The first week with your new bunny is more important than many people realize. Those early days help shape trust, comfort, and the foundation of your relationship. In this guide, we’ll walk through a few common first-week mistakes — and how thoughtful care can help your bunny settle in peacefully and bond with your family.
Bringing home a new bunny is a special moment. What many people don’t realize is that the first week quietly shapes the relationship that follows — setting the tone for trust, confidence, and long-term bonding.
At Lilli’s Lops, our babies are intentionally hand-raised and handled daily from the very beginning. Because of that foundation, the first week in their new home is not a time to step back completely.
It’s a time to lean in with calm, thoughtful care.
Here are a few of the most common first-week mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.
This is by far the most common mistake.
Many new owners are told to “leave a rabbit alone to adjust.” While that advice can apply to unsocialized rabbits, it is very different for a bunny who has been raised with daily human interaction.
The first week is prime bonding time.
Your bunny is learning who their safe people are and forming new attachment patterns. Gentle, frequent handling helps reinforce the confidence that was already built during early socialization.
Sit with them. Hold them. Speak softly. Allow them to relax near you.
Bonding is not something to postpone — it’s something to nurture from the start.
It’s natural to want to spoil a new bunny. However, the first week is not the time for lots of treats or sudden diet changes.
A rabbit’s digestive system is sensitive, and introducing too many new foods — especially sugary ones — can lead to digestive upset.
During the first week, focus on:
• Plenty of hay
• The pellets your bunny is already accustomed to
• Fresh water
Keeping the diet simple helps your bunny settle in comfortably.
Even when owners mean well, switching pellets or introducing new foods too soon can disrupt a rabbit’s digestion.
Slow, gradual transitions are always best. Consistency during the first week helps support healthy eating habits and a stable digestive system.
Rabbits are subtle animals, and they often show small signs when something is not quite right.
During the first week especially, it’s important to observe your bunny closely.
Healthy rabbits should be:
• Eating regularly
• Producing normal droppings
• Curious and responsive to their environment
Simply taking a few moments each day to observe your bunny’s behavior can help you notice early changes and ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
While bonding and handling are important, rabbits also feel secure when their environment is predictable.
Simple routines can make a big difference.
Consistent feeding times, a familiar home base area, and a calm daily rhythm help rabbits relax and adjust more quickly to their new surroundings.
Structure creates a sense of safety.
Those early days are when trust begins to deepen.
Handle your bunny gently.
Keep their diet simple.
Observe them carefully.
And create a calm, predictable routine.
When owners approach the first week with intention, rabbits often settle in beautifully and form strong bonds with their families.
At Lilli’s Lops, our babies are raised with daily interaction from the very beginning. Continuing that level of thoughtful engagement in their new homes is what allows them to truly flourish.
If you feel ready to take the next step, you are welcome to join our wait-list or reach out with any questions. We are always happy to help guide you thoughtfully through the process.
Stay connected for first access to new arrivals, special offers, and expert bunny care tips. We’ll share thoughtful updates, seasonal releases, and helpful guidance — all designed with your bunny’s wellbeing in mind.
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