Rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet. Despite their popularity many rabbit owners still do not understand how to meet their basic welfare needs. Many live alone in a cage, with no vaccinations, no access to sufficient space and a poor diet of muesli type foods. Many of the medical problems seen by vets can actually be attributed to the actions of the owner.

To ensure your rabbit lives a long, happy and healthy life there are a number of things you need to address. Food is an incredibly important factor and the Burgess Excel mantra is “Hay, Hay and more Hay”.  Rabbits are designed to eat grass and this provides all the nutrients, vitamins and a large percentage of water requirements of the rabbit.  Your rabbit may also enjoy root vegetables including turnips, mangles and carrots which should be offered sparingly. Hay or dried grass should be offered on a daily basis and each rabbit should be provided with around his/her own body size in hay each day.

Rabbits are naturally very sociable animals and will generally prefer the company of other rabbits. The old idea that a guinea pig makes a good companion for a rabbit should not longer be considered. Rabbits and guinea pigs have different dietary needs and may fight.

Rabbits need to breed to maintain good order of the reproductive systems. If you are not breeding your rabbits then neutering is advised in both females and males. This does carry some risk (as with other operations due to anaesthetic and stress) but the benefits outweigh this risk. Neutering may also reduce fighting, especially with male rabbits.

Housing remains an issue for many rabbits. Cheaper priced hutches are usually incredibly small and do not offer the rabbits sufficient space to live. The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund have some excellent advice on rabbit housing through their Hutch is Not Enough campaign. Your rabbit is a prey animal and will therefore need space he/she can feel safe and hidden from predators.  Straw bedding should therefore be available and your rabbit should always have distinct areas to sleep, play and use as a toilet.

A vast number of cat and dog owners understand the importance of vaccinations and boosters for their pet, yet far fewer rabbit owners place any importance on providing their rabbit with any form of vaccination. Rabbits should benefit from vaccinations against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). Consult your vet for further advice.