Give a new rabbit a calm, safe base, and let them come to you. Hiding and eating a little less for the first day or two is normal while they get their bearings, not a sign you did something wrong.
Why this matters
Rabbits are prey animals, so a new place feels dangerous until it proves safe. Picking them up or chasing them to say hello early on teaches them that hands mean being grabbed, which can set back trust for weeks. Letting them set the pace is how you become safe in their eyes.
What to watch for
- Eating hay and leaving poops within the first day
- Coming out to explore on their own once it's quiet
- Curiosity growing day by day rather than shrinking
- Not eating or not pooping at all past about 12 hours (see below)
When to see a vet
A rabbit that has not eaten or passed any poop for 12 hours or more is a genuine emergency. Call your exotic vet now. Their gut can shut down quickly, and waiting overnight is dangerous.
Sources: Rabbit.org Foundation · Rabbit.org Foundation