Feeding your rabbit

A healthy diet consists mainly of grass and good quality hay. This is what rabbits eat naturally in the wild. This hay or grass provides essential fibre to help keep the teeth and digestive system healthy. It also helps stop boredom as the rabbit will be nibbling on this throughout the day. The hay should be sweet smelling and dust free.

A small amount of good quality rabbit food can also be fed, but make sure your rabbit eats all the food and doesn’t just pick out the tasty bits. Only give more when all the old food has been eaten, don’t just keep topping up the dish. Over feeding with dry food will cause a rabbit to become overweight which is very unhealthy.

As a treat you can feed dark leafy greens and vegetables too, but try to avoid fruit and sweets as these also tend to make rabbits become overweight. Fresh water should be available at all times, and water bottles or bowls should be cleaned every day.

Handling your rabbit

It is important to handle and groom your rabbit regularly, at least once a day. The best way to pick up your rabbit is to approach carefully and quietly then crouch down in front of it. Allow your rabbit to come to you, then gently take hold of the scruff of loose skin behind the neck with one hand and support the rabbit’s weight by scooping up its rear end with your other hand. Place your rabbit on your lap or hold it close to your chest so it feels secure then very slowly stand up. NEVER PICK IT UP BY IT'S EARS.

Housing

A good hutch will have two compartments, one for the day and one for sleeping in at night. Hutches should be as large as possible to allow the rabbit to stand up fully on its hind legs with the ears pricked up without touching the ceiling. The length of the hutch should be at least 4-5 times the length of your rabbit when lying stretched out. The hutch should be placed in a sheltered position out of direct sunlight, draughts, wind and rain. Placing the hutch on bricks or legs stops it getting damp in wet weather and having a waterproof sloping roof prevents water collecting on top. Always check that hutch doors are locked to avoid accidental escape and to stop predators such as foxes getting in and harming your rabbit. Hutches should be checked daily to remove any wet bedding and cleaned out at least twice a week.

It is important that your rabbit gets plenty of exercise and is allowed access to grass. Rabbits can be scared of large open spaces so it is important to make sure that the run is safe and secure and has some shelter. Rabbits love playing in a run with playthings such as boxes, flower pots, drainpipes and logs.

Keep your rabbit healthy

Check your rabbit’s bottom daily, and keep it clean. Flies can lay eggs on dirty fur which then hatch into maggots and eat into your rabbit’s flesh, so if you find any fly eggs or maggots on your rabbit, contact your vet straight away.

Check your rabbit’s mouth. They don’t usually like being touched around the nose but don’t mind being touched under the chin. If there is any dribbling or wetness around the chin, chest or front paws your vet should be contacted as there may be a problem with your rabbit’s teeth causing pain. Other signs of teeth problems include weight loss, a change in their favourite foods or they may stop eating altogether.

Rabbits’ noses should be clean and dry and their eyes should be clear and bright. If either becomes runny you should see your vet.

Rabbits moult several times a year which is why it is important to brush them every day. If any “dandruff” is seen then your rabbit may have mites and will need to be seen by your vet. Rabbits’ nails can grow very long and may need to be trimmed so it is important to check these regularly.

Vaccination and health checks

It is important that your rabbit has regular health checks by the vet. This can be done when having routine vaccinations. Your rabbit should be routinely vaccinated against Viral Haemorrhage Disease (VHD) and Myxomatosis as both or these diseases can quickly kill unvaccinated rabbits and there are no cures once infected.

Nicola Rankin MRCVS, BVMS