Rabbits are prey animals first and pets second, which changes almost everything about how the first week should go. A new environment reads as genuinely threatening to them, so the goal isn't to make friends fast, it's to let them decide you're safe on their own schedule.
What you'll need
A hutch or enclosure at least four times the rabbit's stretched-out length, hay (unlimited, this is the bulk of their diet), a heavy ceramic food bowl, a water bottle or bowl, a litter tray with rabbit-safe litter, and a hiding box or tunnel.
Steps
- Set everything up before the rabbit arrives
Hay, water, litter tray, and a hiding spot should all be in place and ready. Moving things around in the first days adds stress right when you're trying to minimize it.
- Let them settle into one space first
Start with a single room or a large enclosure rather than the run of the whole house. A smaller, secure space actually helps a nervous rabbit feel safer than open access does.
- Sit nearby without reaching in, for the first couple of days
Low, quiet presence, at their eye level if you can manage it, without picking them up or trying to pet them. Let them approach first. Most rabbits investigate out of curiosity within a few sessions.
- Hand-feed a small treat once they're curious, not before
A small piece of herb like parsley or basil, held still, gives them a reason to approach on their own terms. Forcing contact before they're ready usually sets things back.
- Keep the litter tray in the corner they already choose
Rabbits tend to pick their own bathroom spot within a day or two. Move the tray to match that spot rather than trying to train them to use where you originally put it.
- Expand their space gradually once they're relaxed
A rabbit that's eating normally, using the litter tray, and approaching you for treats is ready for supervised access to more space. Rushing this before they're settled usually means starting the trust-building over.
How long does full settling actually take?
Most rabbits are eating, using the litter tray, and reasonably relaxed within a week. Genuine comfort with handling and a real bond can take four to six weeks, sometimes longer for a rabbit that came from a stressful previous situation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick my rabbit up in the first few days?
Better not to unless it's necessary for their safety or a health check. Rabbits generally dislike being lifted, and doing it too early can undo the trust you're building. Let them come to you at floor level instead.
Is it normal for a new rabbit not to eat much at first?
A reduced appetite for the first day is common. Beyond 12 hours of not eating anything, including hay, it's worth contacting a vet, since rabbits can develop serious digestive issues quickly.
Can I get a second rabbit right away for company?
It's usually better to let the first rabbit settle in fully before introducing another. Rabbit introductions go more smoothly once the resident rabbit feels secure in their own space.