What to Buy Before Getting a Rabbit
Complete checklist of essential items, important supplies, and helpful extras to prepare your home for a new rabbit.
Quick Preparation Tips
Budget Planning
Initial setup typically runs $150-500, plus ongoing monthly costs of $40-100. Hay is an ongoing daily expense, not a one-time purchase.
Space Needs
Rabbits need room to hop, stretch out fully, and binky. Plan for a spacious habitat plus daily supervised exercise time outside it.
Bunny-Proof Your Home
Rabbits chew. Protect cords, baseboards, and houseplants (many are toxic) before giving your rabbit access to a room.
No Routine Baths
Rabbits groom themselves and generally should not be bathed, which can be stressful and risky. Brushing and spot-cleaning are preferred.
Costs above are general U.S. estimates and vary by rabbit size, brand, and region. Check current listings before buying.
Feeding Essentials
Hay, pellets, and feeding gear for a healthy rabbit
Grass Hay
EssentialUnlimited fresh grass hay (such as timothy or orchard) should make up the bulk of an adult rabbit's daily diet.
Rabbit Pellets
EssentialA measured amount of quality pellets complements hay. Follow feeding guidelines based on your rabbit's weight.
Bowls & Feeders
EssentialHeavy, tip-resistant bowls for pellets plus a reliable water bottle or bowl, checked daily for cleanliness and flow.
Housing & Safety
Habitat, litter, and travel setup for a safe environment
Hutch or Habitat
EssentialPrioritize floor-level space to hop and stretch over height. Pair with daily supervised exercise time outside the habitat.
Litter Box & Rabbit-Safe Litter
EssentialMost rabbits can be litter-trained. Use paper-based or other rabbit-safe litter, never clumping clay litter.
Hideout or Bed
ImportantA cozy hideout gives your rabbit a sense of security, especially important since rabbits are prey animals.
Carrier
EssentialA secure, well-ventilated carrier makes vet visits safer and less stressful.
Grooming & Health
Brushing and nail care, not routine bathing
Grooming Brush
EssentialRegular brushing controls shedding, especially during heavy molts, and is the preferred alternative to bathing.
Nail Clippers
ImportantRabbit nails grow continuously and need regular trims. Ask a rabbit-savvy veterinarian for a demonstration if you're new to it.
Toys & Enrichment
Chewing, digging, and supervised exercise outlets
Toys & Chews
EssentialSafe wood chews and dig-friendly toys satisfy natural chewing and digging instincts and help protect your furniture.
Harness and Leash
Nice to HaveRabbits are prey animals easily stressed by leash walking; use only briefly, calmly, and under close supervision if at all.
Shop by Category
Now that you know what to buy, check out our curated selections of the best rabbits products in each category:
Rabbit Hay
Timothy and orchard grass hay for daily feeding
Rabbit Pellets
Measured everyday pellet nutrition
Hutches & Habitats
Spacious housing built for hopping and stretching
Rabbit Litter
Rabbit-safe litter for litter-box training
Toys & Chews
Safe chewing and digging enrichment
Grooming Brushes
Brushes and combs for shedding control