When bringing a rabbit home, assume the rabbit is stressed. This is true whether the rabbit is from a shelter, private owner, rescue situation, or unexpected encounter on your own property.

Even if the rabbit appears calm, he has likely experienced some kind of disruption in his (or her) life. Previous bonds may have been broken. If that is the case, this rabbit is missing someone… or some bunny. Your environment is totally new. The smells, the lighting and the sounds are all unfamiliar. It’s a lot to deal with.

What Can You Do?

Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary. Resist the urge to introduce the rabbit to multiple family members, children, or guests. Keep other pets away. Barking dogs can scare a rabbit to death, so be mindful of sudden, loud noises. Stress during the first days (or weeks/months, depending on the rabbit’s history) can negatively impact appetite and overall health. In some cases, it could determine whether the rabbit lives or dies.

Instead, focus on three immediate priorities:

• Provide unlimited hay and fresh water.
• Offer the same pellets or greens the rabbit was previously eating whenever possible. If prior diet is not known, introduce a very small amount of rabbit-safe leaf lettuce and high-quality pellets over the course of a week or two so the rabbit’s gut flora can adjust.
• Create a quiet, contained space for rest.

The goal at this stage is stabilization. Build a simple routine. Keep things calm and predictable for the rabbit. Give him the best chance possible to adjust without added stress.