Thinking about adopting a rabbit? Here’s what you need to know.
These furry creatures are a popular pet choice around the UK. Rabbits are highly intelligent and inquisitive and owning them can be very rewarding – but these intelligent animals also need proper care to stay healthy and happy. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about looking after rabbits and tips on how to keep them in tip top shape.
Rabbits come in variety of breeds, shapes and sizes and they usually live between eight to 12 years. Pet rabbits are related to wild European rabbit, and their biology and behaviour are very similar. It’s also good to remember that rabbits are sensitive animals and are best suited to quiet homes. Due to the time and care required for these animals, they do not make good starter pets for children. An adult should always be the primary carer and supervise children when interacting with them.
Where should rabbits live?
Rabbits are naturally sociable and prefer to live in pairs or compatible groups. They are also active animals, so they need space to run, jump, forage and dig. It’s really important to make sure you have housing that meets your rabbits’ complex environmental and behavioural needs.
The minimum size of living area you’ll need for a pair of rabbits will be at least three metres x two metres x one metre, but the bigger the better! The accommodation should include a sheltered area and a permanently attached area for them to exercise in. It should be kept in a cool, dry, draught-free and well-ventilated area. If kept outdoors, rabbits need to be protected from predators, extreme weather and temperature. Rabbits kept indoors need a rabbit-proof area – i.e. a place with all wires and cables covered and any toxic plants removed. You can also cover furniture to protect it from teeth and claws.
Make sure they’ve got appropriate bedding and check it on daily. Several areas for toileting and feeding should be provided as rabbits are natural foragers and often go to the toilet while they are foraging for food. Litter trays should be big enough for your rabbit to turn around comfortably in, and filled with suitable litter such as wood or paper based, with a layer of hay on top. Remember to always provide the same number of feeding and toileting areas per rabbit, plus one extra.
What equipment do rabbits need?
Rabbits are most active during dawn, dusk and overnight, so they need access to their exercise area at all times. They’ll need plenty of suitable toys for mental stimulation and to wear down their teeth. You can encourage your rabbits to practice their natural chewing behaviour by giving them safe things to chew, such as apple and willow wood sticks. Rabbits also enjoy tubes to run through and hide in, as well as things they can move, such as toilet paper rolls, small empty cardboard cartons, and small piles of shredded paper, or air filled balls. You can hide treats in their toys to encourage foraging behaviour.
Platforms and hiding areas are essential for rabbits as they would naturally need to view their territory from a vantage point and hide from anything they feel threatened by.
What do rabbits eat?
Around 80% of your rabbits’ diet should be made up from good quality hay grass, so make sure they have constant access to it as they need to graze throughout the day. You can also give them good quality pellets once a day – a large tablespoon is enough. Muesli style food should be avoided as they promote selective feeding and are made up from unhealthy ingredients that provide very little nutrition.
Contrary to popular belief, carrots are not the best vegetable you can provide your rabbits as they contain high levels of sugar. Instead, try giving them fresh leafy green vegetables such as, spring greens, kale, broccoli, cauliflower leaves, dandelions and fresh herbs. Small amounts of safe fruits and carrot can be given as a treat occasionally.
Fresh water should be provided every day. Always make sure your rabbits’ have access to ceramic water bowls, as this will encourage a more natural way for them to drink and prevent them from taking in too much air from water bottles. Bottles are good for travel and as a back-up.
