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🌙 Prepare for Your New Bunny
Everything you need to create a safe, gentle, and confident start for your newest little star. Click on the pictures to see items on Etsy or Amazon *(As an amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases) (This page is a work in progress -- Stay Tuned for Updates)  Bringing home a bunny is a magical experience — but it’s also a transition, and the setup you provide will shape how safe, secure, and confident your bunny feels. This guide explains not just what you need, but why it matters. ⸻ ⭐ 1. Housing & Space A safe, spacious setup (pen, x-pen, or enclosure) Bunnies feel their best when they have room to hop, stretch, and explore safely. A spacious, contained area prevents injuries, reduces stress, and helps them settle into routine without feeling overwhelmed. It also gives you a chance to litter train and bond without chasing a nervous bunny through the house. 
 Solid flooring + soft mats or fleece Baby rabbit feet are delicate — wire flooring can cause pain, sore hocks, and early behavioral stress. Soft mats, fleece, or foam tiles protect their joints and give them the confidence to move freely. 
  A hidey house or shelter As prey animals, rabbits need a place to retreat when they feel unsure. A simple cardboard box or wooden hideout gives them a “safe zone” that builds trust and reduces anxiety during their transition. 
 Litter box + rabbit-safe litter A clean, simple litter box setup encourages natural habits and makes early litter training smoother. Paper-based or hay-based litters are gentle on paws and safe if tasted (because babies taste everything). We remove the grate out of the rabbit one, put a potty pad down and add the paper pellets on top. 
  ⸻ ⭐ 2. Hay & Pellets (Click to see images larger)   Unlimited hay: Timothy + Alfalfa blend for babies Young rabbits need both fiber and extra calories for healthy growth. A blend of timothy and alfalfa provides the perfect balance — timothy supports digestion, while alfalfa adds the protein and calcium babies naturally thrive on. Offering unlimited hay keeps their GI system moving, prevents stasis, and encourages natural foraging behavior.      High-quality pellets Pellets provide steady nutrients during growth and transition. Your bunny will go home eating our 17% balanced blend unless you choose a single-feed alternative. A consistent pellet helps your bunny’s stomach adjust and reduces the risk of tummy upset during their first days home.   I personally aim for — and recommend — a 17% protein diet for growing and adult rabbits. To reach that ideal level, I mix the two feeds shown above to create my signature blend. Because these come in very large bags, one bag will last a single rabbit a long time. If you don’t want to purchase the full-size bags, I offer my premixed Setareh’s Starlit Blend (17% Protein) in convenient 5 lb portions for $10 (local only).  ✨ How to order: • Venmo: @SetarehBunnies — include “Starlit Blend” in the memo • Then text 385-414-5938 to schedule pickup If you prefer a ready-made option, the Show Hutch feed shown below is already 17% protein and comes in a smaller bag. Feeding guidelines: • Kits & juveniles (under 6 months): unlimited pellets • 6 months and older: ¼ cup per day • Avoid mixes with colored bits, seeds, or “treat pieces” — these are unhealthy fillers. • I do not recommend Oxbow Young Rabbit Pellets, as the protein level is too low to support proper growth. If you ever need help choosing the right feed for your bunny, I’m always happy to guide you. 🌙🐇💜  Fresh, clean water (filtered or bottled) We recommend filtered or bottled water to avoid minerals that can irritate the urinary system. Adding 1 tbsp ACV per gallon supports hydration, gut balance, and overall wellness — just a tiny boost for a smooth transition.   Fresh Greens: Many people recommend waiting until a rabbit is 6 months old to introduce greens. However, our board-certified exotic veterinarian advises that starting greens right away is ideal. Following this guidance, your baby will already be accustomed to eating fresh greens before going home. (Click to see the image bigger) Our vet adviced AGAINST feeding the High in Oxalic veggies like Spinach.   ⸻ ⭐ 3. Supplements & Treats 🌟 Calf Manna We feed 1 teaspoon per day (Used for conditioning, growth support, or nursing does) Calf Manna is a high-quality conditioning supplement that provides an extra boost of protein, amino acids, and easily digestible energy. It’s especially useful for: • Supporting healthy growth in young rabbits • Helping nursing does maintain body condition • Adding gentle weight to rabbits who need a little extra • Improving overall coat condition and shine • Supporting muscle development during stressful periods (molting, weather changes, rehoming transitions) Calf Manna should be fed sparingly and intentionally, as it is nutrient-dense — a small amount goes a long way.  ⸻ 🌾 Rolled Oats (Great for mild weight gain or as a training treat) Rolled oats are a simple, natural carbohydrate source that rabbits tolerate well in very small amounts. They’re great for: • Adding slow, steady weight gain without upsetting delicate tummies • Providing quick, positive reinforcement during training sessions • Supporting young or underweight rabbits who need a small energy boost • Encouraging appetite in picky eaters • Offering a safe, whole-food treat option They should be used sparingly, as too many carbohydrates can cause digestive upset.  ⸻ 🌻 Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (BOSS) (Fed in very small amounts for coat shine) Black Oil Sunflower Seeds are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which promote: • Soft, silky, glossy coat condition • Healthy skin and moisture balance • Natural support during molting • Improved body condition in rabbits who need a touch more calorie density Because BOSS is high in fat, it should only be fed in tiny amounts to avoid excessive weight gain or digestive imbalance.  ⸻ Our Special Mix ✨ We mix Rolled Oats : BOSS in a 2:1 ratio and feed 1 tablespoon per day (maximum, and only to rabbits who benefit from it). This blend supports healthy coats, mild conditioning, and makes an excellent training reward. 🌼 Bee Pollen (Nutrient Boost) **We give just s sprinkle every other day on pellets • A natural superfood that supports immune health and overall vitality • Offers trace vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for a gentle wellness boost • Best used as a tiny sprinkle over pellets or hay for picky eaters or during transitions • Feed sparingly — a little goes a long way! Bee Pollen ⭐ 3. Bedding & Comfort Soft bedding or fleece mats Comfort matters. Soft flooring keeps baby joints supported, prevents slipping, and creates a warm, inviting environment. Rabbits settle faster when their space feels cozy and secure.       Blanket or comfort item Your Setareh bunny will go home with a blanket carrying the scent of their mother and littermates. This is incredibly important — familiar smells help them feel safe, reduce stress hormones, and make their first night home gentler.  ⸻ ⭐ 4. Chews, Toys & Enrichment Safe chew toys Chewing is not optional — it’s a biological need. Providing safe chew toys prevents destructive chewing and supports dental health. It also gives your bunny something familiar to interact with while adjusting to their new environment.       Enrichment items (optional but wonderful) Simple items like forage mats, willow toys, or treat puzzles help keep their mind active. Mental stimulation leads to calmer, happier bunnies and reduces anxiety-driven behaviors during the adjustment period. ⸻ ⭐ 5. Health & Safety Prep Rabbit-savvy vet contact Emergencies don’t wait — having a rabbit-savvy veterinarian lined up ensures you’re prepared. Bunnies hide illness, so quick access to care is essential. First-aid basics Items like nail clippers, styptic powder, and towels aren’t just convenient — they help you handle small emergencies with confidence. Home bunny-proofing Bunnies explore with their teeth. Covering wires, securing plants, and blocking gaps prevents accidents and keeps your new bunny safe while you build trust and learn their habits. ⸻ ⭐ 6. Transport & First-Day Essentials A sturdy carrier Travel can be intimidating for young rabbits. A solid-bottom carrier keeps them stable, warm, and protected during pickup or transport. Line with a towel for extra comfort. Quiet bonding time Your bunny’s first day sets the tone. A calm, predictable environment helps them decompress and feel safe. Let your bunny approach you, explore gently, and rest when needed — everything else can wait. ⭐7. Bunny Proofing Your Home Creating a safe environment is one of the most important parts of preparing for your new bunny. Rabbits are naturally curious, love to explore, and will nibble almost anything—so a well-bunny-proofed home protects both your rabbit and your belongings. 🔌 Protect Cords & Wires Rabbits often mistake cords for roots or twigs, making them extremely tempting (and dangerous). • Use cord covers, tubing, or cable boxes • Elevate cords off the floor when possible • Block access to areas with lots of electronics 🪟 Block Off Unsafe Spaces Rabbits can squeeze into surprisingly small places. • Use baby gates or exercise pen panels • Cover gaps behind furniture • Block access under beds, dressers, or shelves 🌿 Safe vs. Unsafe Plants Many household plants are toxic to rabbits. • Remove or elevate all plants out of reach • If unsure, assume a plant is unsafe • Provide safe alternatives like hay, willow toys, and apple sticks 🧴 Remove Access to Chemicals Make sure your bunny cannot reach: • Cleaning supplies • Essential oils • Bug sprays • Laundry pods or detergents • Painted or treated wood 🧺 Protect Furniture & Baseboards Chewing is a natural behavior, not “naughtiness.” Give safe outlets and protect your home: • Use corner guards, chew barriers, or pen panels • Offer plenty of hay + chew toys • Add dig mats or fleece blankets for texture-loving bunnies 🍽 Keep Food & Trash Out of Reach Bunnies will investigate and eat things they shouldn’t. • Secure trash cans • Keep human food off the floor • Make sure kids understand not to share snacks 🧘♂️ Create a Calm, Safe Zone Your bunny needs a place where they can retreat and feel secure. • Provide a hidey house • Keep their area free from loud noises or rambunctious pets • Ensure they always have access to hay, water, and a litter box ⸻ 🌙 A Celestial Beginning Preparing properly creates a foundation of safety, trust, and emotional wellbeing — the heart of what we do at Setareh Bunnies. Your bunny is coming from a gentle, structured environment. This guide helps you mirror that softness as they settle into their forever home. |
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Softly Bred, Deeply Loved |
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