What do rabbits need

While brushing your rabbits, take the time to check their fur for any parasites or dirt, especially under the tail. If the soiled areas are not cleaned, it can lead to a fatal condition called flystrike. When you first obtain your rabbits, their health should be checked, ideally by a veterinarian. A healthy rabbit is alert, has bright eyes and free and easy movement.

Rabbits can live for up to 10 years provided they are well cared for. Rabbits should be vaccinated yearly against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus to protect them against this fatal virus. Rabbits should have regular yearly veterinary check-ups. In addition, you should take your rabbit to the veterinarian if you notice any signs of a problem such as poor appetite, lethargy, weepy eyes, sneezing, diarrhoea or any scratches or cuts. Your rabbits should be desexed to prevent unwanted litters. Therefore, you need to factor in the cost of desexing when you are considering the costs of having rabbits.

Ask a local veterinarian who is experienced in desexing rabbits for indicative costs. During hot weather, rabbits can suffer from heat stress which can easily be fatal. Make sure they have plenty of water and shade, and adequate ventilation. A fan on a low to moderate speed can be placed outside the enclosure on warm days but should not blow directly onto where the rabbit lies.

On very hot days you should keep your rabbit in a cool place inside ideally air-conditioned for the day. Rabbits who are properly socialised including being handled appropriately from a young age tend to be calmer and more confident when handled. They are also more likely to be less stressed and even enjoy being handled if they have been adequately socialised. Rabbits always need to be treated gently, and handled carefully and securely. Even when they are calm and well socialised, sometimes rabbits can panic and may struggle or jump from your arms; this can lead to injuries to the rabbit or person and potential escape.

Rabbits can be easily hurt if they struggle; their spines are particularly prone to injuries, which can be serious, even fatal. This is part of the flight, fight, freeze response and is how some a prey animals react when captured by a predator. Rabbits exhibiting this behaviour are extremely distressed. It is unacceptable to subject rabbits to this kind of treatment.

Rabbits should not be held or lifted by the scruff of their neck; proper gentle handling should be used instead. Appropriate handling will be safer and less distressing to the rabbit. A rabbit must never be lifted or held by the ears.

This is distressing, painful, and cruel, and can also damage the ears. Please see this article for more detail on handling rabbits properly. When you are considering whether to add some rabbit companions to your family, we urge you to consider adopting, as good homes are always needed for the many rabbits being cared for by animal shelters and rescue groups. Reputable shelters and rescue groups will ensure their rabbits are vaccinated and desexed as well as given an overall health and behaviour assessment prior to being available for adoption.

Home Companion Animals Rabbits Can you give me some general advice on caring for my rabbits? Rabbits need the companionship of other rabbits Rabbits are a social species and should not be kept alone, or without at least one other rabbit with whom they are compatible.

Healthy diets. Avoid muesli-style foods as they are associated with health problems. See muesli is unhealthy for rabbits for advice on transferring rabbits to healthier diets. Contact your vet for dietary advice. Root vegetables e. Don't feed other treats as they may harm your rabbits.

The amount they eat and drink monitoring. View the rabbit poo infographic to see why. Find out how to use dietary enrichment to improve your rabbit's welfare. Use a no-waste hayrack or wicker baskets or other hay containers. Toys: Provide a variety of fun toys! Rabbits love toys. Wicker toys, hard plastic toys, hard wooden toys, Cotton Tail Cottages, ramps and play tunnels, bunny fun runs or wicker tents. They have active minds and require play time and a variety of toys for positive stimulation.

They love to adventure and to dig, so give them a healthy outlet for their normal behavior. Diet: Hay is the most important part of the rabbit's diet. We recommend that you feed free choice hays such as timothy, brome and orchard grass; or in very young bunnies, alfalfa hay. In addition, high fiber, high quality pellets may be offered in limited quantities.

In addition the rabbit needs cups of fresh, dark leafy greens daily. Avoid treat foods, high sugar carrots, apples or other fruits. Do not feed so-called gourmet pellets. Rabbits cannot digest those materials and they can cause medical problems. Offer your rabbit high quality food for optimal health. Medical care: Rabbits need to have an experienced rabbit veterinarian. When you first obtain your rabbit, they will need to see a vet for a well bunny check. After this, the rabbit will see a vet as needed for medical care.

When a rabbit is 5 and over, they need to see a vet annually. Learn to spot signs of illness. Common health issues include: fleas, ear mites, intestinal parasites, ear infections, tooth problems, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, GI slowdown "stasis". A rabbit vet will need to be consulted for these medical concerns. In addition, watch for head tilt, balance issues or the inability to hop normally.

Specialized vet care is essential when you have a rabbit. Learn where your nearest rabbit vet is located and make sure you locate your nearest emergency vet, as well.