Pet Advice for Rabbits

Here you will find a collection of useful information and guides to enable you to care for your bunny buddies and make the most of the rewarding experience of rabbit ownership.

Basic Guide

This rabbit welfare page is a fantastic start: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/think-you-want-a-rabbit/

5 Welfare needs:

Here are some tips on the Five Welfare Needs of rabbits

As the UK’s legal requirement, they set out exactly what’s needed to look after your rabbits in the best way you can.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/five-welfare-needs/

Housing:

We refer to the RWAF size guidelines for rabbit runs. It recommends a minimum area of 10ft x 6ft x 3ft for a pair of rabbits to be able to live in the way that they should. Great living spaces can be created by adapting an old wooden playhouse or small shed, with a cat flap for handy access to their safe and secure run. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/outdoor-housing/

There are more and more owners, that are enjoying the company of indoor rabbits too. They can have a very fulfilling life if the set up is right for them. Please read the information in the following link… https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/indoor-housing/

Diet:

Unlimited amounts of hay and water. Safe plants and vegetables in small portions. Limit fruit to occasional treats, only once or twice a week. Good quality food Pellets are always advised, to give them a good nutritional balance of what they need (muesli, although it looks more interesting, encourages selective eating, obesity, and is not recommended)

Companionship:

We never rehome rabbits to live alone as they need the company of at least one other of their own species. It is sometimes as good idea to have a group of three or more as some may not cope well with loosing its companion and being left alone. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/companionship/

Health:

All Rabbits should be vaccinated annually for Myxomatosis and RVHD 1& 2. Whilst at the Vets they usually get a quick weight check and general health check, which is always reassuring. All rabbits adopted from Lincs Ark will have been neutered and have in date vaccinations. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/vaccines/

Keep an eye on their behaviour and their droppings, because they will often give you a clue if something is wrong. If a Rabbit stops eating it is a sign something is wrong, their digestion is permanently working and can slow down or stop if there is nothing for it to process. Always ring or take them to the Vet if you are worried.

Rabbits are naturally clean animals, clean them out regularly to prevent illness and pest worries, but if they get to be overweight, they can have difficulty keeping themselves clean and this can lead to Flystrike which can be fatal if not treated quickly enough. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/flystrike-in-rabbits/

For detailed information on more common diseases and illnesses, please refer to: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/latest-guidelines/

Litter Training:

Use wood litter pellets and cover with a sprinkle of hay. Pop a small amount of their droppings in the tray and they should get the idea that this is their toilet. (cross shredded paper is a good alternative) If they do droppings in more than one area, they may need more than one litter tray.

If you need to de scent any unwanted odours, you can use white vinegar mixed with water. See more here

We are building this page at the moment and content is being added regularly. If your question is not answered here please refer to the Best for Bunny, Rabbit Awareness Week or Rabbit Welfare sites for helpful information.