bunny supplies

Owning a rabbit requires a lot of supplies, everything from food to habitat necessities. The costs can really add up, so it is important to consider all your options before purchasing.

One purchase that can be a bit more fun to stock your bunny’s space with is a hidey house.

There are typically two options for this, a wooden version or a cardboard version. We’ll look at the pros and cons of both, so you can make your pick!

Why do rabbits need places to hide?

Rabbits are prey animals, which means they need a safe place to hang out. Having a hidey house gives them a space to call their own away from the noise and activity of the house.

Typically, bunnies will sleep in their hidey house during the day. Some will bring their treats inside to eat privately.

Wooden castles and hidey houses

Wooden castles and hidey houses are typically a more expensive option because of their material and durability.

Pros

They’re more durable. Because they’re made out of wood, your rabbit will be less likely to destroy them through “bunstruction.” Even if they gnaw some of it, they’re unlikely to destroy the entire thing. Wooden hidey typically last longer.
It can be a great investment. Wooden hidey houses and castles tend to last longer, which means you’re not buying a new hidey every month. A wooden hidey can last years and can be a one-and-done purchase.
They’re cute! I love some of the wooden hidey options. There are tons of great castle options out there with wooden bridge accessories and longer tunnels. Some Etsy shop owners get really creative and build elaborate setups or even things like wooden campers or empty “tv sets.”

Cons

It can be expensive. Because they’re made of wood and durable, wooden options are typically more pricey. I tend to try to save up to get something I really want versus splurging on a whim. That being said, there are cheaper wooden options (just make sure to check the dimensions and manage expectations for the quality of the wood).
You’re stuck with what you have. If you’re someone who likes to switch up their bunny’s playpen for every holiday or just for fun, you might not like a wooden option as much. Obviously you can buy unlimited wooden hoidey houses, but people tend not to overbuy these. Once you buy your option, you’re pretty much set with it.
They’re typically only available online. Most pet stores don’t carry wooden options that are big enough for rabbits to enjoy. If you’re someone who likes to browse in person, this might be a stopping point for you.

Cardboard castles and hidey houses

Cardboard hidey houses are also a great option for rabbits. They’re economical and available at most pet stores.

Pros

There are tons of options everywhere. While cardboard hidey houses are oftentimes marketed towards cat owners, rabbits can also enjoy these options. Virtually every pet store and big box store that sells pet supplies will carry cardboard houses. There are tons of holiday themes that get stocked too.
They’re inexpensive. You can find cheap hidey houses for less than $20. If your bunny likes to destroy cardboard, it doesn’t hurt your wallet as much to replace cardboard. When I’ve done cardboard, I’ve typically gone through one a month and could factor it into the budget.

Cons

It could be a health hazard. Some bunnies don’t shred cardboard. They eat it. Eating cardboard can be dangerous for bunnies, causing a blockage in their intestines. You’ll want to keep an eye on your rabbit to see which type they are. If you see tons of little pieces of cardboard on the floor, you’re probably fine to keep using cardboard.
They don’t last as long. If you don’t want to have to keep buying the same thing over and over again, you won’t want to buy the cardboard route.
They’re more difficult to clean. It can be harder to keep the hidey house free of hair (especially during shedding season!) and food debris. With a wooden option, you can wipe down the structure with a wet paper towel. But with cardboard, the material can warp or the colors can run.

My pick!

All my rabbits have been cardboard eaters, so I’ve typically gone for wooden castles. They’re more durable and match the playpen aesthetic I’m going for. The bunnies seem to love it too!

Whatever you choose, make sure you provide a safe place for your bunny to get away from the hustle and bustle to relax!

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Rabbit care can get pretty expensive! Many new rabbit owners don’t realize when they’re first starting out that these “starter” (ya, right) pets require a lot of food and supplies.

You can save money by subscribing to items on Amazon! It also saves you a trip to the pet store, where you might be tempted to buy extra treats or cute accessories you don’t need.

1. Bedding for your bunny’s litter box

Rabbits can be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box, so naturally, you’ll need to buy litter.

Right now, I have enough space to buy pellets from Tractor Supply in bulk. But while I lived in an apartment, that would have been incredibly inconvenient, especially bringing up to the second floor. I only have so much muscle and didn’t need the extra workout!

There are many different types of litter box bedding, but my favorite was always paper bedding.

It is lightweight, comes in different colors, and is easy to change out.

2. Timothy hay

The majority of your rabbit’s diet will be hay, not something like pellets or carrots. Senior and baby bunnies might need alfalfa hay. If you have allergies, oat hay or orchard grass hay might be a healthier option. But the average bunny will need good, ol’ Timothy hay.

If you have the space, it will be much cheaper to buy hay by the bale from your local farmer. But when I was in an apartment, that option was not on the table — unless I wanted the entire apartment to smell like a barnyard!

Getting a smaller subscription box from Amazon is just easier when you’re low on space. And if you’re not sure what type of hay your rabbit will like, you can always order a sampler hay box before you commit.

3. Apple Sticks

If you want your rabbit to stop chewing on baseboards and getting into mischief, they need something to do!

Henry is obsessed with apple sticks. They’re good for shaving down his teeth (rabbit teeth never stop growing), and it keeps him busy!

4. A foraging treat

Something I’m always buying is a foraging treat. This is something you can scatter into hay or on a snuffle mat to provide enrichment for a bored bunny.

You can order a sample forage box to see which is your rabbit’s favorite. Henry likes almost anything but really enjoys Small Pet Select’s Flower Power Herbal Blend!

What’s not worth subscribing to?

Some things are just not worth putting on Subscribe & Save.

Some things are just not worth the commitment:

One-off treats for special occasions: This can get expensive fast. Really specialty items are something I rather pick out for a holiday or gotcha day celebration. I also find that it’s much more fun to buy these types of things in person!
Pellets: Rabbits don’t actually need a lot of pellets. It can make them gain too much weight, doesn’t wear down their teeth as well as hay, and are dietarily unnecessary for many bunnies. Since you won’t use as much of it, you probably don’t need to subscribe.
Toys: Unless your rabbit already have an established favorite that they regularly destroy, I don’t think it is worth subscribing to toys (edible or inedible). Your rabbit might not go through the toys as fast as you think, and then you’ll end up with way too much of one thing. Or you’ll want to mix things up instead of buying the same toy over and over again.