A Complete Guide to Caring for a Rabbit

Rabbits are often underestimated, bought as a supposedly easy first pet and then kept in conditions that fall far short of their needs. In truth, rabbits are intelligent, sociable and surprisingly long-lived animals, frequently reaching eight to twelve years. Caring for one properly is a genuine commitment, but the reward is a charming and affectionate companion.

Diet: the foundation of health

The single most important thing you can get right is diet, and the single most important food is hay. Good quality grass hay should make up around eighty-five per cent of what your rabbit eats and must be available at all times. It wears down their continuously growing teeth and keeps the digestive system moving, which is literally a matter of life and death for rabbits.

A healthy daily diet looks roughly like this:

• Unlimited fresh hay, ideally timothy or meadow hay
• A generous handful of leafy greens such as herbs and salad leaves
• A small, measured portion of quality pellets
• Constant access to fresh water

Muesli-style mixes should be avoided, as rabbits pick out the sugary bits and leave the rest, leading to serious dental and gut problems. Treats should be tiny and infrequent.

Housing and exercise

The old image of a rabbit in a small hutch at the bottom of the garden is now widely recognised as inadequate and unkind. Rabbits need substantial space to hop, run, stand up fully on their hind legs and perform the joyful twisting leaps known as binkies. A large enclosure connected to a secure exercise run, or free run of a rabbit-proofed room, is far closer to what they require.

Whatever the setup, it must be secure against predators and weather, provide shelter and a quiet hiding place, and allow several hours of exercise every day. Line living areas with newspaper and soft bedding, and clean regularly to keep things dry and hygienic.

Companionship and health

Rabbits are profoundly social animals and suffer when kept alone. The ideal is a neutered, bonded pair, as this companionship meets a deep need that no amount of human attention can fully replace. Neutering also prevents unwanted litters and reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Register with a vet experienced in rabbits and keep vaccinations up to date, as rabbits are vulnerable to serious diseases. Learn to spot early warning signs: a rabbit that stops eating or passing droppings needs urgent veterinary attention, as gut stasis can become fatal within hours. Check daily for signs of illness, keep the rear end clean to prevent flystrike in warm weather, and handle your rabbit gently and confidently. Given the right care, a rabbit will reward you with years of character and quiet companionship.