Robson Vets Ltd
RABBIT CARE
Housing
Rabbits can be kept as indoor or outdoor pets. If kept indoors, they are easy to litter
train, though will need to be supervised as they can be destructive to furniture. It is a
good idea to have a secure enclosure to keep the rabbit in while you are out and at
night. If kept outdoors they can be kept in a hutch, but should have access to a
grassed run.
Whether kept indoors or out, your rabbit’s home should be as large as possible. They
should be able to stand up fully and hop three times. A minimum size is usually around
60x24x24 inches. Larger breeds will require more space. Outdoor hutches should be
divided into an enclosed sleeping area and an open area for the daytime.
Wood shavings and barley straw make ideal bedding, avoid dusty or mouldy straw as
well as sawdust, as it can irritate your rabbit’s eyes.
Toys should be provided to prevent boredom. Some rabbits simply enjoy a small
selection of toys which are rearranged every now and again to provide a bit of variety.
Handling
Rabbits should NEVER be picked up by their ears. Always ensure that their hind legs are
well supported and hold the rabbit close to your body to make sure they feel secure.
Some rabbits prefer to have their head hidden in the crook of your arm as you carry
them.
Neutering
We recommend neutering rabbits unless you intend to breed from them. They become
sexually active at the age of 4 months in small breeds and 6-9 months in large and
giant breeds. We recommend that rabbits are not kept in mixed sex groups unless they
have been neutered.
Both male and female rabbits can be neutered from 3 months of age. Neutering can
help prevent aggression and urine spraying in both sexes. Neutered rabbits are,
however, more prone to obesity so take care not to overfeed them.
Diet
Rabbits are ‘fibrevores’ which means that fibre is the most important part of their diet.
The fibre helps keep their guts moving healthily, so they should be fed mainly with
good quality hay or dried grass (never grass clippings). Hay can be put into a rack or
net to provide entertainment and prevent it becoming soiled.
Rabbits should also be fed a variety of green vegetables to provide even more
important fibre and to provide them with the vitamins and minerals they require.
Rabbits should also be provided with a good quality dry diet. Nugget diets are
preferable to a muesli type as it prevents the rabbit from picking and choosing the bits
they
like.
As with any other animal, ensure your rabbit has access to plenty of fresh water to
drink.
Robson Vets Ltd
Vaccination
We recommend vaccinating rabbits against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic
Disease (RHD), which are two serious infectious diseases of rabbits. Both are caused by
viruses which can be passed on by close or direct contact between rabbits or by biting
insects such as fleas.
The signs of Myxomatosis include puffy swellings around the head and face, discharge
from the eyes and nose, swollen lips and small swellings inside the ears and around the
anus and genitals. If your rabbit shows any of these signs it is essential to contact the
vet immediately.
RHD is a much quicker disease and some rabbits can show very few signs of disease. It
is a fatal condition and a few rabbits may have a fever or have fits before going into a
coma.
As with many diseases and conditions, prevention is always better than cure, so your
rabbit can be vaccinated against both of these diseases with a single vaccine from 5
weeks of age. Your rabbit will require yearly boosters to keep their immunity up-todate.
Common Medical Problems
Having your rabbit checked regularly with a vet will help to prevent common medical
problems or pick up on them in early stages when they can be more easily managed.
Common problems include:
Overgrown teeth – you may notice overgrown incisors at the front of the mouth, or
your rabbit having difficulty eating. Your rabbit may require an anaesthetic and dental
to clip the teeth back to the correct length.
Skin problems – look out for scratching, bald patches, and sore- or irritated-looking
skin.
Eye problems – you may see a milky white discharge, or sore, red skin around the eye.
This is usually caused by blocked tear ducts and your rabbit may require an anaesthetic
to have them flushed and cleared.
Diarrhoea – there a number of causes of diarrhoea in rabbits, some of which can be
very serious so contact a vet immediately.
Obesity – prevention is better than cure, so pay close attention to your rabbit’s diet and
encourage them to exercise. If you need some advice, or if you suspect your rabbit
may already be obese, please contact reception and make an appointment with one of
our nurses for a free weight check and dietary advice.