Caring for a RabbitAdvantages of owning a rabbit Disadvantages of owning a rabbit They can become aggressive. They can be destructive though this is less likely if your rabbit is desexed. They can be hurt if handled incorrectly.
Interesting facts Sexual maturity is reached between 4 and 8months. Gestation is from 28 to 32 days, with usually 4-12 bunnies per litter. Weaning age is 6 weeks. Housing Rabbits are social animals and should be provided with a companion. You can keep litter mates together but desex them if they are of opposite sexes. Neutering rabbits reduces the risk of fighting and thus injuries. Outdoor Provide an area of shade and protection from wind and rain. The hutch should be big enough to allow your rabbit to stretch upright and to hop around. The general rule is 3-4 “hop” lengths long. Good ventilation is necessary to prevent chest infections. Keep wild rabbits away. Often they are carriers of HVD and myxo. Rabbits need to graze and exercise. But rememeber, they burrow!
Inside Provide a secure area where your rabbit can flee if nervous and where it can be locked away if required. Exercise should be encouraged. Rabbits can learn to use cat-flaps and litter trays. Rabbits will chew, so provide toys and protect electrical cables.
Diet Fresh grass and good quality grass hay straw. Straw can double as bedding. Good quality commercial diet with about 15% protein. Fresh fruit and vegies ie. carrot, apple, root vegies etc. Rabbits LOVE sweet food, but sugar rich treats should be avoided. Most commercially available rabbit and guinea pig mixes and pellets are not nutritionally balanced. For more advice on feeding your rabbit please contact the clinic. Always ensure the water bottle is full and replenish it with fresh water regularly.
Handling a rabbit Be sensible. Keep in mind that if it is not feeling secure, a rabbit may kick out with its hind legs and potentially injure its spine. Never pick up a rabbit by the ears!
Myxomatosis To protect rabbits from myxomatosis it is necessary to mosquito-proof their cage. This can be done by covering their cage in mosquto netting and attaching a “rid” pest strip. Vaccinations - Unfortunately we are not allowed to vaccinate against myxomatosis. This is a deadly respiratory disease spread by blood sucking insects such as fleas and mosquitos. So keep your outdoor rabbit protected by fly-wire and keep wild rabbits away.
- HVD stands for haemorrhagic viral diarrhea or rabbit calicivirus. It causes diarrhea and sudden death. Please make an appointment to see us about appropriate annual vaccination protocols for your pet rabbit.
External parasites such as lice and fleas can be killed using Advantage. Your rabbit should have an annual health check up. Back to Choosing a Pet
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