To celebrate Rabbit Awareness Week 2022 (27 June – 1 July), our Pets Corner team have put together some information on caring for rabbits and how you can make sure your bunnies stay hoppy and healthy!
Environment
Make a happy home for your rabbits by providing an enclosure at least 3m x 2m x 1m.
Places to hide help your rabbit feel more secure and platforms to climb on and tunnels to run through provide great exercise too!
Rabbits kept outdoors also need a dry, cosy, sheltered area to stay warm. In the summer months they also need a cool shaded area to prevent them getting too hot.
Interactive toys that your rabbit can chew or toss are great fun and an area to dig is always a must!
Diet
Hay or grass should form at least 85% of your rabbits diet, high fibre forage is really important to keep their digestive systems healthy.
Leafy green vegetables should make up around 10% of a rabbits daily diet.
A small amount of good quality pelleted food should be given to ensure your rabbit receives all their vitamins and minerals. Scatter feeding or using a treat ball is a great way to provide feeding enrichment.
Fruits and starchy vegetable like carrots should only be given in small amounts as treats, they are high in sugars, which can cause digestive upsets!
Companionship
All rabbits should have suitable company in the form of another rabbit, other species do not make suitable companions as they can cause injury, spread disease and they don’t speak the same language!
A neutered male and female make the best pairing, or they can be kept in groups. Rescue centres often have single bunnies looking for companions.
A bonded pair of rabbits will groom and play with each other, as well as helping each other feel secure and snuggling up together for warmth.
Healthcare
Rabbits require annual vaccinations against Myxomatosis, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases (RVHD1& 2). At the same time they should also have a veterinary health check!
It is advised to get pet rabbits neutered, this stops any unwanted pregnancies and can prevent health problems later in life.
Daily observations and regular health checks are also very important to spot any issues or changes in behaviour which could indicate illness. You should always speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your pet!
Behaviour
A happy rabbit is one who feels safe and relaxed in their environment, they may stretch out and ‘flop’ on the ground, or binky with joy!
It is important we learn to read our rabbits body language, as this is how they communicate with us, we should also interact with them on their level to make them feel more secure.
Enrichment such as foraging for food, dig boxes or tunnel systems allow our rabbits to exhibit some of their natural behaviours and variety prevents boredom!
We rely on your donations to keep caring for our rabbits in the best way possible. Donate today and include #RAW in your comment and your contribution will go towards our bunnies and their enclosure.
