There are about 30 breeds of rabbits, ranging in colours, shapes and sizes but all need similar care and attention.
Hutch
A rabbit needs a good-sized hutch or cage with two compartments.One side should provide protection against the weather and be a safe place to sleep away from predators. This compartment should be enclosed to protect the rabbit from draughts and rain. The floor should be made of wood or wire mesh if it is to remain on grass. The floor should be covered with newspaper with a layer of bedding material placed on top of the newspaper (straw, grass hay or shredded paper) to provide warmth, comfort and to prevent the rabbit from developing pressure sores on their feet. The other compartment should be completely covered in wire mesh to be used as a run during the day with access to fresh air and sunlight.The flooring of this compartment also needs to provide some cushioning for the rabbit's feet. This may be in the form of bedding material (straw, grass hay or shredded paper).The hutch must have a door for cleaning and access and the bedding material should be replaced when it becomes soiled. The hutch should be thoroughly cleaned every week.
It is also very important that the hutch uses fly screen wire to keep out mosquitoes which carry a deadly rabbit disease called myxomatosis and to keep out flies which can cause 'flystrike'. Flystrike is where flies lay their eggs and hence maggots on the rabbit and this can be fatal, so blocking flies and mosquitoes out is critical. Some rabbit owners put a mosquito net over the hutch for protection.
Hutches need to be well-ventilated.
Please ensure the area where rabbits are kept will not become too hot as rabbits are prone to heat stress which can be fatal.
Exercise
Rabbits are intelligent animals that need plenty of exercise and room to run around to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. You should make their environment as interesting a possible and provide opportunities for running, jumping, and digging on a daily basis. This is best achieved by regularly letting your rabbit out into a safe, protected grassy area where it can move around freely. You must keep a watchful eye on your rabbit while it is out otherwise it may burrow and escape, or be attacked by predators such as cats or dogs. Remember that dogs and cats will instinctively chase and kill rabbits. Alternatively you can housetrain your rabbit and let it exercise safely in your home.
Companionship
Having more than one pet rabbit is recommended as they are sociable animals and require companionship. Suitable mixes include two females or mixes of neutered rabbits. To avoid having any unwanted/unintended litters of baby rabbits avoid keeping entire male and entire females together.
Diet
Feeding the right diet is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy rabbit. Rabbits are herbivores (they eat plant material). Providing a constant supply of grass and/or grass hay (e.g. timothy, oaten, wheaten, pasture, paddock, meadow or ryegrass hays) is paramount in providing a balanced diet.
Please see our articvle 'What shoud I feed my pet rabbit?' for more details about rabbit nutrition.
Grooming
Regular grooming will help to keep your rabbit's coat in good condition. This also means that the rabbit will ingest less hair themselves and thus helping to prevent hairball blockages in their gastrointastinal tract. This is especially important for long-haired breeds. While brushing, take the time to check their fur for any parasites or dirt, especially under the tail because if left it can lead to a fatal condition called flystrike. Check the length of your rabbit's toenails regularly and if they are too long, have them clipped.
General Health
When you first obtain your rabbit, check it is healthy. A healthy rabbit is alert, its eyes bright and bold and its movement free and easy. The rabbit should not feel “bony” and the muscles along either side of the spine should be firm and full. Make sure the coat is in good condition and that there are no sores on its body, or discharge from its ears, eyes or nose. Rabbits can live for up to 10 years provided they are well cared for. You should get your rabbit vaccinated against calicivirus to protect it and desexed to prevent unwanted litters. Take your rabbit to the vet if you notice symptoms like weepy eyes, sneezing watery eyes, diarrhoea or any scratches or cuts. During hot weather, rabbits can suffer from heat exhaustion. Make sure they have plenty of water and shade. On very hot days you can put a plastic bottle of water in the freezer overnight and place it in the hutch for the rabbit to lie next to during the day to keep cool. Alternatively you could keep your rabbit inside for the day.
Pet rabbits should also be vaccinated each year against rabbit calicivirus disease.
Handling
Rabbits enjoy being handled but they need to be treated gently and are not fond of rough games. Never lift the rabbit by its ears. This is cruel and can damage the muscles and membranes in the ears. Approach the rabbit from the front. Gently hold the scruff of the neck with one hand but take the weight in your other arm which should be around the rabbits hindquarters. Lift the rabbit towards you and rest it against your body with its head toward your shoulder. Hold it firmly but gently against your chest, gently stroking and speaking to it in soothing tones.
This website provides general information which must not be relied upon or regarded as a substitute for specific professional advice, including veterinary advice. We make no warranties that the website is accurate or suitable for a person’s unique circumstances and provide the website on the basis that all persons accessing the website responsibly assess the relevance and accuracy of its content.
