Pet Care

In this section you will find information on how to own and look after your pet. If you have any questions please feel free to call where we can offer you advice and help.

There about 1.2 million rabbits in the UK with many different breeds. Rabbits live between 8 - 12 years and this is a long commitment and one that must be considered. That said bunnies are very easy to look after unlike a dog or a cat and reasonably cheap to keep. Bunnies are a very social animal and will give you hours of entertainment and love.

They can live outside or indoors and love having a playmate through a bonding procedure, please read information further down the page.

Outdoor Bunnies

Outdoor bunnies are possibly the easiest to keep. Please make sure when purchasing a hutch that it is going to be large enough for your bunny to grow? They should be able to stand on their back feet without banging their head on the roof and they will grow very quickly.

Do not worry about your bunny getting cold in the winter they can cope really well with plenty of hay and bedding. In really cold weather put a blanket over the hutch or if possible move them into a garage or shed.

What is important and dangerous to bunnies is a quick change in temperature so do not be tempted to bring them indoors when it is freezing outside.

Indoor Bunnies

Indoor Bunnies are initially harder to train a bit like a cat, but not impossible. You can train them to use a litter tray normally placing it in their favorite place to go! This can be a lengthy process, but the rewards are all worthwhile. Our two bunnies Gizzy the male was really quick yet Bubbles the female still has the odd accident, but is learning off her Big Brother and is really good now after months of accidents.

Once trained they are adorable as you can interact with them all day again Gizzy can get up on the sofa leaving Bubbles on the floor of course until he wants to play again when he will get down!

They love cables and nibbling skirting boards and furniture so please be aware of this. Again they can be trained or you can make you house rabbit proof chewing sticks are good to distract them.

We still put our two in a cage at night they know when it is bed time.

Feeding

Do not over feed your bunny you may think you are doing right, but an overweight bunny puts immense strain on their very small heart.

What is important is that they have fresh hay and water daily. They are a foraging animal and will graze on hay all day which is good for them, be mindful if exercised on grass areas outside they will naturally eat the grass this may cause soft stools and a sore bum as this can be too wet for them.

A small portion of nuggets in a morning is sufficient then in the afternoon they love their greens, curly kale, spring greens etc. Do not feed them lettuce again too wet and carrots in small portions as they are full of sugar and bad for their teeth.

Treats bought from the pet shop can be given, but only 1 or 2 a day if that.

Injections - RVHD1 and RVHD2

There are two strains of RVHD, known as RVHD1 and RVHD2. Both strains are lethal and you must vaccinate to protect your rabbits. RVHD2 has been in the UK since 2013 and over time appears to be overtaking classic RVHD as the primary strain.

RVHD vaccines are very effective. Your rabbits can currently be protected against RHD1 using the Nobivac Myxomatosis-RHD vaccine with a booster every 12 months. Both strains of RVHD are covered by vaccination any time from ten weeks (Filavac) or RHD2 can be prevented from 30 days (Eravac) of age.

The separate RVHD2 vaccine is given every 6-12 months. You should consult your vet for the best combination currently available for your rabbit(s).

It’s very important to clean and disinfect anything that may be carrying the viruses, including water bottles, bowls, bedding and housing.