With their long ears and fluffy tails, rabbits have been capturing the hearts of those who welcome them into their homes for years. But these sociable and inquisitive animals can live to be over ten years of age and have specific requirements to help them enjoy a good and healthy life.
Here we delve into important components of caring for these affectionate and lovable creatures.
Rabbits are not ‘starter pets’
As they are cute and small, there’s a common misconception that rabbits make good first pets for young children, however this is generally not the case. Rabbits are prey animals who can bond with their guardians, but can also easily be startled or scared, which risks damaging that bond if care isn’t taken. And, while affectionate, they don’t always respond well to a lot of physical affection or being handled. Additionally, their skeletal structures are fragile, and they can suffer unintentional injuries if accidentally dropped or played with too roughly. Rabbits are best suited to older guardians who understand the importance of calm and careful handling.
Two bunnies are better than one
Rabbits are social animals who have evolved to live in groups and have an innate need for the companionship of their own kind. In the wild, rabbits live in colonies and will often go out to graze together, never venturing too far away from the group. No matter how much time and attention a guardian gives to their rabbit, a single rabbit will still spend many hours during the day and evening alone. Having at least one bonded partner rabbit ensures they won’t be lonely.
Bonding rabbits successfully can take some time, as while rabbits are social, they can also be territorial. Rabbit introductions should be conducted carefully, and the process does take patience, but having a bonded companion will greatly improve their quality of life. The best pairing for bonding rabbits is one of each gender, just be sure that both rabbits are desexed to avoid them producing a colony of unwanted baby rabbits.
A hutch is not a home
Rabbits need the space to run, jump, play, stand upright and express their natural rabbit behaviours and need at least a few hours a day outside the hutch to exercise – so there’s more to providing appropriate housing than just a hutch! They also benefit from spending time with their owners (indoors and/or outdoors), which can help socialise them with people and strengthen the bond between rabbit and their guardian.
A hutch should only serve as an enclosed safe space for them to sleep, hide and eat that is draught- and rain-proof, quiet and dark. The hutch needs to be large enough for all your rabbits to lie outstretched together comfortably without restrictions. It must be of sufficient height to allow rabbits to sit upright with ears fully erect. A ‘burrowing’ area (usually deep straw or hay) should also be included with regularly cleaned bedding.
Many hutches marketed for rabbits are too small for these active and inquisitive animals so it’s important to seek advice from a veterinarian on the appropriate size.
Rabbits must also have an exercise run attached to their hutch and it is important that they can come and go freely between this and their hutch. It. It must be large and long enough to allow them to run, jump, sit/stand upright, exercise, and express normal behaviours (such as grooming and feeding, with a separate area for toileting). It must also be interesting and provide the opportunity for plenty of mental stimulation.
Rabbits need more the carrots
Rabbits are herbivores and have sensitive digestive systems; to keep them healthy and hopping with joy they need a healthy and well-balanced diet. Wild rabbits eat predominantly grass and their domesticated cousins will typically need a diet made up of about 80% grass or grass hay and 20% leafy greens and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and celery. Chewing consistently throughout the day helps to keep rabbits’ teeth worn down (did you know a rabbit’s teeth will grow continuously throughout their lifetime?), which can help prevent dental disease and is vital for their gut health.
While keeping a rabbit’s diet nutritious and balanced is important, it’s also ok to treat them occasionally but with something that is both delicious and healthy. Treating them is a good way to provide a positive experience and a good incentive if training them. Treats should be offered in small quantities and limited to once or twice per day. Some great ideas for rabbit treats include small amounts of carrot, apple, blueberry and capsicum.
An enriched life is a better life
Rabbits are intelligent and sociable animals who need plenty of exercise along with physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Ideally, rabbits should be provided with several forms of enrichment that give them opportunities for running, jumping and digging on a daily basis. These can include foraging enrichment – such as hiding or scattering portions of their food or treats for them to find (as they would search for food in the wild), physical enrichment – such as toys, tunnels, ladders, and space to run, social enrichment – via companion rabbits and time spent with their guardians, and occupational enrichment – which is providing opportunities for rabbits to problem solve, learn and make choices about how they spend their time. For example, allowing rabbits to free range inside or a protected area outside can provide occupational enrichment.
Most importantly, guardians should aim to spend dedicated time with their rabbit companions by grooming them and playing with them every day. Spending the time and effort to engage with your rabbit is rewarding for both and will strengthen the bond you share.
A healthy, well cared for rabbit can live for over ten wonderful years and are a long-term commitment, so it’s important carefully consider their specific needs before adopting rabbits of your own. If you do decide to welcome these adorable fluffy creatures into your family, you will soon come to find they are as loyal and affectionate as some of their larger animal counterparts.
