Rabbits
Vaccination
Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and VHD (viral haemorrhagic disease). Both of these diseases are fatal so it is essential your rabbit is protested. Myxomatosis vaccination needs to be given every 6 months and VHD every 12 months. Once registered we can send you a reminder.Diet
Rabbits need to spend most of their day grazing and require lots of fibre. This means the majority of their diet should consist of hay and grass with some leafy greens and a very small amount or no pellets or mix. This will provide them with all the nutrition they require. Beware of pellets and mixes since many are low in fibre and have high levels of sugar and starch. This can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut. A good quality pellet is better than a mix since rabbits will commonly pick out the bits they like leading to dietary imbalance.An ideal rabbit diet consists of:
- Ad lib good quality hay
- Access to grazing or fresh picked grass
- Leafy green vegetables (only 1-2 handfuls/day)
- Small amount of fruit as a treat – see below
- A small eggcup of good quality pellet
Forbidden Foods
The following foods must NEVER be fed since they can lead to severe digestive upset and gut stasis.| green beans | oats | bread | potato | wheat | nuts | bamboo shoots |
| dried beans | cereal | corn | cake | chocolate | seeds | rhubarb |
| sweet potato | peas | sugar | onion | bracken | any grains | cassava |
Housing
If kept outside your rabbit will require a hutch which is at least 6’ by 2’. They will still need time out of their cage every day for exercise and grazing.Rabbits make great indoor pets but ensure that all electrical cabling etc is well protected. They will require their own area in the house, a covered dog crate works well, and a minimum of 2-3 hours spent outside grazing per day. It is worth considering the construction of an outdoor exercise run to keep them safe whilst grazing. It is essential your rabbit has clean and dry bedding at all times which normally means changing it daily. If bedding becomes soiled it will put your pet at risk of flystrike.
Flystrike
This dreadful condition occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit which then develop into maggots which burrow into the skin. This is often fatal for rabbits. Factors increasing the risk of flystrike include: a dirty bottom with faecal build up, dirty bedding, long haired rabbits and overweight rabbits. Turn your rabbit over to check his underside twice daily and if he develops loose pellets, contact your vet. Products can be applied to the fur to deter flies. Speak to your vet for advice.Neutering
We recommend neutering of both male and female rabbits. Almost all female rabbits will eventually develop uterine cancer or infections if left entire. Neutering also reduces aggressive and territorial behaviours in both male and female rabbits. We recommend castrating males at 4-5 months of age and spaying females at 6 months. If you are keeping a male and female together we may consider neutering the male earlier to ensure unwanted pregnancy so contact your vet to discuss this.Kate Dixon
Principal Vet
BSc. MSc. MA Vet MB MRCVS
Opening Times
Monday-Friday
8.30am - 6.30pm
Saturday
8.30am - 12.00pm
Appointments
01600 711511
