Talk to me about Rabbits.

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

I have a few questions that I don't think PAH will answer correctly (previous experience!)

Do Rabbits needs grass, if I had a big run but it was on patio would it negatively effect them?

How big is actually big enough for their living quarters?

Do they prefer to live in pairs or singularly?

Do I have to bring them in for winter, could I insulate the hutch in anyway to prevent it being needed?

We have a lovely rabbit (did have 2 but one sadly died). He is unbothered by grass has acsess to it but doesn't bother. He likes to dash about the deck and is equally happy inside. We got some hot water bottle things to keep them warm last winter, but bought them in if less than ??7c how often it gets that cold will depend where in the country you are.

My rabbits love to eat grass, they have a very large run and have cleared all the grass. I lovingly tear up long grass from around the garden for them instead (plus dandelions, some tree leaves and hedge cuttings etc (certain types).

My two live in the shed in the winter, and outside in a large hutch and run April-Sept. The shed is easier all round as it shelters them from the rain and snow and makes it easier for me to feed and clean them.

They must live in pairs. A single rabbit is a sad rabbit. Get two females or a neutered boy-girl pair. Two boys may fight as they mature.

They need hay as an essential, grass is good but space to exercise is more important.

You need loads of space. The hutches in PaH are too small. Two medium sized rabbits need a 6 x 3 foot hutch plus a big run or access to enclosed garden during the day.

You don’t need to bring them in in winter, they will grow thick coats and two will snuggle together. You do need to insulate the hutch though.

Other things: if you let them free range they will wreck your plants.

They eat loads of hay and decent hay is expensive. It should make up 90% of their diet. They need fresh veg (cabbage and kale, not carrots) and a tiny cup of dried pellet food each day.

They need annual vaccinations against VHD and myxomatosis. Females need neutering (if they’re not, they are hormonal and stroppy and get bad PMT - plus sadly females that aren’t spayed virtually always die of uterine cancer).

They don’t particularly like being cuddled and can scratch and bite. If they lash out at you with those big back legs, you’ll know about it. If you want pets to cuddle, Guinea Pigs are better.

The Rabbit Welfare Association will have all the information you need. They're lovely and very characterful (when given the opportunity to express themselves) little things but much higher maintenance than you might expect.

Too much our rabbit is alone since his mate died, he seems happy enough (always cleaning himself, running about) and loves cuddles. We did get another one (female) but she ran away before she was spayed :(