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Rabbit advice

11 replies

Drbrowns · 26/09/2022 15:15

Posted in pets but not much traffic there so thought I’d post here too.

Just been offered dwarf baby rabbit from a friend of a friend. Have never kept rabbits so wanted some advice before I accept. We have no other pets except chickens but look after my parents dog occasionally. 3 kids age 7, 5 and 3. We have a very large garden so plenty of space for a run as we’d be hoping to keep them outside in a hutch.

Do rabbits only eat carrots and lettuce or do they need other food? Do they need vaccinations? Can they be handled and cuddled or are they best left alone. Do you need 2 for socializing or is 1 on it own ok? Can they be left outside in winter?

OP posts:
GodspeedJune · 26/09/2022 15:31

Check out the RWAF for lots of great information.

They are not pets for the faint hearted. They need annual vaccinations, neutering, and a specialist ‘exotic’ vet for any health issues.

They are totally unsuitable to be kept in hutches and normal size runs. A shed and large run is better. Please see the ‘A hutch is not enough’ publication.

Temperament depends on the rabbit but most don’t want to be cuddled and carried around, they also have a powerful kick which could hurt or upset small children. They are extremely intelligent and need stimulation and toys, quite similar to a cat. They are wonderful little creatures but if you go ahead, have them for yourself rather than the children.

Yes you will need two, they shouldn’t be kept alone. Mine live outside year round, but they have a 10ft by 10ft insulated shed.

The majority of their diet is hay (about a bundle the size of the rabbit a day), an eggcup full of pellets (not muesli mixes) and some veg.

DeadButDelicious · 26/09/2022 15:34

The rabbit welfare association gives some really good advice on caring for rabbits and the reality of keeping them.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

LadyGardenersQuestionTime · 26/09/2022 15:35

I was expecting a different thread.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Wotrewelookinat · 26/09/2022 17:03

As above look at RWAF. One vaccination yearly, neutering for female rabbit, maybe male if with another male. LOTS of space, not a hutch. Lots of thought needs to be out into their diet otherwise they will be very unwell. Needs to be in a bonded pair.

reluctantbrit · 26/09/2022 17:23

We had rabbits for 7 years.

First - ideally you shouldn't have just one, you should keep them in pairs. Both sexes have to be neutered, even if living alone. If it is female, the biggest killer in female rabbits is cancer and neutering can solve this.

They need vaccinations, nowadays it's a 3-in-1 and can be done just once a year.
You need pet insurance which can be expensive and even that often doesn't cover issues with teeth, another common problem with rabbits. And vet bills are expensive.

They eat predominary hay plus dry food in pellets (not muesli) and some fresh food. Carrots are actually too sweet for feeding often and lettuce is like eating water. Mine loved kale, broccoli, peppers (again not a lot, too sweet), some lettuce, pak choi, fresh herbs like parsely in moderation, rasberry leaves, dandolion and lots more you can find on the RWA website.

You need a bigger hutch you think you need and it needs a permanently attached run for them to be active. A shed is ideal but they are good hutch/run combinations available. Think of at least 1.8m length. It needs to be properly wind, rain and sun proof. You should also have a run for the garden but unless you dig this deep you can't keep them there overnight.

They need to be cleaned out daily .

You need to have either a very willing friend or pay for a rabbit hotel for the holidays, they can't be left alone.

They hate being handled by young children, they are not child-friendly pets.

We lost our last one last Summer, while I am glad in some cases that the expenses, time and responsiblities are gone, I do miss them.

MagpiePi · 26/09/2022 17:35

I was told by a vet that they should only eat grass, supplemented by hay in the winter. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli etc should be rare treats.

I had two brothers for ages and they ended up being house rabbits, but were out in the garden (after I had fenced it all in) and when I was around. They loved playing and hiding in cardboard box forts, all on different levels, with doors and windows and connecting tunnels.

SleepySheepy · 26/09/2022 17:44

Previous posters have covered this off to be honest but I just want to back them up. Rabbits can be wonderful pets but need the right care - see the 5 welfare needs on the RWAF website. The biggest thing people underestimate is space, they need at least 60sqft of predator proof space at all times - they don't sleep at night like we do - they take short naps and carry on running around.
When it comes to a companion, which is essential, I strongly recommend getting in touch with a local rescue who will be able to provide all the advice you need, not to forget can help with bonding which isn't for the faint hearted and a rescue rabbit is actually cheaper than buying one as they already come vaccinated and neutered.
Rescues are overflowing with rabbits, many of whom were bought without understanding their needs and then given away because the owners couldn't care for them.
I help to run a rabbit rescue and would happily provide you with advice if you need any more help.

babyyodaxmas · 26/09/2022 18:40

We have a lovely 7 yo neutered male rabbit( his companion died) He lives all over the ground floor of our house and is the garden in the summer.

He eats mainly pellets and veg scraps (carrot peelings and peppers are his favourites) although he will beg if he hears you eating an apple and adores popcorn.

His insurance is £8 / month which includes his annual vaccination. I have to say he has been an excellent pet for our family he is extremely placid and affectionate. He is also a very small dwaf he only weighs 2kg.

BooksAndHooks · 26/09/2022 18:52

Not an easy pet. They definitely cannot be kept in a hutch, they need huge amounts of space so would need something more like a large shed. They need to be in neutered pairs, have regular vaccinations and a varied diet. They can get I’ll very quickly and run up large vet bills.

JennyForeigner · 26/09/2022 19:10

We got rabbits for the first time this year (young kids and the dog died last year). I love them - they are smart as paint, demon escapers and so fast, but they are tough. Much harder than the dog tbh.

We have a big garden, a big outsider run and fenced areas for exercise and just laugh and move the run when a new three foot trench arrives in the lawn in the space of an afternoon, but it isn't ideal even so and I see the time in the very near future when they move indoors for enough winter exercise. Plus they have incredibly sharp claws - handling isn't always easy as they don't mean to hurt but can draw blood easily.

If I knew two months ago what I know now I would think about rabbits very carefully, but the flip side is that they are completely delightful and there is nothing like seeing them jump and twirl in the garden. They even smell delightful, because of all the hay.

babyyodaxmas · 26/09/2022 19:23

Plus they have incredibly sharp claws - handling isn't always easy as they don't mean to hurt but can draw blood easily.

we cut his claws as he is an inside pet. Could you do the same ? * *

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