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Rabbit Care

We occasionally rehome Netherland or Netherland x Mini Lop rabbits.

If you have adopted one of our baby rabbits, please read the following guidelines to ensure you’re prepared to provide the best care for your new pet:

Rabbits as Pets: What You Need to Know

Easter may be behind us, but rabbits remain a delightful topic to explore! These curious, social creatures can be wonderful companions, but they require much more care and attention than many assume. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not an “easy” pet for children. Their care involves specific needs for housing, diet, handling, and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to rabbit care. (Quick note: Rabbits are not allowed as pets in Queensland.)

Rabbits Thrive with Companionship

Rabbits are highly social animals and should never be kept alone. They do best when living with at least one compatible rabbit. Bonded pairs of rabbits provide each other with comfort and companionship, but the bonding process requires time and patience. It’s essential to have your rabbits desexed to prevent unplanned litters.

A Hutch is Only Part of Their Home

A common myth is that rabbits can live solely in a hutch. In reality, a hutch should only be a safe resting place. Rabbits need plenty of room to run, jump, and express natural behaviors. Ideally, their hutch should be attached to a large run or enclosure with ample space.

At a minimum, a suitable enclosure for two rabbits should measure 3m long x 1.5m wide x 1m high, as recommended by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund. Inside the enclosure, include a burrow-like space with clean bedding and a separate area for toileting. Burrowing is a natural behavior that helps them feel secure.

The hutch must also be predator-proof, weather-resistant, and equipped with fly-proof netting to protect against mosquitoes.

Indoor Rabbits: A Growing Trend

Keeping rabbits indoors is becoming increasingly popular. This arrangement allows you to form a closer bond with your rabbits while keeping them safe from outdoor dangers. Provide a rabbit-proof, escape-free area, and consider toilet training them for added convenience.

Indoor rabbits still benefit from outdoor access to a secure, predator-proof space. You might even train them to use a cat flap for supervised outdoor play. Be sure to keep hazardous items, like electrical cords and cleaning products, safely out of reach.

Rabbits Love to Play

Rabbits are active and intelligent creatures that need daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy running, jumping, digging, and exploring. Make their environment engaging by providing toys, tunnels, and safe digging areas.

If possible, give your rabbits supervised access to a grassy, enclosed area for exercise. Alternatively, let them roam safely inside your home. Daily grooming and playtime are essential for bonding and keeping them happy.

A Balanced Diet for Healthy Rabbits

Forget the cartoon stereotype—rabbits eat far more than just carrots! As herbivores and grazers, they need a diet primarily composed of grass or hay, which should make up 80% of their intake. This is vital for gut health and helps wear down their teeth, preventing dental issues.

In addition, rabbits need fresh leafy greens and vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, and celery, making up about 15% of their diet. You can supplement with a small amount (5%) of high-quality rabbit pellets and offer treats like carrots sparingly.

For more information on rabbit care, contact us. Providing proper care ensures your rabbits lead a healthy, happy life while bringing joy to your home.

Your new rabbit may take some time to feel confident in its new environment. Don’t expect it to warm up to you immediately, as rabbits are often scared when adjusting to a new place. Keep the enclosure in a quiet, dimly lit area to help your rabbit feel safe. Offer small portions of food throughout the day so the rabbit begins to associate you with feeding.

By giving your rabbit the right care, space, and attention, it will soon feel at home and become a happy, healthy companion!

Rabbits are gentle, social creatures that need proper care to stay happy and healthy. Please read all essential care tips!

  • Provide a spacious, clean, and well-ventilated enclosure with enough room for your rabbit to hop, stand, and stretch.
  • Ensure the floor is solid (no wire mesh) to prevent injury to its feet. Use soft bedding like straw or hay.
  • Keep the area dry, free from drafts, and clean the enclosure regularly to avoid waste buildup.
  • Hay: This should be the primary part of a rabbit’s diet, aiding digestion and keeping teeth healthy.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Leafy greens like romaine lettuce and spinach are great, but avoid iceberg lettuce and limit starchy vegetables like carrots to occasional treats.
  • Pellets: A small amount of rabbit-specific pellets can provide extra nutrition.
  • Water: Ensure a constant supply of fresh water.
  • Rabbits need daily exercise outside their enclosure. Create a safe, enclosed space for them to explore and play.

  • Provide stimulating toys like tunnels, cardboard boxes, and chew toys to keep them entertained.

  • Check your rabbit regularly for signs of illness like lethargy, appetite changes, or unusual droppings, and consult a vet if needed.
  • Although rabbits groom themselves, they may need brushing during shedding to prevent fur blockages.
  • Trim their nails to prevent overgrowth.
  • Rabbits are social and do well with companionship. If you have more than one rabbit, ensure they are properly bonded.
  • Handle your rabbit gently and consistently to build trust and help it feel comfortable around you.
  • Keep your rabbit in a secure, predator-proof environment. Ensure outdoor enclosures protect against snakes and other predators.
  • Rabbits are sensitive to extreme weather, so provide appropriate shelter from heat, cold, and rain.

To toilet train your rabbit, follow these simple steps:

  1. Provide Two Litter Trays: Use shallow, small cat litter trays and fill them with oaten chaff.

  2. Place the Trays Strategically: Rabbits tend to go to the toilet while eating, so place their food directly in the litter trays. This encourages them to use the tray while they eat.

  3. Clean Regularly: Check and clean the trays as needed to maintain hygiene. The waste and litter tray contents make excellent fertilizer for plants.

With consistency and patience, your rabbit will learn to use the litter trays effectively!

Behavior problems in rabbits are often preventable with proper care, environment, and attention. Here are some tips to help prevent issues:

  1. Provide a Stimulating Environment: Rabbits need mental and physical stimulation. Ensure they have toys, tunnels, and plenty of space to hop and explore to avoid boredom-related behaviors like chewing or digging.

  2. Socialization: Rabbits are social animals. Regular interaction and bonding with you or another rabbit can prevent aggressive or withdrawn behavior.

  3. Proper Diet: Ensure they have a balanced diet with hay, fresh vegetables, and water. An unhealthy diet can lead to digestive issues and discomfort, which can cause behavior problems.

  4. Spaying/Neutering: Hormonal changes can lead to territorial or aggressive behaviors. Spaying or neutering your rabbit can help minimize these issues.

  5. Litter Training: Training your rabbit to use a litter box can prevent inappropriate toileting and keep their space clean and comfortable.

By providing the right environment, care, and attention, many common behavioral issues in rabbits can be avoided.

RSPCA Knowledge base