Environment
a suitable living environment
Diet
a suitable diet
Behaviour
to be able to behave normally
Companionship
to have appropriate companionship
Health
to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
1
Environment
a suitable living environment
2
Diet
a suitable diet
3
Behaviour
to be able to behave normally
4
Companionship
to have appropriate companionship
5
Health
to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Check before you buy
Please consider contacting your local animal rescue/rehoming centre first
Never acquire rabbits solely as pets for a child
Rabbits are rarely cuddly and may bite and scratch if they feel frightened or insecure. As well as people being injured, rabbits can also be easily injured if handled inappropriately. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and similar legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland, a child under the age of 16 cannot have legal responsibility for an animal’s welfare – it is the responsibility of the child’s parents or carers to ensure that the animals’ needs are met
Make sure any rabbits you acquire are lively, alert and not showing any signs of illness or injury
If rabbits have been carefully and gently handled from a young age (10 days onwards) they are more likely to be comfortable with handling as they grow older
However they are unlikely to enjoy being picked up so you should interact with them on ground level where possible
Consider the cost of veterinary care such as annual vaccinations against RVHD1&2 and Myxomatosis, neutering and unexpected illnesses or injuries
You may wish to consider taking out pet insurance to help cover these costs. Remember you will also need to make provisions for care whilst you’re away on holiday
If your rabbits stops eating or is withdrawn you should see a rabbit savvy vet immediately
If your rabbit stops eating for even just a few hours this can be fatal as they need a constant flow of food through their gut
“Starter kits” are not suitable for rabbits
Be prepared to buy or build suitable accommodation – this may cost more than £300. Rabbits need an enclosure measuring at least 3m x 2m x 1m high (10ft x 6ft x 3ft high) which comprises of a shelter with attached run, this will allow them to stretch up fully on their hind legs. Rabbits should have permanent access to all areas of their accommodation. Larger breeds or bigger groups of rabbits will need more space than this.
Indoor rabbits can be trained to use a litter tray and live indoors
However, even after training and “bunnyproofing” some wear and tear on furnishings, and pet hair, is inevitable
As well as a large safe exercise area, rabbits should have items and objects that they can explore and interact with
Tunnels, boxes and sand pits filled with child-friendly sand or earth allow rabbits to hide and dig
Rabbits are highly social animals and should be kept with another (neutered) friendly rabbit
A neutered male with a neutered female is usually a good combination. Please don’t keep a solitary rabbit in a hutch – this meets few of the fundamental needs of the species and results in a bored and distressed animal
Your rabbit will need constant access to good quality dust-free hay to eat and for bedding
Owners should buy different feeding and bedding hays as feeding hay is of better quality. Hay and grass are the most important parts of their diet, as they ensure good dental and digestive health, and they should have constant access to it. 85% of their diet should be grass or a good quality hay, 5% a commercial rabbit pellet, and 10% fresh greens or herbs. Rabbit pellets should be fed in preference to rabbit muesli.
Microchip your rabbit as this provides a safe and permanent method of identification
This will increase the chance of returning your rabbit to you should it escape or be stolen.
Register your new pet with a vet as soon as possible and book them in for regular health checks
Common Scams
Be aware that rabbits with lop ears and short noses are more likely to have expensive dental and other health problems
