An example of an RSPCA recommended hutch
Introduction:
An example of an RSPCA recommended hutch
There is a wide variety of rabbit breeds to choose from, all will need special care to maintain a healthy happy life. Many rabbits enjoy being patted & handled, especially if you start from a young age. Rabbits are sociable animals so it is best to consider keeping more than one (preferably desexed).
Housing:
A hutch should serve as part of your rabbits housing but a rabbit also needs exercise outside of the hutch for a few hours each day and natural sunlight regularly. It should be large enough to allow the rabbit to exhibit its normal behaviour, safe & secure from predators. Outdoor hutches need to be rainproof, mosquito proof and avoid extreme weather conditions. At home a “burrow” area for the rabbit to run and hide in should be provided which can be as simple as a box. When rabbits are indoors, be aware of them chewing electrical cords & furniture.
Feeding:
In the wild rabbits eat grass nearly all day. Rabbit’s teeth grow continuously and are worn down by this constant chewing. Many commercial ‘rabbit’ foods do not contain enough fibre. The fibre content of your pet rabbit’s diet should be greater than 18-20% so rabbits need a constant supply of good quality fresh grass or grass hay eg; Timothy, Oaten, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow or Ryegrass hays. (Not Lucerne or clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium). Also feed around 2 packed cups of leafy greens per kg body weight (at least 3 different varieties) per day eg broccoli, cabbage, celery, endive, beet/carrot tops, Brussels sprouts, spinach leaves, Bok Choy, other Asian greens, dark leafed lettuce varieties.
Rabbits should not be fed solely on ‘pellets’ or ‘mixes’ as most are not a balanced diet. If pellets are offered, consider them as treats in small treat sized amounts. There are however some very good products such as ‘Oxbow’ rabbit pellets.
Always have fresh clean water available - preferably from a water bottle type drinker which won’t let the water get dirtied.
Rabbit receiving surgical care
Health & Veterinary Care:
All rabbits need regular health checks and to keep their vaccinations for Calici Virus up to date. Minimum health care should include regular worming, flea control and teeth checks. Any changes in eating, drinking, urination, defecation or weight loss or gain should be checked out with a visit to the vet. Some coats may require regular grooming and nails may need occasional clipping. Rabbits are susceptible to heat stroke very easily in hot weather.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Should I get my rabbit desexed?
Yes. Desexing is recommended for both does and bucks. This may help to prevent disease and decrease territorial and behavioural problems.
2. Can I toilet train my rabbit?
Yes. You can toilet train a rabbit using a litter tray or just a particular area. Suitable litter materials include hay, straw and some cat litters (avoid clay types).
Picking up or handling rabbit properly
3. How do I pick up my rabbit?
When handling a rabbit support the fore & hind quarters from underneath. Never hold a rabbit from its ears. Rabbits can kick out very strongly with their legs & scratch you & also cause themselves serious injury in doing so. See Informed Farmers article: Handling Your Rabbit.
4. Why do rabbits need to eat their droppings?
Rabbits are ‘coprophagic’, meaning they eat some of their own droppings, they eat the soft sticky night droppings. They need to do this to keep their digestive tract healthy.
5. Can I give my rabbit things to chew?
Yes. Providing objects to chew on is a good idea eg wooden chew blocks, old telephone books, etc. If their hutch is wood it may be chewed.
6. What healthy treats can I give my rabbit?
Most fruits, root vegetables (carrot, sweet potato) and capsicum (about 1-2 tablespoons daily) are a healthy treat. The also like fresh herbs like parsley, dandelion, coriander, basil, dill, mint, etc. Never give cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals or chocolate!
