How to care for a rabbit

 

Hutches and Runs

The hutch should be at least big enough for the rabbit to stand on his hindquarters and stretch out and they should at least be able to stretch in all other directions and be able to hop about in.

The rabbit should be able to go outside for exercise as often as possible, in a good-sized run or directly into the garden. Rabbits will dig and burrow and areas must be made escape proof. Also, check that there are no poisonous plants around.

Cleaning

It is very important to keep the hutch and rabbit clean especially during the warmer weather. If hutches are not kept clean, flies will lay their eggs here. 

Maggots

If the rabbit itself has urine scalding or sore areas, these will also attract flies. If not noticed quickly (within hours) the rabbit will become fly blown with maggots that eat away at the flesh. If caught quickly the rabbit may be treated.

Water and hay

Hay and fresh water must always be available for your rabbit.

Feeding

The best diet for a rabbit is grass,

Special hay nets can be purchased or tying a bunch of fresh hay on the cage front also ensures they are provided with their daily amount of fresh clean hay.

 

Sources of nutrition

The following vegetables, plants and weeds are good sources of nutrition:

Basil, Brambles, Broccoli (including leaves), Brussel Sprouts, Carrots and carrot tops, Cauliflower leaves, Celery, Chickweed, Clover, Coriander, Dandelion greens and flowers, Docks, Escarole, Green peppers, Ground elder, Groundsel, Mint, Parsley, Pea pods, Plantain, Radish tops, Raspberry leaves, Romaine lettuce (NOT Iceberg or light coloured leaf), Sow thistle, Spinach and kale (in small quantities), Spring greens and Watercress

Do not over feed on dry food as the rabbit can become overweight and lazy. Naturally, rabbits are grazers, eating large volumes of grass, which is high in fibre, and low in protein and fats. Commercial rabbit diets are often too low in fibre and too high in protein and fat.

Stimulation

Please provide lots of stimulation for the rabbits like flowerpots, balls, and cardboard boxes.

Don’t let the novelty wear off  

Most rabbits that come to Anim-Mates do so because the initial novelty of owning one has worn off. Please please, do not allow this to happen again to them. The more consistent attention and time you spend with your rabbits the more joy they will bring you. They are inquisitive creatures and there is nothing worse than seeing such beautiful creatures left for their short lifespan in a 6ft hutch with no stimulation and attention.

Rescue a rabbit and give them a second chance, rather than buying from a pet shop.