found that dim lighting helped Hazel feel more relaxed. Rabbits are naturally crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk, so bright lights can make them feel exposed.
4. Offer Food and Water Right Away
When I set up Hazel’s pen, I made sure she had fresh hay, pellets, and water waiting for her. At first, she didn’t touch any of it, which worried me. But after a few hours, I saw her nibbling on some hay, and I felt a huge sense of relief.
Rabbits often take time to adjust to a new environment, and it’s normal for them to eat less on the first day. However, make sure they have access to food and water at all times. For their diet, stick to the basics:
Unlimited fresh hay (Timothy hay for adults, alfalfa for young rabbits).
A small portion of pellets (about 1-2 tablespoons, depending on their size).
Fresh water in a bowl or bottle.
Don’t introduce new foods, like vegetables, during the first day, as this can upset their stomach. I learned to wait until Hazel had settled in before adding fresh greens to her diet.
5. Observe Their Behavior for Signs of Stress
One of the most important things I did during Hazel’s first 24 hours was simply observing her behavior. Rabbits are masters at hiding stress or illness, so it’s crucial to watch for subtle signs.
At first, Hazel spent most of her time hiding, which is completely normal for a new rabbit. However, I kept an eye out to ensure she was eating, drinking, and pooping normally. Healthy rabbit droppings should be round and firm—any changes in their appetite or litter box habits can be a sign of stress or illness.
If your rabbit refuses to eat or drink within the first 12 hours, or if they seem lethargic or disoriented, contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately.
6. Avoid Handling Them Too Soon
I’ll admit, it was hard to resist picking Hazel up and showering her with affection on her first day. But I quickly realized that handling her too soon would only make her more nervous.
Rabbits are naturally cautious, and being picked up can feel terrifying for them, especially in a new environment. During the first 24 hours, I focused on sitting near Hazel’s pen and speaking to her in a soft, calming voice.
Eventually, she started approaching me on her own, which was a huge milestone.
If you’re bringing home a rabbit, give them time to adjust before trying to handle them. Let them come to you when they’re ready—it’s a great way to build trust.
7. Introduce Yourself Gradually
One of my favorite moments from Hazel’s first day was when she finally came up to sniff my hand. It took hours of sitting quietly by her pen, but the wait was worth it. That tiny act of curiosity was the beginning of our bond.
When introducing yourself to your rabbit, let them come to you on their terms. Extend your hand slowly, and let them sniff it. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that might scare them. Over time, your rabbit will start to associate you with safety and comfort.
8. Bunny-Proof the Area
Even though Hazel spent most of her first day in her pen, I quickly realized the importance of bunny-proofing the surrounding area. Rabbits are natural explorers and chewers, and they can get into trouble fast if you’re not prepared.
Before letting your rabbit explore outside their pen, make sure to:
Cover electrical cords with protective tubing or keep them out of reach.
Remove houseplants, many of which are toxic to rabbits.
Block off areas where they could get stuck, like under furniture.
Keep shoes, books, and other chewable items off the floor.
By bunny-proofing early, I avoided potential disasters when Hazel started exploring her new home.
9. Establish a Routine
One thing I noticed during Hazel’s first 24 hours was how much she thrived on consistency. Rabbits are creatures of habit, and having a routine helped her feel more secure.
I started feeding her at the same times each day and spent a few minutes sitting near her pen every morning and evening. This routine not only helped Hazel adjust to her new home but also made her more comfortable around me.
10. Be Patient and Understanding
The biggest lesson I learned during Hazel’s first day was the importance of patience. Rabbits are sensitive animals, and adjusting to a new home can be overwhelming for them. It’s normal for them to hide, act skittish, or seem uninterested in interaction at first.
By giving Hazel time, space, and plenty of quiet support, I was able to help her feel safe and start building a bond. If you’re bringing home a rabbit, remember that trust takes time—but the effort is so worth it.
FAQ: What to Do in the First 24 Hours With a New Rabbit
Bringing a rabbit home for the first time can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Those initial 24 hours are crucial for helping your rabbit settle in and feel safe in their new environment. Below is a detailed FAQ to address common questions and provide helpful guidance based on real-world experience.
1. How Should I Prepare Before Bringing My Rabbit Home?
Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition for your rabbit. Here’s what you should do:
Set Up a Safe Space: Create a quiet, secure area with an enclosure or pen where your rabbit can stay during their first few days.
Stock the Essentials: Include a hideaway, fresh hay, pellets, water, a litter box, and soft bedding.
Bunny-Proof Your Home: Cover electrical cords, remove toxic plants, and block off areas where your rabbit could get stuck or injured.
Schedule Your Day: Ensure you’ll have time to monitor your rabbit and provide a calm, quiet environment during the first 24 hours.
2. What Kind of Space Does My Rabbit Need on Day One?
Your rabbit will need a dedicated, enclosed area where they can feel safe and adjust to their new surroundings. This space should include:
A Hideaway: A cardboard box or small rabbit house where they can retreat when feeling nervous.
Room to Move: Even if they’re confined to a pen, they should have enough space to hop around.
Soft Flooring: Use a fleece blanket, straw mat, or soft bedding to make the area comfortable.
Litter Box: Fill the box with rabbit-safe litter and place it in one corner of the enclosure. Add some hay nearby, as rabbits often eat while using the litter box.
3. How Should I Handle My Rabbit When They First Arrive?
When you bring your rabbit home, they’ll likely feel scared and unsure of their new environment. Avoid picking them up or handling them too soon. Instead:
Gently open the door to their carrier and let them come out on their own.
Sit quietly near their enclosure to help them get used to your presence.
Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.
