CARING FOR YOUR RABBIT

Feeding

• Rabbits are herbivores (plant eaters) so a diet high in fibre is required. They should be fed a diet of 80% grass, good quality wheat or oat hay, and 20% a variety of vegetables such as carrot, broccoli, spinach and parsley. Avoid celery and lettuce as they are of little nutritional value. Commercially available pelleted diets can be used for up to 10% of the diet.
• Dietary restrictions in pet rabbits can lead to furpulling and destructive behaviour such as gnawing of carpets, furniture, shoes and wires.
• All food and water should be fresh and changed daily.
• Do not give sugary treats.
• Chew toys such as commercially available dog-chews, well-boiled meat bones or wood sticks should also be available to help prevent overgrown incisor teeth.

Health Care

• A vaccination against Calicivirus is required at 12-14 weeks of age and a booster at 16-18 weeks and then every year for life.

• Desexing is recommended, particularly for female rabbits, to help prevent unwanted litters and the development of uterine cancer later in life.
• Rabbits are prone to hairballs so a high fibre diet is essential to help prevent them occurring. Brush daily to remove excess hair.

Housing

· Rabbits can be kept indoors or outdoors provided they are protected from the extremes of heat and cold. They are extremely sensitive to heatstroke and temperatures above 26ºC should be avoided. 18-22º C is optimum.

· If the hutch or cage is made of wire, ensure that at least half of the floor area is covered with towelling, plexiglass or wood to prevent foot trauma and a condition called "sore hocks". A concealed area is also important to allow the rabbit to feel secure.

· Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box and this should be changed daily to prevent urine scalding.

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