new rabbit, first 48 hours — the SG owner's guide

day one of a new rabbit is exciting for you and terrifying for the rabbit. handled well, the rabbit settles within a week. handled badly, you might have months of recovery from the initial stress.

here’s the practical first 48 hours.

the preparation before arrival

before bringing rabbit home:

• enclosure set up (X-pen, cage, or proofed room)
• hay, water, pellets ready
• favourite food from previous owner
• litter box with familiar litter if possible
• our cage vs free-roam guide
• safe carrier for transport

the transport home

minimise stress:

• secure carrier in car
• minimise car movements
• short, direct route
• familiar smells (their bedding) help
• quiet music or silence

avoid:

• public transport (heat, motion)
• multiple stops
• introducing to other pets immediately

the first hour home

what to do:

let rabbit settle

• place carrier in prepared enclosure
• open door
• step back
• let rabbit emerge in own time
• do NOT pick up to “comfort”

the rabbit’s exploration

• might emerge immediately or after hours
• exploration is good sign
• water and hay accessible
• minimal noise

your role

• presence but not active
• gentle voice if speaking
• offer hay or favourite treat
• patience

the first 24 hours

set the tone:

routine establishment

• consistent feeding times
• consistent quiet times
• minimal household disruption

food acceptance

• previous diet first 1-2 weeks
• gradual transition to your preferred brands
• watch for normal eating

litter habits

• some accidents normal
• our litter training guide
• patience

handling

• minimal handling first day
• let rabbit approach you
• avoid scooping up

the warning signs first 24 hours

watch for:

normal adjustment

• some hiding
• reduced eating (slightly)
• subdued behaviour
• some thumping

concerning signs

• complete refusal to eat
• complete refusal to drink
• excessive lethargy
• not moving from one spot for hours
• escalating distress

contact previous owner or vet if concerning persists past 24 hours.

the first 48 hours

continue routine:

what changes

• rabbit explores more
• starts using litter (sometimes)
• might approach you
• begins normal behaviours

what stays consistent

• routine
• food
• quiet
• minimal handling

what to introduce

• positive interaction time (still gentle)
• consistent feeding rituals
• some enrichment toys

the SG-specific notes

three things relevant:

1. temperature management

• new rabbit + heat = compound stress
• AC essential from day one
• our climate guide

2. noise

• HDB has hallway sounds, neighbour noise
• comfort if rabbit reacts
• generally calming voice

3. multiple pets

• if you have cats or dogs
• keep separated first 1-2 weeks
• our intro to cat guide

the second day specifics

food check

• eating hay (most important)
• drinking water
• droppings normal
• pellets accepted

behaviour check

• emerging from hiding
• some exploration
• starting to relax

owner interaction

• gentle approach when calm
• offer hand to sniff
• treats if rabbit accepts
• short positive interactions

the don’ts

avoid in first 48 hours:

• excessive handling
• introducing to other pets
• baths or grooming (unless emergency)
• moving location of enclosure
• inviting many visitors
• loud parties or noise
• vet visits unless emergency

the don’ts for vet timing

unless emergency:

• wait 1-2 weeks for first vet visit
• give rabbit time to settle
• vet exam stressful when stressed
• exception: if signs of illness

the bonded pair arrival

if adopting bonded pair:

• introduce both at once
• same enclosure (they’re bonded)
• monitor for normal interaction
• both adjust together

the second rabbit (intro)

if introducing to existing rabbit:

• our introducing new rabbit guide
• 2-4 weeks quarantine first
• separate spaces initially
• gradual scent exchange

the medical history

essential info:

• vaccination records
• spay/neuter status
• any health issues
• previous diet
• our annual vet checkup

the rescue rabbit considerations

if from rescue:

• often more cautious
• may have past trauma
• patience essential
• our rescues

the young rabbit considerations

very young rabbits:

• transition harder
• might miss siblings
• more stress
• gentle approach

the senior rabbit considerations

older rabbits coming to new home:

• routine changes hard
• familiar smells help
• previous bedding if possible
• patience triple

what owners often get wrong

three patterns:

• too much excitement. the rabbit needs quiet to adjust
• handling too much. lets the rabbit come to you
• expecting personality immediately. weeks to months for full personality

related reading

• cage vs pen vs free-roam — setup
• litter training — early days
• annual vet checkup — when to schedule first
• SG rescues — adoption resources

community-sourced information here is not veterinary advice. for any concerning signs in your new rabbit, consult a licensed SG exotic vet.