Let’s allow some more room for our rabbits
June 27th to July 1st is Rabbit Awareness Week, or RAW fest 2022. This year’s theme is ‘Room for Rabbits’, talking about their environment. But I also want to discuss the key elements of all my work; education and prevention. So let’s talk about pet rabbits and what we can do as owners, or as someone considering getting a rabbit as a pet. This isn’t just for you, it’s for me too, as I have my two rabbits, Mia and Murphy.
Room for Rabbits, inside or out
Pet rabbits can live indoors or out, but in the wild they would be in a field or grassland, roaming the countryside within a large group, with access to a large warren, so it is important we try to replicate some of that. The minimum recommended space for a pair of bonded rabbits is 3m x 2m x 1m high. However, rabbits can hop, leap and jump so they need space to do this in order to exercise and play. Within their space, they also need food, hay, and water. In addition to a digging and litter box with the sleeping and toilet spaces separated. Ideally, going back to the wild rabbit also places for exploring such as tunnels, ledges and platforms. This is one of the many reasons rabbits are unhappy or rehoused, as when you put all this together it’s a lot of space!
Rabbits love to poo and chew
Rabbits need 85-90% of their diet to be hay or fresh grass, so a hay rack is a great option. Therefore, rabbits produce a lot of poo, and they will appreciate a clean area to do their business. Again, inside or outside, ensure the area is completely clean of dangers. Because they like to chew any wires, skirting boards, bushes, fencing, and loose flooring can cause trouble, so ensure you check your rabbit space regularly. Allowing for a specific dig area will ensure they can display their natural habits, without too much damage to your floor or garden. A big danger during the Summer is Flystrike, so check your rabbit’s bottom twice daily so nothing nasty gets into their system, and clean their bums and the hutch regularly.
Clean out and cuddles
Once a day do a spot check throwing anything wet or dirty out, once a week clean out the area and once a month do a deep clean. Rabbits are social, so they should have a companion or two. Hopefully one of these companions will be you! Get to know your rabbit on a ground level and give them time to build a relationship. You can hold your rabbits once they are happy, with a hand under them and against your chest. Rabbits can be taught tricks and will reward you with jumps and twists, and licks. You can even set up a jumping course for them to try and train them to you, even responding to their names.
Did you know…
A group of rabbits is called a colony, or a fluffle!
Help is at hand
If you need help with your rabbit healthcare, nail clipping, or help with medication, have a look at my services page, or get in touch.
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