JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting a pet rabbit

Rabbits are the third most popular small pet in America, and also among the most surrendered. The gap is almost always setup. Get the enclosure right, learn the hay-forward diet, and you'll have one of the most charming companion animals you can keep indoors.

By Colin B. · Published June 15, 2026 · Last reviewed June 15, 2026
person cuddling a pet rabbit indoors

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. MidWest Homes Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home — The folding indoor cage most rabbit owners graduate to after one trip to the pet store.
  2. Carefresh Small Animal Bedding — Paper-based bedding that controls odor without the dust problems of wood shavings.
  3. Safari W406 Soft Slicker Brush — A soft slicker brush that handles weekly grooming for short-haired breeds.
Budget total
$180
Typical total
$350
The enclosure is the biggest upfront cost ($80-200). Add hay, a litter box setup, and basic grooming tools, and you're in for $180-350 before buying the rabbit itself.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
EnclosureMidWest HomesMidWest Homes Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home$$ See on Amazon →
FeedingKayteeKaytee Hay & Food Bin Feeder$ See on Amazon →
Litter BoxVan NessVan Ness Large Cat Litter Pan$ See on Amazon →
GroomingSafariSafari W406 Soft Slicker Brush$ See on Amazon →
Exercise & EnrichmentSONGMICSSONGMICS Metal Pet Playpen$$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Rabbits eat mostly grass hay, not pellets. Timothy hay should be available 24/7 and make up 80% of their diet. If buying and storing a large bag of hay every few weeks sounds impractical, reconsider the timing.

Nearly every enclosure sold in pet stores as a 'rabbit cage' is too small. A hutch your rabbit can't fully stretch out in and take three or four hops across is inadequate. The standard recommendation is at least 8 square feet of living space with access to a larger exercise area.

Rabbits are prey animals. They rarely like being picked up but will flop next to you, beg for treats, and learn their names. Give a new rabbit two to three weeks before expecting much personality.

The gear

What you actually need

Enclosure

The enclosure is the decision that matters most in rabbit keeping. Too small and your rabbit develops behavioral problems from boredom and stress (the single most common reason rabbits get surrendered). You want at least 8 square feet of floor space for a small breed, more for a larger one. The most beginner-friendly option is a large folding cage or dog crate with a litter box in the corner. X-pen setups give more space for less money. Outdoor hutches work for mild climates but require predator-proofing and shade.

Enclosure — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Indoor Cage

Contained and easy to clean. The default for apartments.

Space
4-12 sq ft
Setup
10 min
Cost
$70-150

Best for Apartments, first-time owners who want a tidy contained setup

Tradeoff Smaller than x-pen setups; rabbit needs daily out-of-cage exercise time

X-Pen / Free-Roam

More space per dollar. What experienced rabbit owners actually use.

Space
16-50+ sq ft
Setup
15 min
Cost
$40-80

Best for Owners who want to give rabbits a large permanent roaming area

Tradeoff Less tidy; rabbit can scatter litter and chew baseboards if not rabbit-proofed

Outdoor Hutch

Traditional option. Works in mild climates with proper predator-proofing.

Space
8-24 sq ft
Setup
30-60 min
Cost
$120-300

Best for Owners with yards, temperate climates, larger breeds

Tradeoff Fails below 40°F or above 85°F; needs hardware cloth against diggers

Best starter
MidWest Homes

Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home

$$

Our rating

The Wabbitat is the folding cage most new rabbit owners land on after realizing pet-store cages are too small. Three access doors, a divider panel you can remove as your rabbit grows, and a removable plastic pan for cleaning. Folds flat for storage. At 39.5" long, it's one of the larger single-cage options without going to a full dog crate.

What we like

  • Three access doors make daily feeding and cleaning easy
  • Removable divider lets the cage grow with a young rabbit
  • Folds flat in seconds for transport or storage

What to know

  • Tight for large breeds over 8 lbs without adding exercise pen time
  • Wire floor can hurt feet; add a mat or hay layer on the floor
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
IRIS USA

8-Panel Plastic Pet Playpen

$

Our rating

An 8-panel plastic exercise pen that most rabbit owners repurpose as a primary enclosure. Plastic side panels (unlike wire mesh) mean rabbits can't chew through the bars, and the 34-inch height contains all but the most athletic breeds. At roughly 16 square feet configured as a square, it offers far more space than any dedicated rabbit cage for the money.

