Rabbit Care

Feeding

Rabbits are all herbivores, but by far the most important thing that they absolutely must have to stay healthy and happy is fibre.

Hay should form most of your pets diet at approx 80%. Hay should be eaten constantly through the day and will help to maintain dental, digestive and emotional health.

Nuggets should form only about 5% of your pets diet. Nuggets are small pellets which contain all the nutrients they need as well as more fibre. Being fed on nuggets prevents selective feeding as all nuggets contain exactly the same. This ensures that they are getting everything they need.

Fresh Greens should form about 15% of their diet. Including dandelion leaves, cabbage and spinach again good source of fibre which helps with digestive health.

Not forgetting fresh water which must be available all the time.

Exercise

It is very important that rabbits exercise every day to ensure their muscles and bones remain healthy and to remain physically fit. Lack of exercise can lead to problems like arthritis and obesity which in turn can lead to a large number of problems.

Rabbits love to play so make sure they have plenty of toys. Play is very good for rabbits as it keeps them physically active and mentally stimulated. Which will prevent any destructive behavioural problems.

You can buy specific rabbit toys from any petshop or you can use household items. For example large pieces of plastic tubing, big enough for your rabbit to fit through are great as activity tunnels.
Toilet rolls stuffed with hay are good activity feeders and even just a simple cardboard box will provide hours of fun; jumping, hiding and chewing. Also hiding your rabbits favourite treat under yoghurt or plant pots spotted around the run is a great game for them. But best of all, the thing they like to play with the most are their buddies!

Obviously the best way for your rabbit to get enough exercise is to make sure they are not kept in their hutch/cage constantly. If indoors having a specific room means that your rabbit can move around as much as they want to. If outdoors having a run permanently attached to the hutch means they can go
out and exercise when ever they want.

Companionship

Rabbits are very social animals and should therefore not be kept on their own. Many people unfortunately keep rabbits in a hutch on their own, which will make the rabbit very miserable. They are happiest when with another rabbit companion.
The best pairing of rabbits is a neutered female and neutered male. You are more likely to get fighting within same sex pairings but siblings (if neutered) are usually okay.

It is not recommended to keep rabbits with guinea pigs as their needs are so different. They have different dietary requirements and communicate differently too. Rabbits can also occasionally bully guinea pigs, and can also pass on a bacteria to them, which can result in respiratory disease.

Humans can provide great company to a rabbit, and you can build a great relationship together; have lots of fun playing, bonding and interacting together, however it will not replicate the important companionship that another rabbit would offer.

It is very beneficial for rabbits to start interacting with people and other rabbits from an early age. Being familiar with people will help your rabbits develop trust in people and be a much better pet. Also getting them used to everyday sights and sounds early will mean they can be more relaxed if they do encounter them in their environment at a later stage.