Thinking of bringing a rabbit into your home? Rabbits make wonderful pets—they’re social, intelligent, and full of personality. But caring for them is very different from owning a cat or dog. They need the right housing, a balanced diet, plenty of space, and daily interaction. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about rabbits as pets, from housing and food to health and enrichment. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best rabbit hutches, foods, and accessories you can buy today.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall Hutch: Aivituvin Indoor/Outdoor Rabbit Hutch – sturdy, spacious, and easy to clean.
- Best Food: Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food – timothy hay–based pellets with balanced nutrients.
- Best Premium Hay: Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay – soft, premium forage for picky rabbits.
Why Rabbits Make Great Pets
Rabbits are affectionate, clean, and surprisingly trainable. With patience, they can learn to use a litter box, come when called, and even enjoy gentle play. They bond strongly with their owners and can live 8–12 years with proper care. However, they are prey animals, which means they need safe housing and gentle handling.
Buyer’s Guide – What Rabbits Need
Before you adopt, make sure you’re ready to provide for their needs. Here’s what every rabbit requires:
- Space: Rabbits need room to hop, stretch, and play. Tiny cages are not suitable. A hutch or enclosure must be large enough for full movement.
- Proper Diet: 80% hay, 15% leafy greens, and 5% pellets/treats. High-fiber diets keep digestion healthy and prevent dental issues.
- Housing: A secure hutch or indoor enclosure that protects from predators, weather, and stress.
- Enrichment: Toys, tunnels, digging boxes, and interaction to keep their minds active.
- Health Care: Regular vet visits, nail trims, grooming, and watching for digestive issues.
- Bonding & Companionship: Rabbits are social animals and thrive with another rabbit or lots of human interaction.
💡 Use the Rabbit Cage Size Calculator to make sure your setup is big enough. Most cages sold in stores are too small, but this tool tells you exactly what size your rabbit needs based on breed and number of rabbits.
Best Products for Pet Rabbits
Aivituvin Indoor/Outdoor Rabbit Hutch
Who it’s for: Pet owners looking for a versatile hutch suitable for indoors or outdoors.
- Key Benefits: Spacious design, pull-out trays for easy cleaning, waterproof roof.
- Pros: Great ventilation, durable wood, movable with wheels.
- Cons: Assembly takes time, heavy when fully built.
Final Verdict: A great all-in-one solution for pet rabbits. Check price on Amazon.
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food
Who it’s for: Owners wanting a safe pellet supplement for their rabbit’s hay-based diet.
- Key Benefits: Timothy hay base, added vitamins and minerals, no unhealthy fillers.
- Pros: Affordable, recommended by vets, supports digestive health.
- Cons: Should only be a small part of the diet (hay is still most important).
Final Verdict: A trusted brand for balanced rabbit nutrition. Order here.
Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay
Who it’s for: Rabbits who may be picky eaters or need softer hay than timothy.
- Key Benefits: Soft texture, high-fiber content, promotes chewing and dental health.
- Pros: High quality, fresh-cut, variety compared to timothy hay.
- Cons: More expensive than other hay types.
Final Verdict: Excellent premium hay to keep your rabbit’s diet exciting. See it here.
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
Who it’s for: Any rabbit owner needing consistent, high-quality hay.
- Key Benefits: Fresh timothy hay, carefully packaged, supports digestion.
- Pros: Trusted brand, reliable quality, bulk packs available.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than Kaytee hay.
Final Verdict: A staple hay option. Get it here.
PawHut 2-Level Rabbit Hutch
Who it’s for: Rabbit owners who want a spacious multi-level home.
- Key Benefits: Two levels, weatherproof roof, separate resting and play areas.
- Pros: Large capacity, great for bonded pairs, good protection outdoors.
- Cons: Heavy, takes up more space in a yard.
Final Verdict: Great choice for multiple rabbits. View on Amazon.
Manna Pro Small World Pellets
Who it’s for: Rabbit owners looking for affordable bulk feed for supplemental nutrition.
- Key Benefits: Fortified with nutrients, timothy-based, available in large bags.
- Pros: Affordable, convenient, good for multiple rabbits.
- Cons: Not as premium as Oxbow; must be limited in diet.
Final Verdict: Best budget-friendly option for larger households. Buy here.
Comparison Table
| Product | Main Feature | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aivituvin Hutch | Indoor/outdoor use | Safe housing | See Price |
| Oxbow Essentials | Timothy pellets | Balanced diet | See Price |
| Small Pet Select Hay | Orchard grass | Premium forage | See Price |
| Oxbow Timothy Hay | High-fiber hay | Daily feeding | See Price |
| PawHut Hutch | 2-level design | Multiple rabbits | See Price |
| Manna Pro Pellets | Bulk feed | Budget owners | See Price |
FAQ
Are rabbits good pets for kids?
Rabbits can be good family pets, but they don’t like rough handling. Supervision is required with young children, as rabbits can easily get injured if dropped.
Can rabbits be litter trained?
Yes. Most rabbits naturally pick a corner to use, and with a litter box filled with hay or paper pellets, they can be trained to use it consistently.
How long do pet rabbits live?
Most pet rabbits live 8–12 years with good care. Some smaller breeds can live longer, while larger breeds may have slightly shorter lifespans.
How big should a rabbit hutch be?
The hutch should allow the rabbit to hop at least three times in one direction and stand up fully. Always check with the Rabbit Cage Size Calculator before buying to ensure proper sizing.
Do rabbits need companionship?
Yes. Rabbits are highly social and happiest when kept in pairs or groups. If you only have one, you’ll need to provide extra interaction daily.
Conclusion
Rabbits can be amazing pets when given the right care, space, and nutrition. From secure housing to a hay-rich diet, every detail matters. Investing in quality products and ensuring enough space will keep your rabbit happy, healthy, and playful for years to come.
👉 Before you set up your rabbit’s home, check with the Rabbit Cage Size Calculator. It’s the easiest way to make sure your rabbit has the room it needs to thrive.
Ready to welcome a rabbit into your home? Choose one of the trusted hutches or food options above, pair it with the right space using the calculator, and enjoy the companionship of one of the most delightful pets you’ll ever own.