Feeding
The main component of a mature rabbit’s diet should be grass hay. This is available at Newport Pet Store.
Using hay as a litter box is ideal -it cushions the rabbit’s feet and helps them stay dry. To supplement the hay, feed a daily salad of dark green leafy vegetables approximately the size of your bunny’s head twice daily.
Rabbit pellets/grain mixes should only be given in very limited quantities (approx ¼ cup per 2.5kg body weight). The unrestricted feeding of pellets and grains leads to obesity, intestinal problems and bladder sludge. When choosing a mix select a very plain one; do not be tempted by ones containing seeds, nuts, corn and molasses. These ingredients can be unhealthy and dangerous for your rabbit
Desexing
Desexing of both male and female rabbits is highly recommended.
Rabbits can have a litter every 30 days and can get pregnant within minutes after giving birth.
Desexing also
- protects female rabbits from uterine cancer (50-80% develop this)
- allows males and females to live together comfortably
- stops a lot of territorial aggression (biting, urine marking and thumping of feet often displayed towards humans).
The surgery is usually performed between 4 and 6 months of age.
Litter box training
Rabbits can be easily litter box trained — but you and your rabbit must negotiate this process.
Start in a small area. Watch to see which corner the rabbit wants to use for urination, place a litter box there.
Some rabbits need several litter boxes to start.
Wood shavings are not recommended for use with rabbits. Inhaled phenols in the shavings cause liver disease.
Clay litters (clumping or non clumping) are also not recommended. They can clump in the rabbit’s intestines and can cause respiratory problems.
Make a safe environment
Be sure to ‘bunny proof’ the areas where your bunny will exercise. Many will chew electrical wires, carpeting and other household objects.
Never attempt to punish or discipline a rabbit
These tactics will often create fear and defensive biting. If you need help with a behaviour problem please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit www.rabbit.org
Rabbits are not recommended for small children.
Rabbits are easily frightened by children’s handling and can be dropped resulting in broken legs and backs. An adult should always be the rabbit’s primary caretaker and should carefully supervise any children interacting with the rabbit. It is recommended that children are sitting down on the ground while handling the rabbit.
Rabbits need veterinarians skilled in rabbit medicine.
At Hobsons Bay Vet Clinic we proud to have a special interest in bunnies and their families. Please feel free to contact us with any queries.
Rabbits that are not eating and/or have watery diarrhoea should be taken to a vet urgently as these signs are considered to be a potential emergency.
Vaccination of rabbits against calicivirus is highly recommended. Calicivirus is spread through insect bites and causes sudden death. Vaccination is given at 4, 8 and12 weeks of age and then 6 monthly. There is no vaccination in Australia for Myxomatosis-for this reason it is important to protect your rabbit from mosquitoes.
If you have any questions about rabbit care please contact us.