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Always purchase your rabbit from a reputable breeder or a rescue centre. Avoid buying a rabbit on impulse.
Your rabbit will require annual vaccination against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). We recommend that you get your rabbit covered by Pet Insurance as veterinary fees can mount up.
Never leave a rabbit in the sole care of a child. As an adult you will have to assume sole responsibility for the health and welfare of your rabbit.
To prevent territorial behaviour of both bucks (males) and does (females), pet rabbits require neutering. Males can be neutered at around 3-4 months, and does at 6 months. Females over 2-3 years old are at high risk of developing uterine cancer unless neutered.
Rabbits needs regular, daily stimulation and exercise in a safe environment.
Rabbits urine can be red and this is normal. However, blood in the urine requires veterinary advice.
Rabbits have little ability to regulate their body temperature and die very easily from heat stroke. Ensure adequate shade.
Handle your rabbit daily, and it will generally enjoy your company. NEVER pick a rabbit up by it's ears, and always support your rabbits back and hind quarters when handling. Rabbits can easily experience spinal injuries.
Rabbits are sociable creatures and enjoy the company of humans, dogs, cats and other rabbits if carefully introduced. However, 2 bucks must NEVER be put together (they will fight); 2 does even if neutered will rarely live happily together; the best combination is a neutered buck and a doe (preferably also neutered).
Rabbits nails need clipping every 6-8 weeks.
Check teeth weekly to ensure they are correctly aligned.
Rabbits moult 2-4 times a year, only one of these will be heavy (usually late Spring/early Summer).
Seek veterinary advice if your rabbit develops discharges from the eye, nose or mouth, has scabs inside it's ears, is passing diarrhoea or mucous, or stops eating and/or drinking.
If at all worried about your rabbit seek Veterinary Advice.
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