How to Care for Rabbits

Outside rabbit hutches should be raised off the ground, and protected from the sun, rain and wind. Direct sunlight should be avoided, heat stress and stroke occur easily in rabbits. Rabbits should have an enclosed place to hide if alarmed.

1. Rabbits tolerate cold better than heat.
2. Good ventilation is essential to prevent respiratory disease.
3. Rabbits bedding should be straw, wood shavings, newspapers or a combination of the three. If given a choice, they prefer straw.
4. Water bottles can be attached outside the wire cage. Ceramic or metal feeding dishes are the most hygienic
5. Cleanliness is essential to prevent disease. The entire hutch should be cleaned thoroughly every week.
6. Wet, soiled bedding can cause ulcerative plantar pod dermatitis, and high ammonia level predisposes rabbits to respiratory disease.
7. An exercise area must be provided in addition to the hutch. A shed or garage will work but a grassy area is preferred. The wire must be dug in below ground level because rabbits will burrow.
8. If ground is not available you can build raised runs, and a platform above the hutch for the rabbits to exercise in.
9. The best diet is hay, (Timothy) vegetables, and a small amount of fruit. Do not give fruit with high sugar content. Commercial rabbit mixture should be avoided as it will cause obesity. Hay should always be available, and cannot be overemphasized.
10. Onset of puberty depends on the breed, but is at about 4-5 months in the female, and 5-8 months in the male. Smaller breeds mature faster than larger breeds.
11. Does should be taken to the buck for breeding or to neutral territory to avoid aggression.
12. The breeding season is from January to September. Kits emerge from the nest at about 2-3 weeks and can be weaned at 4-5 weeks.
13. Rabbits should be picked up by the scuff of the neck, never by the ears.

Indoor Rabbits

1. Indoor rabbits should have a secure cage to be kept in when the owner leaves the house. A wire cage with a plastic base is suitable.
2. Exercise around the house is encouraged.
3. Rabbits urinate and defecate in one place so they are easy to train. To get them to use a litter tray, it might be necessary to initially place droppings in the tray.
4. Wood or paper based litter should be used. Fuller earth products can be harmful if ingested.
5. See number 10 above for feeding instructions.
6. Chewable toys are enjoyed by house rabbits.
7. House rabbits will readily learn to use door flaps to go in and out of the house if it is safe enough for you to allow it.
8. House rabbits should be provided boxes or some place so they can hide if alarmed.
9. Rabbits should be provided with a companion if possible as they are social creatures. They can be neutered if of the opposite sex. . Females will tolerate other females if given enough space. Bucks will fight each other and inflict injury.
10. Do not keep rabbits with guinea pigs, as bulling by the rabbit will occur.