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Thinking of getting a rabbit?
 Contrary to common belief, rabbits are not a cheap, easy option.
They require a lot of care and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Rabbits can live for 8-10 years, so they are a long-term commitment.
Before you make your decision, it is important to consider the following:
- Not all rabbits are friendly. Many will kick, scratch
and bite, and they are not suitable as pets for young children. Given
time and commitment, however, they can be very interesting and rewarding
companions for adults or for families with older children.
- Rabbits are sociable creatures and should not be expected to
live solitary lives. They are usually happiest living in pairs
(neutered male and female combinations seem to work best) or they
can even live in groups. A single rabbit will need lots of attention
from its human companion. It is extremely cruel to keep a rabbit
in solitary confinement in a hutch at the bottom of your garden.
You wouldn’t do it to a dog or cat, so why treat a rabbit
this way? NB: Rabbits and guinea pigs should not be housed together.
- Spacious accommodation is essential - rabbits need exercise.
Hutches should be at least 5ft wide for small rabbits, and a run
should be provided. Better still, you can keep your bunnies in
the house. This allows more interaction with them, and ensures
that they are kept safe and warm all year round. Don’t forget
to protect electrical wires and valuable pieces of furniture from
those sharp teeth!
- Rabbits are lively and inquisitive, so you need to provide them
with a stimulating environment. Whilst there are many rabbit toys
available, your bunny would be happy with any of the following:
cardboard boxes (with entry holes cut in), cardboard rolls from
toilet paper, untreated wicker baskets, pieces of edible wood (from
apple, pear or willow trees).
- The importance of correct feeding cannot be stressed highly enough,
as poor diet can lead to many serious health problems. Hay/grass
is the most important component of a rabbit’s diet, and should
be freely available at all times. Fresh vegetables should be provided
daily, and a small amount of good quality pellet food can be given.
- Veterinary care can be pricey, so it’s wise to insure your
rabbits. They will also need vaccinations and should be neutered.
If a female rabbit isn’t spayed, she has an 80% chance of
developing uterine cancer by the age of 5 years!
- Daily routine: you must be prepared to clean out your rabbit’s
hutch/living area every day, provide fresh food and water, and
check that your rabbit looks clean and healthy. A sick rabbit can
deteriorate very rapidly, so any health problems need to be checked
out by a vet without delay. If your rabbit has lost his appetite,
he may be suffering from problems with his teeth or his gut. NB:
A rabbit who hasn’t eaten for 12 hours is in serious trouble!
Finally, please adopt your rabbit(s) from a rescue shelter. Thousands
of abandoned bunnies are desperate for loving homes - there is no
need to breed them or buy from pet shops!
This information has been created by The Tufty Fund (www.tuftyfund.org.uk)
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