Caring for your rabbit

Rabbits can be rewarding family pets, but they are prey animals that usually dislike being picked up, so they aren't ideal for young children. They need more care than many people expect, so make sure you have the time, space and money before you bring them home.

Company

Rabbits are sociable and enjoy the company of other rabbits. Rabbits should live with at least one other neutered rabbit. A rabbit kept alone can become lonely and bored.

Mixed-breed rabbits can make just as loving companions as any particular breed.

Bringing rabbits home

A young rabbit should be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before leaving its mother.

Housing

Rabbits need space to run, jump, stretch up on their back legs and behave naturally. A rabbit kept in a small space can become unhappy and frustrated, and may develop health problems.

Give your rabbits a secure enclosure of at least about 3m x 2m x 1m high, with a hutch or shelter permanently attached so they can come and go as they choose. The shelter should include a private area where they can rest and hide.

If your rabbits live outdoors:

• place the enclosure out of direct sun, rain and strong winds
• add extra bedding and protection from the weather in colder months
• use strong locks and secure mesh to keep out predators

If your rabbits live indoors, make the space safe. Keep cables out of reach, and keep houseplants out of reach too, as some are toxic to rabbits.

Bedding and cleaning

Use clean, dust-free bedding such as good-quality straw. Remove droppings and wet bedding every day.

Take extra care in warm weather. Flies lay eggs on soiled fur and bedding, and the maggots can eat into a rabbit's skin. This is called flystrike and can be fatal. Check your rabbits' bottoms at least once a day in warm weather, and contact a vet straight away if you see maggots.

Many rabbits can learn to use a litter tray. Put a large tray in the area they choose as a toilet.

Diet

Fresh grass and good-quality hay should make up most of the diet. Never feed lawnmower clippings.

Feed unlimited hay or grass, a handful of fresh leafy greens and herbs daily, and a small measured portion of rabbit pellets. Carrots and fruit are treats only. Avoid muesli-style foods.

Make sure your rabbits always have fresh water.

Grooming

Don't bath your rabbit. Brush long-haired rabbits daily and ask your vet if they get a dirty bottom.

Daily health checks

A healthy rabbit is bright and alert. Check your rabbits every day for changes in their behaviour, body or appetite. Signs that something may be wrong include:

• discharge from the eyes, ears or nose
• a dirty or wet bottom
• drooling, or difficulty eating, which can be a sign of dental problems
• weight loss

Dental problems are common in rabbits, so ask your vet to check their teeth at each visit. Weigh your rabbits regularly to keep track of their weight.

A rabbit that stops eating, or stops passing droppings, needs a vet straight away. This can become life-threatening quickly.

Vaccinations

Your rabbit should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and both strains of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RHD1 and RHD2). Ask your vet about boosters. Regular health checks with your vet are an important part of caring for your rabbit.

Exercise and play

Rabbits need daily exercise and things to do. Give them safe items to chew and play with, such as untreated willow or apple wood, along with tunnels, boxes and places to dig.

Handling and bonding

Every rabbit is different. Some enjoy being stroked, while others prefer to be left alone. Rabbits feel safest on the ground, so sit or lie on the floor and let them come to you.

Rabbits are not fond of being picked up and lifted into the air. It is not natural for a rabbit to have its paws off the ground. Gentle, regular handling from a young age helps them feel more relaxed with people.

If you do need to pick up your rabbit, slide one hand under their chest between the front legs and support their back end with your other arm. Never pick a rabbit up by the neck or ears. Put them down gently, back legs first.