Rabbits are one of the most neglected pets in the UK, leaving many of them in rescue centres. Remember that it is always best to adopt a rescue rabbit rather than buy from a shop or breeder. http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk
Standard breeds of rabbits can live to around 6-10 years old, whereas dwarf breeds can live to around 10-14 years old. Some rabbits may not reach these average ages, this is mainly down to the rabbit's breed, size or genetics. As rabbits are prey animals, when health issues occur it can somtimes be difficult to spot when somthing is wrong, so signs can often go undetected. Sadly, when these health issues arise, rabbits can go downhill quickly. Rabbits are very social animals so are usually happiest kept in pairs (although some prefer to live alone), they need plenty of space and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. If you have outdoor rabbits, you can keep them in a converted outdoor building such as a shed, garage or playhouse so that they have plently of space to roam. If your garden is not big enough for this it's best to keep your bunnies in a double hutch, at least 6ft in length with a run attached. All rabbits kept in hutches should have access to a run or pen for most of the day. Rabbits should not be left to roam freely around a garden unsupervised as they may escape, they may be unsafe from predators and they may eat plants which are poisonous to them. If your rabbits live indoors you can keep them in a small room to roam. If this is not possible, make sure you indoor rabbit is kept in a cage at least 160cm long with a pen attached. Indoor rabbits should be supervised when free roaming in rooms with electric wires or house plants (as are often poisonous if eaten) they are also known to chew carpets and wall paper! |
Rabbits claws must be clipped every couple of weeks to months (depending on growth time) to avoid them becoming over-grown, they should be at a similar length as the one shown in the picture. When over-grown they can curl and become painful for the bunny to stand on. You can do this yourself with ordinary nail clippers or take your bunny to the vets, I am also happy to clip claws for boarding rabbits and guinea pigs. It is important that rabbits always have something to chew on such as cardboard, twigs or wood as their teeth constantly grow. Eating plenty of hay and grass will also help to keep their teeth down. Check your rabbits teeth regularly to make sure that they are not over-grown, if they are your bunny will need to be taken to the vet for dental surgery. Spaying and neutering rabbits can have huge health benefits as it significantly reduces the risk of cancers, can stop aggressiveness towards owners and other rabbits, stop them from spraying and mounting and also obviously means no unwanted litters. |
Rabbit Winter Care
Rabbits will need to build up their winter coat to remain outside during winter. If you have brought your bunny indoors over winter, do not put them back outside until the weather has warmed up as they will not have grown their winter coat whilst living indoors. Unlike guinea pigs, most rabbits are able to remain outdoors during winter, with the exception of elderly rabbits or rabbits who normally live indoors. It is best to keep outdoor rabbits in an outbuilding during winter such as a shed or garage so that their hutch is protected from any wind, snow or frost. If this is not possible, it is best to make sure that the hutch is sheltered and to cover it over with a sheet such as thick tarpaulin or a hutch cover to keep off frost. Rabbits in pairs or groups are able to snuggle together for body warmth. You can cover water bottles with bottle snugs to stop them freezing. Here are some other ways to keep your outdoor bunnies warmer in winter:
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Rabbit Summer Care
Rabbits don't always cope well in the heat, so during summer make sure your rabbit's home and run is always shaded. It is best to give them a bowl and bottle of fresh water so that they have plenty. If they are housed in an outbuilding you can also use electric fans to keep them cool. During a heatwave, it is best to bring rabbits indoors during the day. . Here are some other ways to keep your outdoor bunnies cooler in summer:
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