It may take hours—or even days—for your rabbit to feel comfortable enough to approach you. Patience is key.
4. Should I Interact With My Rabbit on the First Day?
Minimal interaction is best on the first day. Let your rabbit take the lead when it comes to socializing. Here’s how to introduce yourself gradually:
Sit near their enclosure and speak softly to them.
Extend your hand for them to sniff, but don’t force interaction.
If they show curiosity and approach you, let them explore without reaching out to touch them.
Building trust takes time, so let your rabbit adjust to your presence at their own pace.
5. How Can I Help My Rabbit Feel Less Stressed?
Rabbits are sensitive animals and can become easily stressed in a new environment. To help reduce stress:
Keep the area calm and quiet, away from loud noises and other pets.
Avoid introducing too many new things at once—stick to the basics like hay, water, and pellets.
Dim the lighting, as rabbits can feel more secure in lower light.
Provide a hideaway where your rabbit can retreat and feel safe.
Stress can cause rabbits to stop eating or hide excessively, so monitor their behavior closely.
6. What Should I Feed My Rabbit on Their First Day?
Stick to your rabbit’s usual diet to avoid digestive upset. If possible, ask the breeder, shelter, or rescue for details about what they’ve been eating. Typically, this includes:
Unlimited Hay: Fresh hay (Timothy hay for adults, alfalfa for younger rabbits) should always be available.
Pellets: Provide a small portion of plain, high-quality rabbit pellets.
Fresh Water: Offer water in a bowl or bottle, whichever they’re used to.
Avoid introducing new foods, like vegetables or treats, during the first few days to prevent stomach issues.
7. Should I Let My Rabbit Explore Outside Their Pen on Day One?
No, it’s best to keep your rabbit confined to their pen or enclosure on the first day. This gives them time to adjust to their new surroundings without feeling overwhelmed.
After a few days, once they seem comfortable, you can gradually allow supervised exploration in a safe, bunny-proofed area.
8. How Do I Monitor My Rabbit’s Health During the First 24 Hours?
Rabbits are masters at hiding illness, so it’s important to observe their behavior carefully. Watch for:
Eating and Drinking: Ensure they’re nibbling on hay and sipping water. A rabbit that refuses to eat or drink within 12 hours may be stressed or unwell.
Litter Box Habits: Check for droppings in the litter box. Healthy droppings are round and firm.
Activity Level: While hiding is normal at first, your rabbit should eventually explore their enclosure and show signs of curiosity.
If you notice signs of lethargy, lack of appetite, or unusual droppings, contact a rabbit-savvy vet immediately.
9. When Can I Start Bonding With My Rabbit?
You can begin the bonding process from day one, but keep it low-pressure. Start by:
Sitting near their pen and letting them observe you.
Offering a treat (like a small piece of parsley) if they approach you.
Speaking to them in a calm, gentle voice.
It may take several days or weeks for your rabbit to fully trust you, so be patient and consistent.
10. How Should I Introduce My Rabbit to Other Pets?
Avoid introducing your rabbit to other pets during the first 24 hours. Rabbits can easily feel threatened by unfamiliar animals, especially predators like cats and dogs.
Once your rabbit has settled in, you can introduce them gradually:
Keep your other pet on a leash or behind a barrier during the initial meetings.
Supervise all interactions closely and watch for signs of stress in your rabbit, such as thumping or hiding.
Never leave your rabbit unsupervised with other animals, even if they seem to get along.
11. How Do I Bunny-Proof My Home Before Letting Them Explore?
Rabbits are curious creatures and notorious chewers, so bunny-proofing is essential. Before letting your rabbit roam, take the following precautions:
Cover Wires and Cords: Use cord protectors or keep cables out of reach.
Remove Toxic Plants: Many common houseplants, like lilies and pothos, are harmful to rabbits.
Secure Small Spaces: Block off areas where your rabbit could get stuck, such as under furniture.
Protect Furniture and Baseboards: Use corner guards or barriers to prevent chewing damage.
12. What Should I Avoid Doing During the First 24 Hours?
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth transition for your rabbit:
Overhandling: Don’t try to pick up or cuddle your rabbit before they’re ready.
Introducing Too Many Changes: Stick to their usual diet and routine to reduce stress.
Allowing Free Roam Too Soon: Keep them confined to their enclosure until they’re comfortable.
Making Loud Noises: Avoid vacuuming, slamming doors, or playing loud music near their space.
13. When Should I Schedule a Vet Visit?
Schedule a check-up with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian within the first week of bringing your rabbit home. This ensures they’re healthy and allows you to discuss important topics like spaying/neutering, diet, and vaccinations (if applicable).
14. How Can I Tell If My Rabbit Is Settling In?
Signs that your rabbit is starting to feel comfortable include:
Exploring their enclosure.
Eating and drinking regularly.
Approaching you out of curiosity.
Grooming themselves.
Every rabbit adjusts at their own pace, so don’t worry if it takes a few days for them to fully relax.
The first 24 hours with a new rabbit are all about creating a safe, calm, and welcoming environment. By preparing ahead of time, observing their behavior, and giving them space to adjust, you’ll set the foundation for a strong and trusting bond.
Remember, patience and understanding go a long way. Your rabbit may be shy at first, but with time and care, they’ll become a loving and playful part of your family!
The first 24 hours with a new rabbit are all about helping them feel safe and secure. From preparing their space to building trust, every small effort you make will set the stage for a happy and healthy relationship.
Looking back, those early moments with Hazel were some of the most rewarding, even though I made a few mistakes along the way. If you’re patient, observant, and willing to go at your rabbit’s pace, you’ll create a strong foundation for years of companionship. Trust me, the bond you’ll build with your rabbit is worth every minute of effort!
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