Rabbits are easy to keep and usually live for 6–8 years. They don't require a lot of care, but if they are not handled frequently they may be frightened of people and bite or scratch. Rabbits enjoy company, so consider getting two.
A rabbit enclosure should:
The most important part of a rabbit's diet is unlimited hay. Rabbits' teeth grow constantly throughout their lives, and tend to overgrow unless they constantly chew on roughage. You can also provide some sticks or untreated wood for your rabbit to chew on.
Rabbits should also receive fresh fruit and vegetables. Some rabbit pellets are okay, but they should not compose the majority of the diet.
Rabbits need to eat their own soft faeces to maintain a healthy gut – it is for this reason that you should only clean out the hutch every second day, rather than every day.
A healthy rabbit should have an annual checkup. At this time, we will give a vaccination against calicivirus, a highly contagious and often fatal disease of rabbits that causes formation of blood clots throughout the body. Baby rabbits require vaccination at 8 and 12 weeks of age. Birds and insects can carry the disease, so even if your rabbit is not in contact with other rabbits, it is still possible that he or she could become infected.
Another frequently fatal disease of rabbits is myxomatosis, which causes facial swelling and ocular discharge. This is spread by mosquito and flea bites. Speak to us about a monthly spot-on product that can be used to prevent mosquito and flea bites – do not use over-the-counter medications without consulting us, as some of these can be fatal to rabbits.
Rabbits reach sexual maturity at 4–6 months of age. Pregnancy lasts 30–32 days and the average litter size is about 4 to 6.
Here you can find information and advice about common problems and diseases. Please remember, though, that this information can't replace a visit to the vet!