BUNNYSGALORE

Please ask what size rabbit hutch rabbits actually need before purchasing hutches, as many pet shops are selling hutches that

are not adequately sized for rabbits.

RSPCA RECOMMENDED Accommodation

The larger and more interesting you can make the accommodation, generally the better it is. Rabbits have strong back legs and love to run and jump so you need to provide a large enough area for them to do this. They need a secure area because they are good escape artists, often being good diggers and jumpers. They also need protecting from predators.

Minimum Hutch Size: 150cm long, 60cm wide and 60cm high. (6ft x 3ft x 2.6ft)

Minimum Run Size: 2m square.

remember for giant breeds you will need even bigger accomadation

The run needs to have some form of shelter to protect the rabbit from the dampness of the grass, provide shade from the sun and to give the rabbit somewhere to hide. It is a good idea if the hutch is attached to the run although this resticts it from being moved around to fresh grass. The best life for a bunny is that of a house rabbit with access to a secure garden, although it can take a lot of work to make your home rabbit proof as they are great nibblers!

 city pets sewardstone road e4 are always willing to help!

Diet

Rabbits teeth grow an average of 3mm per week so it is extremely important that they have a good diet to keep their mouths healthy. The best diet for a rabbit is one that is as close to its natural diet as possible. Wild rabbits spend 4 - 8 hours a day eating grass and other roughage. This is why their teeth grow so quickly. they have to keep up with the rate that they are worn down from all the chewing that they do. When rabbits spend 10 minutes eating concentrated food straight from a bowl it means their teeth are not worn down quickly enough. This is why many domestic rabbits suffer from dental problems that are very painful for them. As well as causing sores in the mouth, the roots can also grow upwards as well. Sometimes they can protrude through the tear duct which is why sore weepy eyes can be caused by dental problems. All of this is very painful for them, however it is very difficult to tell when a rabbit is in pain as in the wild a rabbit doesn’t like to show pain as this will stand out to predators.

The ‘Hay and Veg’ diet

We feed all our healthy adult rabbits a diet of good quality hay and vegetables. We recommend this diet as it means they have to spend more time eating, so therefore their teeth wear down at the correct rate. It also helps combat boredom as the rabbit is spending more time doing what it should naturally do. Of course grass is also very good but lawnmower clippings must not be fed as they rot down too quickly.

Young, under weight or poorly rabbits we feed ad-lib ‘super rabbit excel’ as well as hay and veg. It is very important that rabbits always have something available to eat as they have complicated digestive systems which stop working if they go for any period of time without food. If you notice your rabbit is quiet, hasn’t eaten or hasn’t passed any dropping you must take it straight to the vet as they deteriorate very quickly.

MAINTANANCE

• Rabbits need fresh food and water daily. They are clean animals and will normally toilet in one area. This should be removed daily. They can be litter trained. 

• Daily access to exercise area

• Rabbits can get fly strike so it is important to check their bottoms daily and clean them if they are sticky.

Before purchasing an animal please think about what you would do when you go on your holidays ?? 

boarding establishments need notice in advance so please look into reputable boarding before commiting yourself to a pet. i hear bunnysgalore is quite good lol :-)

Also consider vaccinations costs and food and equipment costs. Veterinary costs can be costly too so either think about  pet

insurance or whether you can even afford veterinary care - if you can't, you really can't afford a pet.