Rabbits Need Protection Too!
March 29, 2023Rabbits are increasing in popularity as pets. It’s easy to see why, as their small size and unique personalities make them an ideal companion. When it comes to husbandry and healthcare though, rabbits aren’t as straightforward as many people think. However, with the right advice and care they can be a very rewarding pet.
The first thing to consider when getting a rabbit is where they are going to live. Rabbits can be kept outdoors or indoors. If you choose to keep your rabbit indoors, as a house rabbit, it is important to allow them enough space to run around and stretch their legs. At the same time, they need to be kept away from things that could harm them such as other pets, open fireplaces/wood burners or electrical wires. They should also have somewhere to hide when they need their own space, such as a hutch or large cage with a sheltered section. Any cage or hutch should always be tall enough for them to stand on their back legs and wide enough for them to lay fully stretched out.
Outdoor rabbits should be housed in a hutch that provides shelter from sunlight, wind, rain and cold. They should also be secure against any predators such as foxes, cats and birds of prey. Rabbits are prey animals and can die from shock if they are overstressed. The hutch should have a bed area, where they can hide, with plenty of warm, clean and dry bedding material such as straw or hay. In winter extra bedding material can be provided for added warmth. It is important, as mentioned previously for house rabbits, that the hutch is big enough. The bedding should be kept clean and dry all year round, but especially in warm conditions as they can attract flies and get flystrike easily. Litter tray training can be useful for both outdoor and indoor rabbits to keep their house clean.
In addition to a hutch or similar, rabbits need a big space, such as a run, to stretch their legs and keep active during the day. Again, this should be secure against predators and provide somewhere sheltered to hide if they can’t access their hutch. While supervised, rabbits may be able to roam freely in secure gardens but be aware that not all plants are rabbit friendly. Any harmful or toxic plants should be kept out of reach or fenced off. Toys such as tunnels, platforms and balls can help keep your rabbit entertained and encourage them to keep active.
Rabbits are extremely social animals and so, where possible, they should be bought and kept in pairs. Buying young rabbits together is the best way to ensure they get along well, although if done carefully and slowly rabbits can be introduced at any age. Although some people believe that guinea pigs make good companions for rabbits, most rabbits prefer company of the same species.
In all cases where rabbits are kept in pairs neutering is recommended. Males and females will quickly multiply if left entire, while male-male or female-female combinations can be prone to fighting if left un-neutered. Neutering not only resolves any behavioural or mating issues but also reduces the risk of many health conditions such as certain cancers and infections.
Feeding is an important part of keeping your rabbit fit and healthy. Rabbits have a unique digestive tract, so keeping them on a suitable diet is essential. Most of their diet should be made up of good quality forage, such as hay, that can be easily purchased in pet shops. Some fresh vegetables and grass can be provided for extra enrichment. Pelleted rabbit food can also be given, but should be measured out and fed according to your rabbit’s size. Pelleted food is very dense in calories and can lead to weight gain or reduce their intake of hay. Muesli style food should be avoided as many rabbits will pick out the bits they like and so not receive the correct nutritional balance. Overfeeding should be avoided as overweight rabbits are more at risk of developing health conditions.
Just like cats and dogs, rabbits require annual vaccinations and veterinary checks. The main rabbit diseases we vaccinate for in the UK are myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD, strains 1 and 2). These are very unpleasant and generally incurable diseases that are easily contracted from wildlife or biting insects (so even indoor rabbits are potentially at risk). Prevention is essential as they are often unfortunately fatal. Vaccinations and annual boosters allow our vets to give your rabbit a general physical exam and check they are in good health.
Aside from vet visits you should be checking your rabbit daily for signs of ill health. Daily handling or grooming will enable you to notice any lumps and bumps before they become big enough to cause any issues. It is also important to check your rabbit’s teeth on a regular basis. Rabbits’ teeth grow constantly throughout their life and are kept the correct length as they wear against each other when they chew food. However, poor tooth alignment in many rabbit breeds can cause teeth to overgrow and go on to cause further problems such as mouth ulcers. If noticed early our vets can burr down the teeth under general anaesthetic before they cause any issues. Other signs to look for are lack of appetite, diarrhoea, runny eyes or runny noses. If you notice any of these signs, then contact one of our vets as soon as possible.
Checking all over your rabbit daily is essential in warm conditions, as any small scratches or fur soiling can lead to a condition called flystrike. Flystrike occurs when adult flies lay their eggs on your rabbit, resulting in maggots hatching and burrowing into the skin. The condition is extremely painful and requires intensive treatment that is only effective when caught early enough. Although flystrike can happen at any time of year, most cases happen over summer due to the warmer weather. Obese and elderly animals are particularly at risk as they can be incontinent, inflexible and/or arthritic, so unable to clean themselves. Keeping hutches clean and dry, as well as cleaning any soiled fur is the best method to prevent flystrike. If your rabbit is particularly at risk from flystrike then there are fly repellent products available, our vets would be happy to help.
Overall, rabbits are a popular pet that, if cared for correctly, can be very rewarding. Special attention needs to be paid to ensuring they have good companionship as well as a suitable diet and environment. If you have any questions about rabbit healthcare or husbandry, then do not hesitate to get in touch as our vets would be happy to answer any questions.
