Housing

Rabbits require spacious and secure living quarters that allow them to exercise, rest, and exhibit natural behaviours.

• Hutch Requirements: Provide a large, well-ventilated hutch with a sheltered area for sleeping and an open space for exercise. Use absorbent bedding, such as straw or hay, in the toilet area, and clean it at least once a week to prevent odours and bacteria build-up. Ensure the hutch is predator-proof and offers protection from extreme weather conditions.
• Indoor Rabbits: Rabbits can thrive indoors but must be supervised when roaming to prevent them from chewing on electrical cords or other hazards. Consider setting up a rabbit-proofed room or keeping them in a secure enclosure when unsupervised. Rabbits are naturally curious and can be trained to use a litter tray, making them suitable as house pets.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Rabbits are prone to heat stress. If temperatures exceed 28°C, ensure their environment is shaded, cool, and well-ventilated. You can also provide frozen water bottles for them to lie against. Avoid placing their enclosure in direct sunlight.
• Companionship: Rabbits are social animals and thrive with a bonded rabbit companion. However, they should not be housed with guinea pigs due to differing dietary needs and the risk of disease transmission or aggression. Introducing rabbits to each other should be done gradually to ensure a harmonious relationship.

Housing

Rabbits require spacious and secure living quarters that allow them to exercise, rest, and exhibit natural behaviours.

• Hutch Requirements: Provide a large, well-ventilated hutch with a sheltered area for sleeping and an open space for exercise. Use absorbent bedding, such as straw or hay, in the toilet area, and clean it at least once a week to prevent odours and bacteria build-up. Ensure the hutch is predator-proof and offers protection from extreme weather conditions.
• Indoor Rabbits: Rabbits can thrive indoors but must be supervised when roaming to prevent them from chewing on electrical cords or other hazards. Consider setting up a rabbit-proofed room or keeping them in a secure enclosure when unsupervised. Rabbits are naturally curious and can be trained to use a litter tray, making them suitable as house pets.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Rabbits are prone to heat stress. If temperatures exceed 28°C, ensure their environment is shaded, cool, and well-ventilated. You can also provide frozen water bottles for them to lie against. Avoid placing their enclosure in direct sunlight.
• Companionship: Rabbits are social animals and thrive with a bonded rabbit companion. However, they should not be housed with guinea pigs due to differing dietary needs and the risk of disease transmission or aggression. Introducing rabbits to each other should be done gradually to ensure a harmonious relationship.

Housing

Rabbits require spacious and secure living quarters that allow them to exercise, rest, and exhibit natural behaviours.

• Hutch Requirements: Provide a large, well-ventilated hutch with a sheltered area for sleeping and an open space for exercise. Use absorbent bedding, such as straw or hay, in the toilet area, and clean it at least once a week to prevent odours and bacteria build-up. Ensure the hutch is predator-proof and offers protection from extreme weather conditions.
• Indoor Rabbits: Rabbits can thrive indoors but must be supervised when roaming to prevent them from chewing on electrical cords or other hazards. Consider setting up a rabbit-proofed room or keeping them in a secure enclosure when unsupervised. Rabbits are naturally curious and can be trained to use a litter tray, making them suitable as house pets.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Rabbits are prone to heat stress. If temperatures exceed 28°C, ensure their environment is shaded, cool, and well-ventilated. You can also provide frozen water bottles for them to lie against. Avoid placing their enclosure in direct sunlight.
• Companionship: Rabbits are social animals and thrive with a bonded rabbit companion. However, they should not be housed with guinea pigs due to differing dietary needs and the risk of disease transmission or aggression. Introducing rabbits to each other should be done gradually to ensure a harmonious relationship.

Health Care

Vaccinations

• Calicivirus (RHD): This deadly disease is spread by wild rabbits, biting insects, or contaminated surfaces. Vaccinate kits from 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a booster at 10-12 weeks, and annual vaccinations thereafter. Consult your veterinarian for the most current vaccination protocols.
• Myxomatosis: Although no vaccine is available in Australia, reducing exposure to biting insects by using mosquito nets or keeping rabbits indoors can help protect them. Regularly check for signs of illness, as early detection is crucial.​​​​

Parasites

Rabbits can occasionally suffer from fleas, mites, or intestinal parasites. Regular health checks and prompt veterinary care are essential if you notice signs of scratching, hair loss, or diarrhoea. Maintaining a clean living environment helps prevent infestations.

Dental Care

Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously and require constant wear to keep them even and reduce dental disease. Feeding a high-fibre diet of hay and providing chew-safe toys helps maintain proper dental health. Look out for signs of dental disease, such as drooling, difficulty eating, eye discharge or weight loss, and seek veterinary care if needed. Regular dental check-ups are recommended.

Flystrike

This condition occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit’s soiled fur, leading to maggot infestations. Prevent this by keeping your rabbit’s living area clean, grooming them regularly, and promptly addressing any diarrhoea. During warmer months, be extra vigilant and consider using fly deterrents.

Emergency Signs

• Diarrhoea or lack of droppings
• Refusal to eat
• Lethargy
• Nasal discharge or laboured breathing
• Visible pain or discomfort

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs. Early intervention can be lifesaving.

Reproduction and Desexing

Desexing

Desexing, also known as neutering or spaying, involves the surgical removal of a rabbit's reproductive organs. This procedure offers several health and behavioural benefits:

• Health Benefits:
  • Females (Does): Desexing significantly reduces the risk of uterine cancer, which affects more than 80% of entire does over three years of age. It also prevents other reproductive issues such as pyometra (uterine infection).
  • Males (Bucks): Desexing can prevent testicular and prostate diseases, contributing to a longer and healthier life.
• Behavioural Benefits:
  • Reduced aggression and territorial behaviours, such as spraying urine.
  • Easier handling and improved bonding with their owners.
  • Prevents unwanted litters, reducing the risk of overpopulation.
• Best Age for Desexing: Rabbits can be desexed from around 4-5 months of age. Always consult your veterinarian for advice tailored to your rabbit’s health and circumstances.

Please note that no rabbit should be fasted prior to surgery, or any other reason, as they need to eat continuously to maintain good gut health. We strongly recommend bringing in your rabbits' favourite foods as well as fresh hay if they are undergoing a procedure, and routine surgery like desexing will not be performed on a rabbit if they are not eating.