Rabbit
HOUSING
Outdoor Rabbits
Your Rabbit hutch must be
weatherproof with a separate nest area and plenty of dry bedding (clean straw
is ideal). Ideally a hutch for two medium sized Rabbits should measure 150 x 60
x 60cm. But if your hutch is smaller, consider adding a separate run in the
garden or allowing some daily supervised exercise for your pets outside the
cage. The hutch should allow shade during the heat of the day and shelter from
strong winds. A grass run can be built into the hutch or located elsewhere in
your garden – again with a nest area protected from the sun. A litter tray can
be emptied daily and makes the hutch easier to clean.
Indoor Rabbits
Rabbits love company, making them
great house pets. A quiet area for sleep, a straw-filled nest box and a clean
litter tray are all you need for a happy indoor Rabbit. Some ‘Rabbit-proofing’
may be necessary (cables and houseplants are very ‘chewable’) and you’ll need to
ensure your Rabbit has an outdoor run in the garden – Rabbits need natural
light to obtain vitamin D. Rabbits can mix well with other domestic pets but
careful introduction and supervision is required.
Types of Rabbit
There are many varieties, each with their own characteristics. Here’s some
general tips:
- Male Rabbits tend to be more predictable and even-tempered
- Giant breeds require more space and more feed
- Some dwarf varieties can be temperamental so are less suitable for children
- Longhaired Rabbits will require daily grooming and care
- Common breeds such as Dutch, English, Netherland Dwarf and Dwarf Lop Eared
are more docile. Despite their names some breeds can grow quite large so always
ask for advice first
FEEDING
A typical Rabbit diet should be 75% hay with plenty of fresh water. A good
quality pellet will provide any additional nutrients and vitamins they need.
They also enjoy fresh vegetation – carrots, spinach, watercress, broccoli,
apples, and dandelion leaves – but care should be taken not to overfeed. Never
feed your Rabbit grass clippings, potatoes, or lettuce as these can cause
health problems.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
All Rabbits need
daily exercise so encourage your Rabbit to practise its natural behaviour. A
pipe in its hutch can act as a burrow, or a box filled with shredded paper can
encourage digging – include some root vegetables to nibble on as a treat.
HANDLING
Young Rabbits can be nervous and
should be allowed to gradually get used to their surroundings – and to you. For
the first few days, talk gently to your Rabbit to build up trust, then slowly
introduce your hand into the hutch. Your Rabbit will become inquisitive and
more confident around you. After a week or two, try picking up your pet using
both hands. Place your thumb across its shoulders with your fingers wrapped
gently around the ribs; place your other hand beneath the hindquarters for
support. This is a good time to start grooming your Rabbit – something which
should be done daily.
TIPS
One Rabbit will become very lonely on
its own so it’s best to keep a compatible pair or group. Neutering and spaying
will prevent unwanted litters and fighting. Generally two neutered males or two
un-neutered females will live together, or a neutered male and an un-neutered
female. We do not recommend keeping Rabbits and Guinea Pigs together as their
requirements are very different.
HEALTH
A healthy Rabbit will be alert, have
discharge-free eyes and nose and a shiny coat. Breathing should be quiet and
regular. If you are worried about any aspect of your Rabbit’s health, seek
veterinary advice. For a healthy life, your Rabbit needs the following:
- Your time and attention - they should be checked twice a day
- A good balanced diet with no sudden changes
- Clean dry housing, cleaned once a week with a mild disinfectant
- No extreme or sudden changes in temperature
- Water bottle and feed bowls cleaned daily
- Gnawing blocks and chew toys to help wear their continually growing teeth
- Daily grooming for longhaired Rabbits
- Weekly grooming for short-coated Rabbits
- Your rabbit will pass 2 types of faeces: During normal daytime they will
pass a hard pellet, which is normally what you will find. At night they pass
faeces known as "Caecotrophs" - soft, mucousy pellets which will be directly
eaten from the anus. This is normal behaviour. However obese rabbits will have
problems with this, so do not allow a rabbit to become obese.