Going Home and First Days | Springhouse Farm

The Trip Home

What should I use to bring my new bunny home?

The most important things for your new bunny on their first trip home are safety, air ventilation, Food/Water, and comfort.

Safety: I suggest a safe carrier where they can't jump out if startled. I do not judge the type of containment as long as the bunny is safe. A carrier is suggested as riding in cars will be a new experience for your new bunny and the moving cars, noises, and smells may startle them. (Remember bunnies are prey animals so their senses are very sensitive and they "sense" everything so they can survive in the wild.) Every bunny is different and some don't mind but you don't want to take that chance. Quiet music or talk radio is their favorite...although I think they are partial to Classic Country as well. Primarily Miss Dolly Parton!

Air Ventilation: Whatever type of carrier you use, make sure it has proper ventilation of air. On warmer days it is more important to have lots of airflow. Rabbits prefer cooler weather over hot weather (they are always wearing a fur coat.) so if it is a warm day keep them closer to the air conditioner and provide plenty of ventilation. Even in winter limit the level of heat in the car. If they start to sweat from their nose (moisture) and/or breathe a bit heavy that is a good indication that they are too warm.

Food/Water: For shorter driving distances I suggest adding a bit of hay so to nibble on and offering water periodically. If your carrier has a secured water cup then you can add water to the carrier. Bowls can spill and get them wet if not secured so offering water is best. If traveling longer distances I suggest a carrier with secured water and food bowls and hay. If no secured water bowl offer water frequently or secure it the best you can.

Comfort: On the bottom of their carrier I suggest a comfy towel in the carrier. Rabbits don't typically go to the bathroom right away when in new situations so this should suffice on short drives.

If you are driving a shorter distance a towel is perfect as it provides soft traction under their feet so they don't slip and slide as much. It will absorb any urine away from their fur/skin if they happen to "go" but chances are they will not. I like it better than shavings (messy and they still slip).

Other suggestions: Pee Pads are fine, they do slip a little more with them. If a longer ride I would be careful they don't nibble on the plastic if bored or nervous. Litter underneath the towel or on top of the towel is another alternative that is Comfort friendly!

Tips for those "First Days"

The first days of having your bunny in your home can be stressful for you and your bunny. You want to do everything right and can’t wait to bond with your new family member! Just remember that rabbits are sensitive creatures by nature as that is how they survive in the wild. In their new home they will be experiencing different people, sights, sounds, and smells that are all new to them. Holland Lops and Teddywidders are very mild by nature but it is still important to take things slowly these first days and weeks until they fully acclimate. Here is some general information to get you started.

Feed: I will send you home with a transition baggie of Manna Pro 16% (Red Bag) feed. If you choose to use another brand this will help you transition them to the new feed. If you choose to use another feed a good Pet Brand is Oxbow. The transition process should take about a week. I suggest starting with a ratio of 75% old feed to 25% new feed. Gradually increase that amount every couple days to 50/50 then 25/75 until fully on their new feed. Free feeding quality Timothy Hay, this is most important during their first days. I suggest a small amount of pellets the first couple days and lots of Timothy Hay. You can also supplement with a small amount of Alfalfa hay. If you see soft poop feed ONLY Timothy hay until their poop firms up. A quality Pet Hay I suggest Oxbow or Small Pet Select 2nd or 3rd cut. See my Starter Items page for links. Although any quality packaged Timothy Hay is fine. Kaytee and Oxbow are nice convenient choices.

Habitat: Bunnies do best when they have a little burrow to feel safe in. That can look like many things depending on your setup. If wanting to teach to free roam I suggest having a small area/enclosure within the playpen that has their water, food, and litter box. This will help them to learn where to "go". The smaller space will also give them a sense of comfort kind of like a burrow. You can put a towel or small blanket over 3 sides of it so it looks like a burrow. Always remember to make sure there is adequate ventilation. As they acclimate you can make the area larger. This will be less stressful for them and will lock in the potty training.

Potty Training: Bunnies are used to using a litter box but will not always know where to "go" initially. If your new bunny potties outside of the litter box simply put it pick it up or wipe it up with a paper towel and put in the litter box and they will learn that is where to "go". If it is urine put the paper towel piece under the grate so they do not play with it. Rabbits typically like to potty in the same place. I suggest a litter box that has a grate on the bottom (plastic or metal) to separate them from their excrements. This is more sanitary for them and will deter them from digging and playing in it. Try to get one where the grate locks onto the bottom and the litter box can be secured in a single position.

First Day: Here is a great link to The Bunny Lady's site with wonderful information on the First 24 hours with your bunny. I will be updating this part, you can also check out my NewBunny Information page with more great information.