Hannah answers your Rabbit FAQs
May 21, 2024
If you’re new to rabbit care or just love a good knowledge refresh from time to time, we’ve got the perfect article for you! We tasked our vet Hannah with answering commonly asked questions about rabbits, ranging from feeding requirements to litter training, and cleaning tips to health concerns.
If, after reading our article you have any questions or would like to register your furry friend with our Basingstoke vet practice, we’re here to help.
Rabbit FAQs
1. What should I feed my rabbit?
Rabbits should primarily be fed a diet of fresh hay, such as Timothy hay, along with a variety of fresh vegetables, and a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellets. Avoid feeding too many treats or sugary foods, as these can lead to digestive issues. When it comes to fresh veggies, Hannah suggests trying your rabbit on carrot tops, cauliflower, rocket, celery and kale for starters.
2. How much hay should my rabbit eat each day?
Rabbits should have unlimited access to hay at all times. Hay is essential for their digestive health and helps wear down their teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lives.
3. How often should I clean my rabbit’s cage?
Rabbit cages should be spot-cleaned daily to remove any soiled bedding and waste. A thorough cleaning of the entire cage, including changing the bedding, should be done at least once a week.
4. Is it necessary to spay or neuter my rabbit?
Neutering rabbits (also called rabbit spaying if female) should be considered based on your individual rabbits needs, but generally is recommended, especially for females, to prevent reproductive health issues such as uterine cancer and unwanted pregnancies. Neutering can also help to reduce aggressive behaviour in male rabbits – talk to us about rabbit neutering.
5. How can I tell if my rabbit is sick?
Signs of illness in rabbits include a loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea, changes in behaviour, difficulty breathing, and discharge from the eyes or nose. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly – call us on 01256 639707.
6. What are some common health problems in rabbits?
Common health problems in rabbits include dental issues such as overgrown teeth, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis) – a potentially life-threatening condition where the digestive system slows down or stops – call us on 01256 639707.
7. How can I help keep my rabbit’s teeth healthy?
Providing your rabbit with plenty of hay to chew on is essential for maintaining healthy teeth. Additionally, providing safe chew toys and regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent dental problems.
8. Can rabbits be litter trained?
Yes, rabbits can be litter trained. Start by placing a litter box filled with rabbit-safe litter in the corner of their hutch or designated living area. Encourage your rabbit to use the litter box by placing some of their droppings in it.
9. How much exercise does my rabbit need?
Rabbits should have access to at least a few hours of supervised exercise outside of their hutch each day. This can include hopping around a rabbit-proofed room or playing in a secure outdoor enclosure.
10. How can I help prevent flystrike in my rabbit?
To prevent flystrike, it’s essential to keep your rabbit’s living area clean and dry, check their bottom regularly for any signs of soiling, and provide plenty of shade and protection from flies during hot weather. Additionally, consider using flyscreens or netting to keep flies away from your rabbit.
We hope you found our list of Rabbit FAQs helpful. Remember, we’re here to help if you would like any further advice.
