Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is just one of many centres across the country being overwhelmed with unwanted rabbits – with fewer people coming forward to offer them new homes.
The RSPCA has reported a national rabbit breeding crisis, with rescue centres across the country being inundated with rabbits. Last year, RSPCA branches nationally dealt with 1,942 unwanted rabbits.
We’re seeing that play out here in Bristol – last year we saw a 33% increase in rabbits being brought to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre compared to 2021, and double what we took in 2020. It’s too early to tell what the figures will be like for this year, but it looks like we are on course to surpass that even further.
There are currently 19 rabbits in our care (usually for this time of year we’d house 5 – 8 rabbits) and more arriving every week. Many of them have come into our care after being abandoned in groups.
They have been found in bags, boxes and cages in places where they can only have been dumped and left in danger. Within the groups, many of them are arriving pregnant or with young babies. The youngest we are currently caring for is just five weeks old.
A single female rabbit can produce up to 30 babies in breeding season (which is usually February until late summer) and they can be mated and become pregnant again within hours of giving birth.
“It’s hard to pinpoint one particular reason for the sudden influx. One element could be the cost of living crisis – rabbits are not a cheap pet to keep and they require more care than most people initially realise,” said Jodie Hayward, Animal Home Manager at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.
“Some owners may not be able to afford neutering, or perhaps have adopted a male and a female without realising and then finding that they end up with babies they cannot care for. Our advice to anyone adopting pairs of rabbits is to take them to the vet as soon as possible to check their genders and have them neutered,” she added.
Frequently asked rabbit questions
“Rabbits are highly inquisitive and intelligent animals and they make fantastic pets. Many people don’t realise what’s involved in caring for them, however,” said Fabienne Gould, Animal Care Supervisor and resident rabbit expert at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions people ask us about rabbits.
How long do rabbits live?
Rabbits can live for eight to 12 years, meaning they’re quite a big responsibility for anyone wishing to take them on.
Are they suited to living with children?
They 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.
If I already have a rabbit, can I adopt another one?
Introducing rabbits to each other can be a wonderful experience if you approach it in the right way. All single rabbits should be introduced gradually, however, and it can take weeks/months to fully bond them. You can find tips for bonding rabbits on our blog here.
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.
