How Much Does a Rabbit Cost

The most expensive time in a rabbit parent’s life is right at the beginning. You'll need to buy everything your new pet requires all at once. While you’ll need to replace some items over time, the initial expenditure is the most significant. Further upkeep as they settle and grow with you will involve finding things they like and keeping them fed and warm but the initial cost can at first look a little daunting. 

The first cost to consider is the bunny itself. Purchasing a rabbit can vary widely in price. You might find rabbits in pet shops for about £20-£50, depending on the breed and age. Adoption fees at animal charities might be slightly lower, but they often include spaying or neutering and initial vaccinations, which can save you money in the long run. Alternatively, you can look on websites like PreLoved for people who are looking to rehome their bunnies because they can no longer care for them. At times, these can even be free but you should be careful that they aren’t trying to rehome them because of a costly illness or something you may later discover.  

Creating a comfortable and safe habitat for your rabbit is vital. This is likely the most expensive single item you'll purchase but it’s something that can last years, if not their entire life so spending a little more at the beginning can really be worth it. Whether your rabbit will live indoors or outdoors affects the type of hutch or cage you need. 

When bringing a bunny home, one of the significant initial investments is the purchase of a hutch or cage. The cost of outdoor hutches generally ranges from £100 to £300, depending on size, material, and additional features like built-in runs or weatherproofing. Outdoor hutches need to be robust, insulated, and secure to protect your rabbit from predators and extreme weather conditions. The Cheeko Wooden Hutch & Under Run is a nice spacious hutch with two levels at £159.99, it has plenty of space and a nice warm bedding area to protect from the elements.  

On the other hand, indoor cages vary between £50 and £150. These cages are usually smaller, designed for indoor climates, and may not need the same level of protection as outdoor hutches. You can get the Ferplast 120 Complete Rabbit & Guinea Pig Cage for just £89.99 but an indoor cage will need some added extras.

  

An indoor cage often requires accessories such as exercise pens to ensure your rabbit has enough space to move around safely. Conversely, outdoor hutches frequently come with built-in runs that provide ample space for exercise within the hutch setup. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision on the best home for your bunny. 

Before bringing a bunny home, it's essential to prepare their living environment thoroughly. In addition to the hutch, you will need a variety of supplies to ensure your rabbit’s comfort and well-being. These include bedding, a litter box, food and water dishes, hay, pellets, and chew toys. You can get a little hiding house for your rabbit to retreat and feel secure if there isn’t one built into the hutch itself. Overall, the initial setup can range from £150 to £200, depending on your specific choices for each item.  

All these items are necessary to create a comfortable living environment for your bunny but once you have everything, the ongoing costs aren’t as costly.  

Setting up a safe play area for your rabbits is crucial for their happiness. A good exercise area allows them to stretch, jump, and explore, which are essential for their physical and mental stimulation. Whether you choose a run that attaches directly to the hutch or a free standing run, it needs to be secure and spacious.  

The costs for an attached run typically range from £50 to £200, depending on the size and material quality. Free-standing runs are slightly more flexible in placement and can cost between £50 and £250. These runs should have a secure lock, preferably a predator-proof mechanism to ensure your rabbits are safe from potential threats. In addition to the run, the play area should include hiding spots, chew toys, and tunnels to mimic a natural environment and keep your rabbits engaged. Even indoor rabbits will benefit from a safe space to spend some time outdoors. Investing in a good quality run ensures that your bunny can safely enjoy time on the grass during favourable weather conditions. 

If you have an indoor rabbit, you need to make your home safe. This includes covering wires and blocking off areas with mesh. The cost of rabbit-proofing materials generally ranges from £20 to £50 however it can depend if you’re proofing your whole home or just a single room that your bunnies will have the freedom to explore.  

The cost of neutering or spaying a rabbit typically ranges from £50 to £120, depending on your location and the veterinary clinic you choose. While this may seem like a significant upfront expense, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Spaying or neutering your bunny can help prevent several health issues, including uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.  

It can reduce aggressive and territorial behaviours, making your rabbit more sociable and easier to handle. Neutered rabbits are less likely to spray urine and mark their territory, leading to a cleaner living environment for both you and your pet. Since bunnies like to live socially with their own kind, spaying and neutering will also prevent any unwanted litters if you have mixed sex pairings. It can cost a pretty penny if you have to care for unplanned babies as well. 

After the initial setup, there are ongoing costs to consider. While the initial cost of getting a bunny might seem quite high, monthly costs are significantly lower but you may want to splurge sometimes on some new toys and activities or special treats they might not get every single day. The lifespan of a bunny rabbit can be up to 12 years so you should take into account this long term commitment when calculating costs.  

The monthly cost of feeding a rabbit typically ranges from £10 to £20, depending on the quality of food you choose. A well-balanced diet should include hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of quality rabbit pellets like Excel Rabbit Adult Nuggets with Mint. The hay you provide for feeding should be a high quality hay like Excel Long Stem Feeding Hay. It’s more pricey than bedding hay but packed with more nutrients. 

If you have more than one rabbit, expect the cost to increase proportionally. Ensuring a proper diet is crucial for their health, as it prevents obesity and dental issues, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Maintaining a clean living environment is vital which is where pet safe disinfectant sprays come in handy. Regular cleaning prevents health issues and keeps your rabbit happy. The cost of keeping your bunny’s home clean can be around £10 to £20 per month. This includes a product like Johnson's Clean 'n' Safe Disinfectant For Small Animals that costs under £5 and will last you months at a time. The significant cost is in the bedding but you can save a little by buying budget friendly bedding or even layering different bedding materials together. As long as when you pick the bedding for your bunny it does the job of providing the warmth and comfort they need, you can find something that suits both you and your furry friend.  

Cleaning their litter tray and making sure they always have fresh litter will help to keep the rest of the hutch nice and clean so you may not have to clean it as often. Litter training your bunny is relatively easy and a great way to keep costs down.  

Rabbits need mental stimulation, and toys play a significant role. Toys wear out and need replacing. Plan to spend around £5 to £15 per month on new toys. Always check for wear and tear to ensure safety. Small pet toys include tunnels and fun things to explore and usually throw around or climb on. Bunnies love to explore things with their mouths so toys that are made of wood even help to maintain dental health. They can last for months as long as they are in good order but you should rotate toys to keep them mentally stimulated.  

Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite treatments are necessary. These can cost about £5 to £15 per month. Things like setting aside money for emergencies or investing in rabbit pet insurance can be invaluable. Pet insurance for a bunny can be around £10 to £15 a month so you can either get them covered or set up a savings fund to have on hand if something does happen.  

Caring for a pet rabbit is a rewarding experience, but it comes with financial responsibilities. From the initial setup costs to ongoing monthly expenses, being prepared ensures a happy and healthy life for your bunny. By understanding these costs, you can make informed decisions and provide the best care for your new bunny. To find everything you need for your new addition, explore our range of rabbit products today!