What should I expect in the first month of rabbit ownership?
In the first month, your rabbit will need a stable environment, frequent feeding, and gentle handling to adjust to its new home.
Newborn to 4 Weeks Old
During the first month, rabbits are very delicate. They should be kept in a quiet, warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C) and draft-free environment. Provide a small, secure box with a soft, absorbent liner for a nest. Feed them a bottle of colostrum-replacement formula every 2–3 hours until they can eat hay and pellets on their own.
Monitor their weight closely, as they can lose weight quickly. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight and loud noises. Avoid handling them too much during this time to prevent stress.
- Keep the environment at 70–75°F (21–24°C)
- Feed colostrum-replacement formula every 2–3 hours
- Use a small box with a soft liner for a nest
- Monitor weight daily
- Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight and loud noises
4 to 8 Weeks Old
At this stage, rabbits start to eat hay and pellets. Gradually introduce these into their diet, reducing the frequency of bottle feedings. Provide a large, sturdy enclosure with a solid floor and a litter box. The enclosure should be at least 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 16 inches tall.
Start litter training by placing the litter box in a corner. Clean the litter box daily to encourage good habits. Continue to handle them gently but more frequently to socialize them.
- Transition to hay and pellets gradually
- Provide an enclosure at least 24x12x16 inches
- Start litter training at 4 weeks
- Clean the litter box daily
- Handle gently and more frequently to socialize
8 to 12 Weeks Old
By now, your rabbit should be eating hay and pellets consistently. Maintain a balanced diet with unlimited hay, a small amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited amount of pellets. Provide fresh water in a heavy bowl or sipper bottle.
Increase the size of the enclosure to 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches tall to allow for more space to move around. This is also the time to introduce toys and hiding spots for mental stimulation.
- Maintain a balanced diet with unlimited hay, fresh vegetables, and limited pellets
- Provide fresh water in a heavy bowl or sipper bottle
- Increase enclosure size to 36x18x24 inches
- Introduce toys and hiding spots
12 to 16 Weeks Old
Your rabbit is now an adult. Continue with the same diet and enclosure size. Monitor their behavior for signs of aggression or stress, as they may start to assert their dominance.
Regularly check their teeth and nails for overgrowth. Provide a small block of wood to chew on daily to keep their teeth healthy.
- Maintain the same diet and enclosure size
- Monitor behavior for signs of aggression or stress
- Check teeth and nails regularly
- Provide a wood block for daily chewing
Keep reading about Rabbit: Rabbit care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my young rabbit?
Feed colostrum-replacement formula every 2–3 hours during the first month.
What size should the enclosure be for a young rabbit?
The enclosure should be at least 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 16 inches tall during the first month.
How often should I clean the litter box?
Clean the litter box daily to encourage good habits.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your rabbit is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.