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RABBIT INFORMATION

Rabbits are friendly animals and make wonderful companions. However, they need to be treated gently and are not fond of rough games.

Rabbits live for around 10 years and although quite friendly to humans, they may be quite aggressive to each other. In the wild they are able to move away from each other if they don’t get on, but in captivity where they are confined, fighting may break out or the more dominant rabbit may prevent the other from feeding.

In theses circumstances it is necessary to separate the rabbits and give them their own hutch.

Rabbits are easily tamed and can be let loose in the house or backyard for short periods. However, it is best to provide them with a permanent house that has both sunny and shady areas.

Housing

A rabbit house is called a hutch. Constructions of rabbit hutches vary greatly but there are a few important rules to remember when building or purchasing one:

It should provide enough room to house your rabbit comfortably (a minimum size is about 1 meter long and 60 cm wide) and have a good weatherproof area

A removable lid is essential for proper cleaning and bedding in the form of wood shavings or shredded paper should be provided

The hutch should have a concrete or wire base because rabbits are excellent burrowers and will escape easily.

It should provide a safe haven from predatory animals such as cats.

Hutches should be screened against insects as Myxomatosis is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito.

Myxomatosis, this disease is always fatal to rabbits and there is no treatment or vaccination available. Affected rabbits show signs of mucky eyes and swelling of the head with breathing difficulty. It is spread by mosquitoes, insects and direct contact with infected rabbits.

Calicivirus has been introduced into Australia to reduce the wild rabbit population but it is also fatal to pet rabbits. Vaccinations are available to protect pets and if your rabbit has not been vaccinated, you should contact us to make arrangements for vaccination as soon as possible.

Feeding Rabbits

According to David Vella, Veterinary exotics specialist, feeding is the single most important factor in maintaining a healthy rabbit. Commercial pellets and mixes should NOT be the staple diet of a pet rabbit. These foods do not fulfil the nutritional requirements of rabbits. They can be fed as treats but only in ‘treat’ quantities.

Ideal rabbit foods are:

  1. Constant supply of fresh grass – remember, in the wild, rabbits eat grass!
  2. Hay except lucerne hay – they provide sufficient roughage and keeps them chewing for healthy teeth
  3. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, celery, lettuce, spinach, etc
  4. Herbs such as parsley, dandelion, coriander, basil and dill
  5. Treats such as fruits, root vegetables(carrot and sweet potato) and capsicum – remember to feed these in small quantities (1 tablespoon per day)
  6. DO NOT FEED cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, bread, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereal or chocolate
  7. Keep the diet consistent – if changes are necessary, make them gradual over a few weeks
  8. Make fresh water available at all times, preferably from a water bottle style drinker.

Handling

Rabbits enjoy being handled but you must never pick them up by their ears. When travelling with a rabbit, make sure it is placed inside a pet carrier like a cat cage.

 A well cared for rabbit will provide your family with years of enjoyment. 

Contact BVH on (02) 4285 5210 if you should have any queries about your rabbit.