This time of year children all over the country are flooded with adverts containing pictures of cute fluffy rabbits. The result? Parents often give in to the pressure to get a rabbit as a pet.
Rabbits can make wonderful pets for adults and children alike however there are things that need to me kept in mind before making the decision to get one. At the moment rabbits are one of the most neglected pets in the uk. So, here are the things you need to know.
Housing
Believe it or not rabbits need a lot of space! They are extremely agile and can jump 2-3ft in the air. They love to sprint and when really happy will do amazing displays as they jump through the air!
The minimum housing requirement set up by the Rabbit Welfare Association (RWAF) is that any 2 medium sized rabbits should have at least a 6x2x2ft hutch attached to an 8x4x2ft run. Ideally they should have permanent access as rabbits are most active in the early hours and at dusk. Of course you must also make sure that their housing is safe from foxes and other predators. Therefore, make sure it’s on a slab base or decking. Some dig up the earth under the run, lay down fox proof mesh and put soil and turf over the top. This way it’s a soft surface yet very safe as the rabbits can’t dig out and other things can’t dig in. Also always make sure there are bolts on all the doors as foxes can easily push latches open.
Generally the bigger the better when it comes to rabbit housing and many people convert wooden playhouses or sheds into suitable housing. Below is an example of how they can make quite an attractive feature in the garden and still be great fun for the rabbits. Below are a few examples of acceptable accomodation .
Diet
A Rabbits main diet consists of hay. The muesli type foods available in most pet shops are not good for your rabbits. They contain a lot of sugar that rabbits don’t need. This in the long run can lead your rabbit to have serious health problems. It can harm the gut and causes bad teeth which in turn leads to very expensive vet bills! Instead there are pellet foods available that despite looking plain to us, are in fact very tasty and healthy for rabbits to eat. However these should be given as a supplement to their diet only. A rough guide is half an eggcup per day per rabbit.
Health
Rabbits need a yearly vaccination which protects them from Myxomatosis and VHD (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease). These are deadly to your rabbit and can be spread very easily. More information on these can be found on the RWAF website, www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk under the leaflets section. They can be very sudden and cause distress for both you and your beloved pet. The price varies depending on where you are in the uk but is usually between £25 and £50.
Rabbits go downhill very quickly and need urgent vetinary care if they stop eating, pooing etc… This along with diagnostic procedures and treatment can be expensive. Therefore it would be a good idea to consider pet insurance. This can range from £7- £15 per month depending on the cover you want.
It is also good to make sure you get your rabbits neutered. This stops uterine cancer in females which kills many before getting to the age of 3 years old. Keeping in mind rabbit can live for 7-10 years it is important to get this done as early as possible. For boys it can be done at 4months for £60-£80, and girls 6months for £70-£100. It will also make them friendlier towards you as they will be less hormonal.
During the summer months you must also check your rabbits bottom daily to make sure it is clean and dry. Otherwise Flystrike can occur. This is where flies are attracted to the dirty damp area and lay eggs. The eggs hatch and before you know it the poor rabbit is being eaten by maggots, which often leads to the rabbit being put to sleep. You can get products from your vet to prevent this but usually, unless your rabbit has underlying conditions, keeping your rabbits diet good and healthy will be enough to keep the flies at bay.
Before getting any treatment for your pet make sure you find a vet that’s confident and experienced with treating rabbits. If possible get a recommendation and do your research.
Behaviour and Companionship
Rabbits are very sociable creatures. They love the company of their own kind and can get lonely if on their own. Therefore make sure your bunny has a friend. The best pairing is a male/female pair. Obviously they need to both be neutered to stop breeding and prevent uterine cancer in females. It will also stop territorial behaviour which amongst other things includes biting and spraying urine. Many rabbit rescues will have already bonded pairs waiting for homes. They will come already vaccinated and neutered which will save you money, and the rescue will match you to a pair that suits your family. There are so many in rescues, especially at this time of year. Remember too that rabbits don’t generally like being handled. They are great to watch and like to come to you to find out what’s going on but most wriggle and scratch. Therefore are not suited to children or adults who want a cuddly pet. If this is the case, then perhaps a rabbit isn’t for you.
So, rabbits are not cheap and easy pets to look after. They need company and gentle understanding. Therefore before making a decision pop down to a local rabbit rescue and take a look at the rabbits there. Ask questions and think carefully about what you can offer them. This way your decision, whatever it may be, will be the right one for both you your family, and the rabbits involved.
By Lucy Pratt
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