What we like

  • 16+ square feet of space, far more than any rabbit-specific cage
  • Solid plastic panels rabbits can't chew through, unlike wire mesh
  • 34" height contains most breeds without a lid

What to know

  • No built-in floor; need a mat or vinyl runner underneath
  • Plastic construction less durable than metal wire pens long-term
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Aivituvin

Outdoor Rabbit Hutch

$$$

Our rating

A solid outdoor hutch for mild-climate rabbit keeping: waterproof roof, slide-out cleaning tray, and an enclosed sleeping area above an open run below. Predator-resistant but not predator-proof, so add a hardware cloth apron along the bottom if you have digging predators in your yard.

What we like

  • Waterproof roof and enclosed sleeping area protect from weather
  • Slide-out tray makes waste cleanup a 2-minute job

What to know

  • Not safe below 40°F or above 85°F without supplemental heat or shade
  • Predator-resistant but not predator-proof; hardware cloth apron adds security
See on Amazon →
A brown rabbit eating from a white bowl.

Photo by Andrew Itaga on Unsplash

Feeding

Hay is non-negotiable: it should make up 80% of your rabbit's diet and be available 24/7. Timothy hay is the standard for adults; orchard grass is softer and works for picky eaters. Pellets are a supplement (about 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of rabbit daily), not a main course. Overfeeding pellets is the most common dietary mistake beginners make. Fresh water should always be accessible; most rabbits prefer a heavy ceramic bowl over a bottle since it's easier to drink from and you can see when it runs low.

Best starter
Kaytee

Hay & Food Bin Feeder

$

Our rating

A wall-mounted hay feeder with a pellet cup below. Keeps hay off the floor where it becomes soiled and wasted, and lets the rabbit self-serve throughout the day. If your rabbit is eating hay from a pile on the enclosure floor, most of it is getting soiled and thrown out. A feeder solves this fast.

What we like

  • Elevates hay off the floor to reduce waste and soiling
  • Built-in pellet cup below keeps feeding in one organized spot
  • Mounts to cage bars with no tools required

What to know

  • Pellet cup is small; needs refilling daily for larger breeds
  • Doesn't attach well to x-pen panels; clips suit cage wire best
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Living World

Ergonomic Food Dish

$

Our rating

A J-style dish that mounts to cage bars or sits stable on the floor without tipping. Use it for pellets or water. Rabbits flip lightweight bowls constantly; a mounted or weighted dish ends the twice-daily mess and keeps food clean.

What we like

  • Mounts to cage bars or sits floor-level, stops constant dish-flipping
  • Ceramic construction is dishwasher-safe and holds up for years

What to know

  • Small volume fills up fast for large breeds over 8 lbs
  • Mounting clip can scratch some plastic cage interiors
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Choco Nose

C128 No-Drip Pet Water Bottle

$

Our rating

Some rabbits prefer a water bottle to a bowl, especially once litter-trained (they're less likely to kick substrate into it). Choco Nose's no-drip nozzle actually works, unlike most cheap pet water bottles that drip constantly and wet the bedding. If your rabbit prefers a spout over a bowl, this is the one to buy.

What we like

  • No-drip nozzle that genuinely doesn't drip, unlike most pet bottles
  • Wide mouth makes interior cleaning fast and thorough

What to know

  • Some rabbits won't learn the sipper; offer a bowl alongside at first
  • Needs daily rinse; weekly deep clean to prevent biofilm buildup
See on Amazon →

Litter Box

Rabbits can be litter-trained as reliably as cats, and most settle into a routine within two weeks. The key is a large, flat box placed where the rabbit already tends to go. Skip the triangular corner boxes sold as 'rabbit litter trays' (they're too small). A large cat litter pan with low sides works better. Fill it with paper-based litter (never pine or cedar shavings, which have fumes that irritate rabbit lungs) and top it with a thick layer of hay. Rabbits like to eat while doing their business.

Best starter
Van Ness

Large Cat Litter Pan

$

Our rating

A large, flat, low-sided cat litter pan: the exact form factor rabbit keepers' communities consistently recommend over anything sold as a 'rabbit litter box.' Cheap, nearly indestructible, and available in sizes that actually fit a full-grown rabbit. Buy two if you have a large enclosure.

What we like

  • Large, flat, and low-sided: what rabbit owners actually recommend
  • Under $15 and nearly indestructible for daily use

What to know

  • No handles; a little awkward to carry while cleaning
  • Low sides mean athletic rabbits can kick litter out of the pan
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Carefresh

Small Animal Bedding

$$

Our rating

Paper-based small animal bedding that goes in the litter box under a layer of hay. Controls odor better than wood shavings, without the pine or cedar fumes that are hard on rabbits' respiratory systems. The 60L bag lasts most single-rabbit owners about a month with daily spot-cleaning.

