Ways to look after your rabbit's health

Rabbits are sensitive, intelligent animals and can make lovely pets. Because they are easily stressed, they are best looked after by teenagers and adults, or by children with constant supervision.

Here are some tips on looking after your pet rabbit.

Daily care and company

Rabbits need to be checked on at least twice a day. Rabbits left alone for long periods can become unhappy, and may develop problem behaviour.

Rabbits are social animals and struggle when they live alone. Ideally, keep two rabbits together. A companion helps keep them happy, entertained and active.

A small hutch on its own is not enough. Rabbits need space to run, jump, stand up on their back legs and explore every day.

A healthy diet and weight

Most of your rabbit's diet should be good-quality hay or grass, available at all times, plus a small daily portion of rabbit pellets and some safe leafy greens. Fresh water should always be available too. Feeding scraps is not a suitable diet for a rabbit.

Rabbits can easily become overweight if they eat the wrong food or don't get enough exercise. Being overweight can lead to other health problems, including breathing difficulties, low energy, poor muscle tone and difficulty moving around. Ask your vet if you are unsure whether your rabbit is a healthy weight.

If your rabbit stops eating or stops passing droppings, contact your vet straight away. This can be an emergency in rabbits.

Toys, play and training

Rabbits are playful and can learn simple tricks and commands. Many can even be trained to use a litter tray.

You could teach your rabbit to hop over low jumps or sit up for a small, healthy treat. Training is fun for you both and keeps your rabbit active.

Spending half an hour a day playing with your rabbit, doing whatever they enjoy, is a great way to keep them entertained and encourage exercise.

A variety of safe toys to play with and chew helps keep them busy and active.

Digging

Wild rabbits dig tunnels and burrows, and digging is a natural behaviour for pet rabbits too. You probably don't want your rabbit digging up your garden, so give them a place where they can dig, such as a large box filled with soil or child-safe sand.

Keep their home interesting

Rabbits can get bored easily. Rearrange their enclosure and add new tunnels, platforms and hiding places from time to time to keep them interested. Changing where their play area is now and then also gives them new things to explore.

For more advice on caring for pets, see our pet advice.