Rabbits are intelligent, social, and sensitive pets that need the right care to stay healthy and happy. Below is our quick guide to rabbit health, diet, housing, and wellbeing. 

 

Our team offer free of charge consultations with our Registered Veterinary Nurses to provide advice and health checks to keep your rabbit in tip top condition.  We also offer pre purchase or pre adoption consultations to make sure you are choosing the right rabbit for your family. To find out more give us a call on 01692 407126. 

 

Housing & Environment

 

Space: Rabbits need plenty of room to hop, stretch, and play. Avoid keeping them confined to a small hutch—provide an attached run or allow indoor free-roaming in a safe space.

 

Safety: Ensure their area is predator-proof (for outdoor rabbits) and free of electrical cords, toxic plants, and sharp objects (for indoor rabbits).

 

Comfort: Use soft, absorbent bedding such as paper-based litter or hay. Keep their enclosure clean and dry to prevent sore hocks and infections.

 

Diet & Nutrition

 

Hay First: Unlimited fresh hay (e.g. timothy or meadow hay) should make up most of your rabbit’s diet—it keeps their teeth and digestion healthy.

 

Fresh Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens daily (but avoid dark leafy greens such as Kale and Spinach)

 

Pellets: Give a small measured portion of high-fibre rabbit pellets each day.

 

Fresh Water: Provide clean water at all times, ideally in a bowl rather than a bottle.

 

Avoid: Sugary treats, muesli-style mixes, and high-carbohydrate foods.

 

Health & Veterinary Care

 

Vaccinations: Rabbits should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD 1 & 2) annually and also receive a second vaccination against new variant RHD2 annually. 

 

Neutering: Recommended for both males and females to prevent unwanted litters and reduce behavioural and health issues.

 

Dental Checks: Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously—regular dental checks help prevent painful overgrowth and spot health problems early

 

Parasite Control: Regularly check for fleas, mites, and flystrike risk, especially in warm weather. Our team can also perform faecal checks for parasites. 

 

Routine Health Checks: We recommend at least two health checks per year to ensure your bunny is keeping in tip top condition. 

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Microchipping : All rabbits should be microchipped to help reuniting them with their family if they get lost or stolen. 

 

Behaviour & Companionship

 

Social Animals: Rabbits thrive in pairs or small groups (ideally neutered male and female).

 

Enrichment: Provide tunnels, chew toys, and digging boxes to keep them stimulated.

 

Handling: Support their hindquarters when lifting; rabbits can injure themselves if they struggle.

 

Bonding: Spend time interacting daily to build trust and confidence.

 

Signs Your Rabbit May Need a Vet

 

Seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice:

 

Not eating or producing droppings for more than 12 hours

 

Lethargy or hiding

 

Runny eyes or nose

 

Changes in droppings

 

Drooling or difficulty chewing

 

Sudden weight loss

 

Our veterinary team is experienced in rabbit care and can help with everything from nutrition advice to advanced health treatments.

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Caring for your pet rabbit Factsheet

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Rabbit Handrearing Factsheet

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The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund have excellent information and recourses available free of charge for rabbit owners and prospective owners and our regular newsletter contains lots of top tips for keeping your rabbit happy and healthy - contact the surgery to join our email newsletter group today! 

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