What we like

  • Odor control that actually works for daily rabbit waste
  • No pine or cedar fumes that irritate rabbit respiratory systems

What to know

  • Paper bedding needs changing every 1-2 days to stay fresh
  • Dusty when pouring; wear a mask or pour slowly when refilling
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Small Pet Select

Recycled Paper Pellet Bedding

$$

Our rating

Recycled paper pellet litter from Small Pet Select, the brand rabbit owners consistently recommend for premium hay and supplies. The pellet form compresses on contact with moisture and controls odor better than loose paper bedding. If smell is building up between daily box cleanings, this is the upgrade worth trying.

What we like

  • Stronger odor control than paper bedding between daily cleanings
  • Pellet form scatters less than loose paper substrate

What to know

  • Pricier than standard paper bedding for similar volume
  • Still needs daily spot-cleaning; no litter eliminates that
See on Amazon →

Grooming

Rabbits groom themselves like cats and don't need bathing, but they do need regular brushing and nail trims. Molts happen two to three times a year and produce alarming amounts of fur; unlike cats, rabbits can't cough up hairballs, so swallowed fur causes GI stasis (a potentially fatal emergency). For short-haired breeds like Rex or Dutch, a slicker brush once a week is enough. For long-haired breeds like Angora or Lionhead, daily brushing is a real time commitment. Do your breed research before falling in love with a fluffy rabbit at the shelter.

Best starter
Safari

W406 Soft Slicker Brush

$

Our rating

A soft-pin slicker brush that works on short to medium coats without scratching the skin. Weekly brushing reduces the fur your rabbit ingests during self-grooming, which directly prevents GI stasis emergencies. The small head size fits comfortably around ears and face without stressing the rabbit during the session.

What we like

  • Soft pins won't scratch skin through short-to-medium coats
  • Small head fits around ears and face without stressing the rabbit
  • Reduces shed fur ingestion, which prevents GI stasis emergencies

What to know

  • Undersized for Angora or Lionhead breeds, which need a de-matting comb
  • Wire pins splay over time; replace after 12-18 months of weekly use
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Epica

Professional Pet Nail Clipper

$

Our rating

Rabbit nails grow fast and curl painfully if neglected, so plan to trim every four to six weeks. These clippers are sharp enough to cut cleanly (dull blades crush and split nails, which hurts). The built-in safety guard prevents over-cutting into the quick. For dark nails where the quick isn't visible, take tiny increments and keep styptic powder on hand.

What we like

  • Safety guard prevents over-cutting into the quick for nervous trimmers
  • Sharp stainless blades cut cleanly without crushing the nail

What to know

  • Guard blocks the view of the cut line; some owners remove it after learning
  • Too small for very large breeds like Flemish Giants
See on Amazon →

Exercise & Enrichment

Rabbits need at least three to four hours of exercise time outside their enclosure every day, preferably more. A rabbit confined 24/7 becomes destructive, territorial, and often ill. The cheapest fix is rabbit-proofing a room and letting them roam freely. For structured exercise, an x-pen creates a safe defined zone. Enrichment matters just as much as space: rabbits need things to chew, dig, and toss around. A bored rabbit will strip baseboards, dig up carpets, and chew every power cable it can reach.

Best starter
SONGMICS

Metal Pet Playpen

$$

Our rating

An 8-panel exercise pen that creates 16 square feet of run space you can configure as a rectangle, square, or any irregular shape to fit your room. The 24-inch height contains most breeds. Connects directly to most cage openings so the rabbit has continuous access to both the living area and the run. Many owners end up using this as the primary enclosure.

What we like

  • Creates 16+ square feet of exercise space for around $60
  • 8-panel design configures into multiple room-friendly shapes
  • Connects to most cage openings to create one combined living area

What to know

  • 24" height; athletic breeds like Belgian Hares can clear it
  • No flooring included; add a mat or rug inside to protect the floor
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Oxbow

Enriched Life Play Wall

$$

Our rating

A set of hanging enrichment pieces made from natural materials that mount inside a cage or x-pen. Rabbits need to forage, chew, and explore to stay mentally healthy. This gives them something purposeful to do in a small space and reduces the anxiety behaviors (bar-chewing, repetitive circling) that develop when rabbits are bored.

