RABBIT CARE

Food -

Rabbits eat a variety of rabbit foods, fruit and vegetables.  There are many different rabbit foods available from local pet store which include supreme & deluxe mix's. They can also eat grass & hay which is a important part in there diet.  DO NOT feed your rabbit a lot of fruit & Veg as this can cause problems for your rabbit.

Recommended Vegetables & Fruit  -

• Celery - strings removed

• Alfalfa sprouts

• Carrots

• Herbs - Basil, Parsley

• Dandelion Flowers and leaves - Untreated

• Radish tops

• Broccoli - mostly stems & leaves

• Pears

• Banana

• Apple - No core or seeds

• Grapes - No seeds

• Plums

• Strawberries        
   

Cabbage , Cauliflower, Potatoes, Green Beans should be avoided as they cause bloating and excess gas for your rabbit.

Water -

Make sure your rabbit always as fresh water available.  Plastic water bottles are available from local pet shops, Make sure when you fit your water bottle your rabbit is available to reach it.  Make sure the bottle is cleaned out daily with fresh water.

Housing -

Rabbits can live in or outdoor.  The exact amount of space needed depends on the size of your rabbit, but the more space the better.  Your rabbit cage / hutch must be able to fit a hide away - all outdoor hutches are provided with one. You must also make sure you have the following -

• Water Bottle

• Food Dish

• Sawdust

• Hay

• Straw

• Shredded paper can also be used as bedding

Make sure when putting a hutch outside its kept off the ground to stop and damp.  All hutches should be cleaned out on a weekly basis, If the hutch starts to smell and stain you can buy a disinfection spray from any pet shop.

Handling -

Never pick your rabbit up by there ears or scruff of neck. follow these steps -

• one hand under there rid cage

• other hand around the back legs

• make sure your rabbits feet are well supported

• hold your rabbit against your body with there head on your chest or shoulder

Exercise -

You can exercise your rabbit by buying a rabbit run or by making one.  If you have a secured garden your rabbit can be let out to run around make sure water and shelter is available.

NEVER leave your rabbit unattended whilst loose.

Rabbits need daily exercise as they can become bored and destructive.

Health -

Rabbits are generally healthy creative as long as there habitat is kept clean and their food and water is fresh.  If you notice any abnormal symptoms which include -

• Diarrhoea

• Breathing difficulties

• Hair loss

• Head tilt

• Lumps

You should speak to your Veterinarian.

Grooming & Nail Trimming -

A soft brush should be used for grooming.  Rabbits do not require baths there meticulous groomers.  If a dirty patch your rabbit can not reach themselves can be spot cleaned with mild soapy water.

Rabbits nails need to be trimmed about every six weeks.  Care must be taken when cutting nails, Avoid cutting any blood vessel in the centre of the nail called the quick.  The vessel should be clearly visible in good daylight if your rabbits nails aren't black.  You can get your rabbit or any rabbit expert to show you how to cut your rabbits nails yourself.

Spraying & Neutering -

Having surgery done will prevent any unwanted litters it can also prevent -

• Litter training easy

• Rabbits from spraying urine to mark territory

• Decrease aggressive such as belting, lunging, circling and growling

• Prevent Cancers from development in later life

Neutering can be done from 14/16 weeks for bucks and cost around £25-£30. Does can be done around 5/6 months and will cost around £35-£40.  Its possible for rabbits to start breeding at 4 months, so prior to op you should separate your rabbits.

Injections -

There are 2 Vaccinations for rabbits -

• Myxomatosis

• Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD)

They should be given at 12weeks and then annually thereafter.