Rabbit Care

Rabbits should have at least two hours outside of the hutch for exercising each day. Handling them will also be of benefit in keeping them tame. Rabbits also enjoy playing with toys- this keeps them mentally healthy. Rabbit toys can be purchased from most pet-supply stores.

Using a firm brush to remove dead hairs, tangles and pieces of garden matter should form part of your daily routine. Grass seeds can commonly become stuck in their eyes, ears and nose, causing irritation or even infection. Check your rabbit’s rear end daily to make sure it is clean and dry, if soiled it is very prone to fly strike.

Feeding and nutrition is the most important factor in making sure your rabbit stays healthy. Many commercial rabbit foods don’t contain enough fibre (18 – 20% is required) and are too high in fats and sugars. Rabbits are herbivores so their diet should consist almost entirely of vegetable matter. Pellets and mixes should not form a main part of the diet. Grass or hay is an essential dietary component to ensure your rabbit’s health.

Apart from providing a high fibre diet, chewing hay wears down their continuously-growing teeth and keeps them occupied, preventing boredom. Ideally, feed your bunny 85% hay and 15% veggies such as Asian greens or endive (lettuce and cabbage can cause diarrhoea).

Treats such as fruits, root veggies (carrots), capsicum and pellets should only be offered in small amounts (1 – 2tablespoons per day per rabbit). Fresh water should always be available using both a drip feed bottle and an open container.

Routine veterinary care for rabbits includes vaccination against calicivirus and desexing (females can become quite aggressive when mature and are very prone to reproductive cancers). Like all animals, rabbits should have regular veterinary checks, especially to check their teeth and claws.