Pet Care - How To Care For Your Rabbit

Is a rabbit the right pet for me?

Many rabbit enthusiasts actually believe that rabbits are not suitable pets for children. They are a lot of hard work and it is an unfortunate fact that many rabbits end up in rescue centres because the young owner simply got bored.

Rabbits need daily handling, grooming, and feeding, and their bowls, water bottles and hutches/cages should be cleaned out regularly even in the snow or rain! Rabbits need daily exercise to stop them becoming overweight.

Rabbits can also be difficult to handle. Smaller children should be encouraged to sit on the floor and get the rabbit to approach them. Rabbits have very delicate skeletons and if they jump from a child’s arms they can damage their spine and kick quite hard, hurting the owner.

Should a rabbit have company?

Yes, you should keep two or more rabbits together as they are very social animals. A rabbit kept on its own will become lonely.

The best combination is to have a male and a female rabbit but they should be neutered otherwise they will breed and you will have lots of babies.

Rabbits and Guinea pigs should not be kept together. Rabbits may bully the guinea pig. Guinea pigs also need a different diet to rabbits.

How long do rabbits live for?

Smaller breeds of rabbit can live for 10-12 years; larger rabbits may only live to 5 years old.

Should my rabbit live outside or inside?

House rabbits are becoming more and more popular. Many pet shops sell large cages for indoor bunnies. However, indoor rabbits can chew furniture, carpets and electrical wires so they need constant supervision when out of their cage. Once neutered, a house rabbit can be litter trained easily like a cat.

If your rabbits are housed outdoors you will need a large hutch (many hutches for sale in pet shops are too small). Your rabbit should be able to stand on its back legs in the hutch and hop around easily. The hutch should be placed out of direct sunlight and away from draughts. In the winter you might need extra protection over the hutch to keep the cold and damp out. Water bottle covers can also be bought to stop the water freezing over (use an old sock alternatively). In the winter many people bring their hutches into a shed or garage for extra protection. You rabbits will also need a large run so they have access to grass and can exercise. This should be filled with tunnels and toys which can help prevent boredom and give your rabbits somewhere to hide if they get scared.

Should I get a rabbit from a pet shop or from a rescue centre?

There are approximately 1.6 million pet rabbits in the UK making them the third most popular pet after cats and dogs. However, they are also the most neglected. It is estimated that 33,000 rabbits are abandoned in rescue homes every year in the UK.

Rabbits are not as commonly thought easier to own than other animals and careful consideration is advised before getting one. If you are sure that a rabbit is the ideal pet for you and your family please think about going to a rescue home first.

Older bunnies make better house rabbits so this may be a big consideration if you want your bunny to live indoors.

Why should I neuter my rabbit?

Neutering is an operation in which the reproductive organs are removed to stop rabbits from breeding and having babies.
Neutering in males is called castration and spaying when done in females.
Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies. Hundreds of rabbits are being left at rescue homes every year due to over-population.
Neutered rabbits are much easier to litter train.
Neutered rabbits are less aggressive to humans and other rabbits.
Neutered rabbits are less destructive (less chewing and digging).
Neutered rabbits are less territorial.
Neutering can help prevent urine spraying in both males and females.
Neutering can prevent false pregnancies in females.
Neutering can increase life expectancy as many females die from cancer of the uterus. According to the Rabbit Welfare Fund, ‘up to 80% of unspayed females develop uterine cancer by 5 years old’.
Rabbits are social creatures and wherever possible they should not be kept on their own. Neutering will help your rabbits get on better with each other.
Neutered rabbits make better pets and are ‘calmer and more loving’ according to the House Rabbit Society.

What should I feed my rabbit?

Changing a rabbit's diet suddenly can be fatal and they can die from a simple change in diet.

Rabbits should eat plenty of hay and grass. This should be the main part of their diet. Fresh vegetables should be fed every day and the dry pelleted food should be given in small amounts only e.g. 1-2 tablespoons per day. Fruit should be given as treats only. Fresh or dried herbs can be fed as treats or as an alternative to some of the dry pelleted food.

Changing a rabbit’s diet suddenly can be fatal. Rabbits can die from a simple change in diet. Before getting your rabbit from the pet shop, breeder or rescue centre you should find out what he/she is fed on. If you decide to try changing your rabbit’s diet you should do this slowly.

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t ever pick your rabbit up by the ears; it is cruel and very painful.

Don’t feed your rabbit with biscuits, crisps or crackers. This can cause them to become overweight and suffer from digestive problems.

Do make sure your rabbit has plenty of fresh tasty hay available to eat all the time.

Did you know?

A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously. If they are not given enough hay and grass to chew on their teeth can grow too long making eating painful. Some rabbits can even die from dental problems.

Rabbits produce two types of droppings, one of which they eat! At night your rabbit will eat his/her droppings. This is essential as it helps them to digest all the nutrients they need. If your rabbit is fed the wrong type of diet (too much dry pelleted food and fruit and not enough grass and hay) he/she can get a condition called ‘sticky bottom’ where their droppings stick to their fur. This can attract flies which lay their eggs in the fur is called fly strike. Fly strike can kill rabbits and is more likely to happen in the summer. Keeping your rabbit's hutch clean and giving your rabbit the correct diet should avoid this condition.

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