Rabbit advice please

[MrsHarveySpecterV]

I’m adopting two rabbits in two weeks time. Two year old females. I haven’t had a rabbit for about 20 years so looking for any tips or advice from experienced owners please. I am looking to buy this house for them and add another run once they are settled (and I’ve been paid!) www.ideas4pets.co.uk/ferrodo-ferret-hutch-047?zenid=89u0jrm31teabildnu5f155qf4

That hutch looks fantastic. Just make sure it's positioned in such a way that they can't dig out. Rabbits love to dig and it wouldn't take them long to burrow out.

They need annual vaccinations against RHD, VHF and myxomatosis. Neutering is recommended especially for females as they're prone to uterine cancer if unneutered. It can also help with temperament.

Spend as much time with them as you can to get them used to being handled. Rabbits generally don't like handling but it's useful if they can tolerate it especially when it comes to claw clipping.

Give them plenty of things to chew on. Don't bother buying lots of fancy chew things though, cardboard boxes are fine.

yes as above regarding neutering (they may already be done at 2 years) and vaccinations - try to find a good rabbit vet local - not so impressed with the hutch/run - those types are difficult to insulate /cover - also they can dig out or fox dig in if on grass - look at chartwell hutches - good quality wood - they do runs that attach and insulated & rain covers - mine stay out in them all year - look on the rwaf website for lots of info and there are some good rabbit fb pages - rabbits uk is good

Thank you for the tips. I was planning to put the hutch on flags with a thick layer of straw and sawdust on top and add trays of soil and grass for them to dig in and nibble on, does that sound ok? For their bedding would you put sawdust then hay? I've seen some people give them beds like you would a cat or dog, which do you think is better for them?

I will check out chartwell hutches thank you.

sounds good but may find it gets wet in the run so just straw is ok as shavings will get sodden - dont use sawdust - lots of people dont even like shavings but have used for years in litter trays with no problem - best for sleeping area is thick newspaper or cardboard box stuffed with straw as its warmer than hay - but loads of hay to eat at all times

I would say that hutch you posted is actually a bit rubbish. I've seen them, they're surprisingly small. Some are too light and can be flipped over by foxes. Even heard of a badger smashing their way through the bottom of the bit that sticks out to kill the rabbit.

There's better housing ideas here:
www.thebigrabbithutch.co.uk/

Here's a list of RWAF friendly suppliers:
www.thebigrabbithutch.co.uk/outdoor-suppliers.html

I've never used shavings for mine. They have newspaper pellets in two underbed storage box litter trays with hay on top, and fleece blankets everywhere else. They have a 6x4ft custom made shed with a balcony inside so they can look out the window, that's attached to a 10x5ft roofed aviary on paving slabs.