International Rabbit Day: Celebrating with Bugs and Frank
Did you know September 26th was International Rabbit Day? This international celebration is a chance to learn more about what rabbits need to live happy, healthy lives.
International Rabbit Day is about raising awareness of rabbits as sentient animals with their own needs, behaviours and personalities. One of the ways we can mark the day is by educating ourselves about rabbit welfare and, if we are thinking about welcoming rabbits into our homes, considering adoption or rescue.
Rabbits can make wonderful companions, but they aren’t always the simple, low-maintenance pets they are sometimes assumed to be. They need space, companionship, opportunities to exercise and forage, appropriate food and somewhere safe where they can behave naturally.
Rabbits need room to be rabbits
One of the things I feel particularly strongly about is the amount of space we give our rabbits.
Rabbits are active, curious animals. They need to be able to hop, run, stretch, explore and investigate their environment, rather than spending most of their lives in a small hutch. Ideally, rabbits should have access to a secure area where they can exercise and explore throughout the day, with shelter and indoor space available too. Their environment should provide opportunities for natural behaviours such as digging, hiding, foraging and exploring. And rabbits are social animals too. Where possible, they should have appropriate companionship from another compatible rabbit. Their social relationships are an important part of their wellbeing.
My own rabbits: Bugs and Frank
I currently have two rabbits, Bugs and Frank, who both came to me for very different reasons. Bugs is a Dutch rabbit, one of the most recognisable and popular types of pet rabbit, with the distinctive wedge of white running up his face. He had sadly fallen out with his sister and, because they were kept as indoor rabbits, there wasn’t enough space to give them the separate areas they needed. His owner made the difficult but sensible decision to rehome him and, having heard about me, Bugs came to live with us.
Frank is a Teddywidder, a rare dwarf rabbit known for his long, soft coat and wonderfully floppy ears. His coat is similar to an Angora’s, soft and incredibly fluffy. Frank had previously been used as a stud rabbit and, when his owner retired him, I took him on for his retirement.
Bonding rabbits isn’t always straightforward. Just like cats and dogs, rabbits have individual personalities, and successful bonding depends on the rabbits themselves as well as the environment and space available to them. This is particularly important when trying to bond males, and Bugs and Frank are the second pair of neutered males I have successfully bonded. My experience of creating optimal environments for rabbits, alongside decades of experience in feline and canine behaviour, has helped me understand how to give them the best possible chance of forming a positive relationship.
Today, they have a large set-up in the garden with access to both indoor and outdoor areas, giving them the choice of where they want to spend their time. They are also very much part of the wider family. They get on well with Bluebell, our Forest cat, and Bugs has developed his own version of tag with her. They can often be found running around the garden together, exploring and playing. Frank has even worked out how to use the cat flap! They have the freedom to explore, but also safe spaces to retreat to when they want them. Dylan, our dog, also seems to have appointed himself as part of the rabbit security team, keeping an eye out for foxes and buzzards!
Rabbit Awareness Week: it’s not just about cute ears!
International Rabbit Day also allows us to revisit some of the messages from Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), which took place in July.
This year’s focus included helping rabbit owners understand how best to feed their rabbits. Diet is a fundamental part of rabbit health, with good-quality hay or grass playing a particularly important role. But feeding is just one part of the bigger picture. Understanding rabbit behaviour, their need for companionship, exercise and enrichment, and recognising when something isn’t quite right are all important parts of responsible rabbit ownership. The more we understand about rabbits, the better we can provide for them.
Did you know?
Rabbits have a very wide field of vision, allowing them to spot potential predators. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head rather than at the front like ours. They also have continuously growing teeth, which is one reason why the right diet and plenty of opportunities to chew are so important. And every rabbit has its own personality. Spend time with them, and you’ll soon discover that they are far more than the quiet, fluffy pets they are sometimes portrayed as being!
Thinking about adopting a rabbit?
If you’re considering rabbits as pets, take the time to find out what they really need before bringing them home.
Look at the space you can provide, the cost of their ongoing care, their dietary requirements and the time you’ll need to spend caring for them. And don’t forget to look at your local rabbit rescues. There are many rabbits looking for knowledgeable, loving homes. International Rabbit Day is a great reminder that responsible ownership starts with understanding.
Rabbit healthcare in the comfort of your own home
As a Registered Veterinary Nurse with more than 30 years’ experience, I can also help with some of the practical aspects of rabbit healthcare.
If your rabbit needs their nails clipped, help with medication or other routine support, I can provide home visits, allowing you to care for your rabbit without the additional stress of travelling to the veterinary practice.
For some rabbits, being handled, placed in a carrier and transported to the vets can be a stressful experience. A calm, familiar home environment can make routine care much easier for both rabbit and owner.
If you have questions about your rabbit’s healthcare, or would like help with nail clipping or medication, please get in touch: email me at zoe@thefriendlypetnurse.co.uk or get in touch by phone on 07917094715
Read more:
Rabbit Awareness Week 2023: Neutering
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