subject: How To Keep Your Rabbit Happy And Healthy [print this page] Rabbits make fantastic pets when looked after properly, so here is a guide on how to keep your bunny happy and healthy.
Outdoor housing
Some owners choose to keep their rabbits in a outside hutch, usually in a sheltered part of the garden or in a conservatory. It is important if you intend to keep your pet outside that they have enough warmth in the winter months, and year round shelter for a place to sleep and hide.
Hutches must be large enough that the rabbit can stand on their hind legs and stretch up without a problem, and must also be constructed from materials that are chew-proof and easy to clean.
Indoor housing
Nowadays, more pet owners choose to keep their rabbits indoors. This is usually better for the animal as they become more sociable and usually results in them receiving more affection from you.
As with outside hutches, indoor cages must be large enough for rabbits to take three consecutive hops and must have a secure sleeping area.
The house in which the bunny will live must be rabbit-proofed. This includes removing poisonous or dangerous plants, removing or hiding wires and protecting valuable furniture.
Many rabbits can be trained to use a litter tray for urination, and as rabbits are naturally clean animals, they tend not to leave you little presents around the house and will venture to the designated toilet area.
Exercise
Exercise is incredibly important for your bunny. Confining a rabbit to its hutch for long periods of time can result in both behavioural and spinal problems. When letting your rabbit out of its cage ensure that the area for exercise has high enough boundaries that they cannot be jumped over, and also make sure that the area cannot be dug out of by burrowing. Never leaved your bunny unsupervised whilst exercising.
Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and prefer to have companionship - especially if left at home alone whilst you are out at work. If you have one bunny, it is recommended that you get a second; or if you are looking to buy a rabbit as a pet, it can be more beneficial to buy two at the same time.
Even if you do not buy both rabbits at the same time, it is possible to pair the rabbits over a number of weeks or months by introducing them slowly and allowing them to befriend each other.
If you choose to get two rabbits, it is highly recommended to get them both neutered.
De-sexing
De-sexing or neutering rabbits often helps prevent aggression and territorial behaviour, whilst also aiding in toilet training. 80% of female rabbits contract uterine cancer if they are not spayed.
De-sexing your bunny involves a simple veterinary operation, and can be done from around 5-6 months old once the rabbit has reached sexual maturity.
Feeding
Feeding your rabbit properly is very important. Lots of fresh food and hay should be provided regularly to ensure good health. To prevent obesity, only a small amount of pellets or dried food should be given to your rabbit.
Grooming
Rabbits are very clean animals and often groom themselves, however they are unable to get rid of excess fur from their stomachs. It is recommended that a small animal grooming set is bought to groom your pet with a small brush and rid them of any hair that has been moulted.
It is also important to monitor nail growth and although you can cut nails yourself, it is better to get this done by a vet to ensure that nails are not cut too short, which can be harmful for your bunny.
Vaccinations
Rabbits need regular vaccinations to prevent disease. The first jabs are usually given around 10-12 weeks old and consist of VHD and Myxomatosis.
VHD, or Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, is a highly contagious virus which moves very quickly and will result in the death of the rabbit within 12 to 36 hours after contraction. Symptoms often include fever, breathing problems, high temperature and paralysis. The only effective method of VHD control is an annual vaccination.
Myxomatosis is a virus which causes skin tumours, usually around the head and the genitals. It can cause blindness and results in bacterial infections, which, after around 14 days, results in the death of the animal. This can be prevented by an injection given every 6 months.
