Shopping for your new addition
This list is a rough outline of everything you will need for a new bunny in your home.
Exercise pens (at least 36" tall)
example- Order on Chewy
Litter box (may need multiple)
Generally, larger litter boxes are better, even for smaller bunnies!
example- Order on Amazon
Depending on the type of litter you want to use in your box, you can use paper pellets, aspen shavings (no cedar or pine), or potty pads!
Hay
For multiple bunnies, it is best to buy hay in larger quantities. Feed stores usually offer compressed bales which fit nicely in a secure bin, and are more cost effective than buying bags of hay. Fresh timothy, orchard grass, or oat hay is best. Do not buy alfalfa hay for any bunny under 6 months old, it is too high calorie and too calcium rich.
Don't forget to purchase hay bags/hay feeder if you want to feed hay that way!
4. Pellets!
We always purchase Oxbow rabbit pellets for our bunnies, but Sherwood Pet Health also carries a good veterinary recommended rabbit pellet. There are a handful of good brands out there, and quite a few bad ones. Avoid pellets labelled "fiesta mix" or ones that contain dyed particles, excessive wheat, corn, fats and oils, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
5. Water bowls
Rabbits hydrate themselves best with water bowls. A sturdy ceramic or glass bowl is best to prevent them from tipping over if the bunny puts their front paws on the bowl. Use a water bowl meant for the size of a large dog to ensure your bunny always has enough to drink.
6. Blankets, toys, and places to hide!
Every bunny deserves a comfortable place to hide in their setup if they want some privacy. Un-laminated and plain cardboard boxes works great for this. They can also safely chew on cardboard homes! Stick to shorter fiber blankets for them or even quilts in case they decide to nibble. This is safest for preventing gastrointestinal blockages. Natural chews, such as hay balls, are favorites for most bunnies in regards to toys.
7. Underneath/ flooring for your exercise pen.
We like to buy and cut linoleum to use for underneath our exercise pens. This makes any potential spills of accidents easy to clean. Hay is very easy to sweep off of linoleum. Baby play mats (foam) are also a great choice as long as your bunny isn't a chewer. Make sure that if your flooring is carpeted that it is regularly vaccumed to avoid excessive hair and dust accumulation.