What we like

  • Natural materials are safe for rabbits to chew, dig, and shred
  • Modular design; add new pieces as the rabbit wears the old ones out

What to know

  • Rabbits destroy these within weeks; an ongoing replacement cost
  • Pricier than DIY cardboard enrichment, which works nearly as well
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first month with a pet rabbit

The first month is where rabbit owners either click with their rabbit or give up. Here's what to expect, what not to panic about, and what you actually need to do.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • Pet-store rabbit cages (the small ones) — Almost every cage marketed as a 'rabbit cage' in a pet store is too small. Use a dog crate, x-pen, or one of the enclosures we list above.
  • A second rabbit right away — Wait until your first rabbit is settled. Bonding is a real process that takes weeks of careful introductions and doesn't always work.
  • Vitamin supplements — A hay-primary diet with fresh greens and measured pellets doesn't need supplementing. Most rabbit vitamins are unnecessary at best.
  • A running wheel — Rabbits don't use exercise wheels. The right enrichment is open space to run and things to explore and chew.
  • Bedding across the whole enclosure floor — You only need litter material in the litter box. Covering the whole floor is expensive, messy, and trains rabbits to go everywhere.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Set up the full enclosure before the rabbit arrives: litter box, hay feeder, water, and a floor mat all in place. · Action
  2. Stock up on timothy hay. You'll go through more than you expect in the first week. · Buy
  3. Find a rabbit-savvy vet before you need one. Look specifically for 'exotic animal' or 'small animal' practices, not every general vet sees rabbits. · Action
  4. On day one: let the rabbit explore the enclosure at their own pace. Don't try to pick them up. Leave hay, water, and a small pile of fresh greens. · Action
  5. Rabbit-proof one room before you open the enclosure door for free roam time. · Action
  6. Start litter training from day one: place the litter box where the rabbit naturally tends to go and move any off-box droppings inside the box. · Action
  7. Read the House Rabbit Society's beginner care guide. · Learn
FAQ

Common questions

How much does it cost to keep a rabbit per month?

Roughly $50-80/month for one rabbit: a large bag of timothy hay ($20-30), a bag of pellets ($10-15), occasional fresh greens, litter ($10-15), and a small enrichment budget. Vet costs are the wildcard; rabbit-savvy exotic vets can charge $100-300 for a wellness exam.

Can rabbits live in outdoor hutches?

Yes, in mild climates. Rabbits tolerate temperatures roughly between 40°F and 85°F. They overheat quickly above 85°F (a potentially fatal emergency) and need shelter below 40°F. Outdoor hutches also need serious predator-proofing; a cat or raccoon can reach through standard hutch wire.

Can rabbits really be litter-trained?

Yes, reliably. Rabbits naturally pick a corner to go and will use a litter box placed in that spot. Start by putting the box where they already tend to go, not where you want it to go. Most rabbits are 90% litter-trained within two weeks.

Do rabbits need vaccines?

In the US, no routine vaccines are currently licensed for pet rabbits (as of 2026). In the UK and Europe, RHDV2 vaccines are standard; the disease has been detected in parts of North America. Ask your rabbit-savvy vet what's appropriate for your region.

Do rabbits need a companion rabbit?

Rabbits are social and generally happiest with a bonded partner. A single rabbit with daily human interaction can live a full, happy life. If you get two, have them spayed or neutered first and follow a formal bonding process; don't just put two rabbits in the same space and hope for the best.

What should rabbits eat?

Unlimited timothy hay (80% of their diet), fresh leafy greens like romaine, kale, and parsley (not iceberg lettuce), and about 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 lbs of body weight. Fruit and carrots are occasional treats only. Most beginners over-pellet and under-hay.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • House Rabbit Society — The primary US rabbit welfare organization. Their care guides and vet finder are the standard reference for new owners. Start here.
  • r/Rabbits — Large, active community with a solid wiki. Good for urgent questions; read the wiki before posting common beginner questions.
  • The Bunny Lady (YouTube) — The best rabbit care YouTube channel for beginners. Clear, welfare-focused, covers diet, housing, and behavior in accessible short videos.
  • Lennon the Bunny (YouTube) — More lifestyle than instruction, but good for seeing what enriched daily rabbit keeping actually looks like.
  • Small Pet Select — The go-to for high-quality hay, pellets, and enrichment. Their subscription hay service means you never run out mid-week.
a person sitting on a couch reading a book with a rabbit sitting on top of

Photo by Elin Melaas on Unsplash

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