🐇 6 Essentials to Prepare Before Raising a Rabbit - A Super Detailed Guide

Hello everyone, today I'd like to share with you what you need to prepare if you're planning to welcome a cute rabbit into your home 🏠? Don't assume rabbits are easy to care for just because they're small and delicate. In fact, they're incredibly demanding. 💖 I've compiled six essential items below, based on reliable online resources and the practicalities of rabbit care in Hong Kong. So, you can be a fully prepared rabbit owner in one step! 🐰✨

1️⃣ Rabbit cage/activity space🏡

The rabbit cannot be trapped all day long, but he must have a safe "base" where he can rest and eat.

• Size : The cage should be large enough, at least large enough for the rabbit to stretch its body and turn around without being blocked.
• Material : It is best not to tie wire mesh on the bottom, as it will rub the rabbit's feet. You can use a solid bottom plate and add rabbit mats or straw mats.
• Location : Place it in a quiet and windless place in the home, away from direct sunlight and air conditioning.

A friendly reminder from the editor👉 Hong Kong homes are generally not very big, so you can consider using open enclosures instead of cages, so that your rabbit will live more comfortably.

2️⃣ Hay (Timothy grass, etc.)🌿

Rabbits' staple food isn't carrots! In fact, they eat large amounts of hay , which is available almost around the clock.

• Function : Helps intestinal peristalsis, avoids hairball disease and teeth grinding.
• Types : The most common is Timothy Hay, and there are also orchard grass and alfalfa (suitable for baby rabbits).
• Storage : Store in a dry place to avoid mold.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s weather is humid, so it is recommended to store hay in sealed boxes or with desiccant. Do not buy too much at once, or it will “change taste” and your rabbit will not eat it.

3️⃣ Feed/grains🍽️

Hay is the staple food and feed is only a supplement.

• Choice : Choose rabbit food that is high in fiber, low in protein, and has no added sugar.
• Dosage : A small amount per day is enough. Do not overdose, otherwise you will get obesity and gastrointestinal problems.
• Avoid : Do not feed your rabbit human snacks or colored rabbit food (many of which are pigmented).

Editor's Tip: Some pet shops in Hong Kong will mislead new pet owners into thinking that rabbit food should be their main food first. This is completely untrue. Remember that grass first is king!

4️⃣ Water bottle/bowl💧

Rabbits should always have clean water to drink.

• Water bottle : Hang it on the side of the cage. It is clean and hygienic, but some rabbits may not know how to use it.
• Water bowl : Easy to drink from, but can be knocked over.
• Water quality : The water quality in Hong Kong is relatively hard, so we recommend using filtered water or boiling water and letting it cool before drinking.

Editor's thoughts 👉 My family's rabbit didn't know how to use a water bottle at first, but eventually he switched to using a ceramic bowl. It's stable and not easy to knock over, and he drinks more happily.

5️⃣ Rabbit toilet + rabbit litter 🚽

Rabbits are actually very smart and know how to use fixed toilets.

• Rabbit litter box : usually a triangular or square plastic tray placed in the corner of the cage.
• Rabbit litter : Use paper litter or wood litter, not cat litter (which may be toxic or too sharp).
• Cleaning : Clean once a day, keep it dry and avoid accumulation of urine odor.

Editor's suggestion: Hong Kong's weather is hot and humid, and rabbit litter can easily become smelly. You must clean it frequently, otherwise your rabbit will not go to the toilet because of discomfort.

6️⃣ Basic care products ✂️🧴

Rabbits require daily care, which goes beyond just feeding them.

• Nail clippers : Rabbits' nails grow and need to be trimmed regularly.
• Combing brush : Especially during the shedding season, it helps reduce hair loss and prevents the swallowing of hair balls.
• First aid supplies : such as pet-specific styptic powder and basic ointment.
• Transport cage : Essential for taking your rabbit to the vet.

Editor's note: There aren't many rabbit-savvy veterinarians in Hong Kong, so be sure to find an experienced small animal doctor in advance.

📝 Editor's Summary

Raising a rabbit isn't just a matter of "buying it and forgetting it." They are actually small, demanding creatures that require your time, effort, and money to care for. The six most basic necessities include:

✅ Safe and comfortable rabbit cage/activity space✅ Unlimited hay🌿
✅ Appropriate amount of high-fiber rabbit food 🍽️
✅ Clean water 💧
✅ Rabbit toilet + safe rabbit litter 🚽
✅ Daily care products✂️

If you have prepared the above equipment, plus patience and love, then you can officially embark on the road of becoming a rabbit slave 🐇✨!

🐰 Bunny Beginner Checklist 📝

✅ Project	📌 Notes
Rabbit cage/pen	It should be big enough, have a solid chassis, and be placed in a quiet place
hay	Timothy grass-based, available 24/7
rabbit food	High fiber, low protein, portion control
Water bowl/bottle	Keep it clean, preferably with filtered water
Rabbit toilet + rabbit litter	Use paper sand or wood sand to clean daily
Care products	Nail clippers, combing brushes, transport cages, etc.