People usually start looking up pet rabbits when they’re weighing up a first rabbit, or realising a “starter hutch” and a bag of pellets won’t be enough. Rabbits can be quiet, gentle companions, but they’re also fragile in ways that surprise new owners—heat stress, gut slow-down, and dental trouble can turn serious quickly if their setup and diet are off.1, 2
What helps most is getting the basics right from day one: enough space to move, plenty of hay, safe handling, and a plan for desexing and veterinary care. The sections below stick to those practical decisions, with Australian guidance where possible.1, 3
The benefits of owning a rabbit as a pet
A healthy rabbit with room to move is an observant animal: ears turning to small sounds, nose working the air, long pauses followed by sudden bursts of speed. Many rabbits learn routines and become comfortable with gentle daily contact, especially when they can choose to approach rather than be chased or grabbed.1
They also suit homes where you can offer steady, quiet care. Compared with dogs, rabbits generally need less outdoor space, but they are not “low-effort”. Their welfare depends on daily feeding and cleaning, regular social time, and an enclosure that supports movement and normal rabbit behaviour—not a small hutch used as permanent housing.1, 4
Choosing the right rabbit for your home
Breed matters less than temperament, size, coat type, and your ability to provide space and daily care. Rabbits sold as babies can grow quickly, so plan housing and diet for an adult rabbit, not the size you see in the pet shop window.4
When you’re choosing a rabbit, look for calm, steady movement and clear signs of good health: bright eyes, a clean bottom, and normal breathing. Ask what the rabbit currently eats and change food slowly—sudden diet changes can upset a rabbit’s gut.5
One important correction: the Patterdale Terrier is a dog breed, not a rabbit breed.
Housing and habitat needs for pet rabbits
A rabbit’s world should have two clear zones: a secure resting/sleeping area, and a larger run or room where they can hop, stretch out fully, and choose different spots for eating and toileting. Many hutches marketed for rabbits are too small to meet those basic needs on their own.1, 4
Space recommendations vary by source, but Australian guidance consistently emphasises generous room for movement and daily exercise. As a practical minimum, aim for an enclosure/run that allows several full hops end-to-end and enough height for your rabbit to sit upright comfortably, with regular time outside the sleeping area every day.1, 3, 4
Set-up essentials
- Solid flooring: avoid wire floors for primary standing areas, as they can injure feet.4
- Weather protection: rabbits need shade, ventilation, and protection from extremes, especially heat.3
- Safe enrichment: hiding places, tunnels, and chew-safe items help rabbits express normal behaviour and keep moving.3
- Predator-proofing: outdoor areas must be secure from dogs, cats, foxes, and birds of prey, and protected against digging escapes.3
Feeding and nutrition for your rabbit
A rabbit’s diet is built around fibre. For most adult rabbits, unlimited grass hay should make up the bulk of daily intake, supporting normal gut movement and helping wear down continuously growing teeth.2, 6
A simple, safe starting guide
- Unlimited hay: keep fresh grass hay available at all times (most adult rabbits should eat mostly hay).2, 6
- Leafy greens daily: offer a small variety, introduced gradually to avoid stomach upsets.5
- Pellets in moderation: pellets are easy to overfeed; many rabbits do well on small amounts alongside hay and greens.5
- Fresh water always: provide clean water, checked daily (a heavy bowl is often easier to keep flowing than a bottle, but either can work if kept clean).
- Treats are truly occasional: sweet foods can crowd out hay and contribute to weight gain and digestive trouble.5
Health and wellness considerations
Rabbits hide illness well. Subtle changes—eating less, smaller droppings, sitting hunched, or a rabbit that suddenly won’t move around—should be treated as urgent until a vet says otherwise. A rabbit-savvy veterinarian is worth finding before you need one.2
Desexing (spaying/neutering)
Desexing is widely recommended for pet rabbits. It helps prevent unwanted litters, can reduce some territorial behaviours, and significantly reduces the risk of serious reproductive disease—especially uterine cancer in unspayed females.7
Dental and gut health
Rabbit teeth grow throughout life. Long-stem fibre (hay) supports normal tooth wear; low-fibre diets increase the risk of dental overgrowth and related problems that can make eating painful.2, 6
Grooming and hygiene
Most rabbits keep themselves clean, but they still need routine checks. Regular brushing reduces swallowed fur, especially during moults, and helps you notice lumps, sore skin, or parasites early.
Nails may need trimming. If you’re unsure where the quick is, ask your vet or a rabbit-experienced groomer to show you safely.
Keep the living area dry and well-ventilated, remove soiled litter daily, and do a deeper clean regularly. Clean bowls and fresh hay matter more than scented sprays or “deodorising” products, which can irritate a rabbit’s airways.
Socialising and bonding with your rabbit
Rabbits tend to settle best with calm, predictable handling. Sit on the floor, let the rabbit come to you, and use slow, steady movements. Being lifted can be frightening and physically risky if a rabbit struggles, so support the body fully and keep sessions brief unless your rabbit is genuinely relaxed.
Many rabbits do well with a compatible rabbit companion, but introductions should be managed carefully, and desexing supports safer bonding in most cases.7
Final thoughts
Rabbits thrive on quiet consistency: plenty of space, a hay-based diet, protection from heat and predators, and gentle daily contact on the rabbit’s terms. Get those foundations right and you’re more likely to see the best of them—alert, curious, and steady in the home.1, 2, 3
References
- RSPCA Australia: How to take care of your pet rabbits
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Routine health care of rabbits (dental care)
- Agriculture Victoria: Guidelines for keeping pet rabbits
- Agriculture Victoria: Owning a rabbit (housing basics)
- Greencross Vets: Rabbit feeding guide
- House Rabbit Society: Rabbit diet and nutrition (hay, greens, pellets)
- RSPCA Knowledgebase: Why should I desex my rabbits?
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom