Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit

Did you know rabbits can live on average between 6 and 10 years? Therefore when considering a rabbit as a pet, you must think of it as a long term commitment.

If you are thinking of adding a bunny to your home, take a moment to read the following before you do so and take some time to prepare for your new arrival.

When looking for a rabbit companion, ensure their eyes and nose are clean, the rabbit has a good covering and you cannot feel its backbone. Check the rabbit has a nice clean bottom. If possible, have  a look in the rabbit’s mouth to see if the teeth are broken or overgrown. If you are looking at an adult rabbit, ask whether or not it has been neutered. This can be done any time after 6 months of age. In addition, ask if the rabbit has been vaccinated and what it has been eating. It is important not to change the diet too quickly as this can cause stomach problems.

House rabbits are a lovely pet and are easily trained to a litter tray. However, be careful as rabbits love to chew and will not realise the danger of chewing through electric cables! Both indoors and out, rabbits must be kept out of drafts, away from direct sunlight and have a place to hide, so a hutch with 2 separate areas is ideal. Size wise, the rabbit must be able to stand comfortably on its hind legs and hop at least 3 times consecutively. Your rabbit must also always have access to a grassy area, secure from predators ie cats, dogs, foxes etc.

You must remove any wet bedding every day and fully clean out your rabbit at least twice a week, using a suitable disinfectant on the hutch. Good hygiene is particularly important during warmer weather, so check your rabbit at least twice daily for any matted fur or maggots around its bottom. If you see maggots, take your rabbit to the vet immediately.

In the winter, a lovely thick straw bed and blanket over the hutch is the best way to protect your rabbit from hypothermia. Don’t forget to check your rabbit’s water often as it could freeze in winter.

Regarding your rabbit’s diet, hay and grass should be freely available. There are many different rabbit mixes on the market, but we would recommend using nuggets to prevent selective feeding and ensure your bunny gets plenty of fibre, essential for a healthy gut.

You must also feed your rabbit a variety of green foods, such as celery leaves, carrots, cabbage, parsley, watercress, broccoli, basil, chard, beet tops, chickory, endive, choy and raddichio. Do wash them before feeding though.

To help keep your rabbit’s teeth trimmed, you can provide twigs or tree branches such as pear, apple, hawthorn and plum.

You must also regularly vaccinate your rabbit against the potential fatal illnesses myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD), even if your rabbit is a house rabbit.

WADARS often have rescue rabbits looking for a new home, some of which are pictured here. Call them on 01903 217788 to enquire.

Until the end of May, Grove Lodge is offering a free examination with the vet as part of Rabbit Awareness Week, which we have extended to run through the whole of May. Please call your local branch to book an appointment.