Rabbits are adorable, fluffy and full of energy. They are brilliant to watch, especially when they’re binky hopping – which is a special jump they do when they’re happy. With this cuteness overload, it’s no wonder rabbits are one of the UK’s most popular pets. But sadly, they are also one of the most neglected.
Put simply, rabbits are high maintenance. They need the right care, attention and enrichment to thrive, and this takes a lot of time and effort. They can also be a very expensive pet and need of plenty of space.
Here are the main things you need to know before getting a rabbit.
Bunnies are very social animals and should always be kept as a neutered pair. The best pairings are usually a male and a female. Two males or two females can sometimes work, particularly if they are from the same litter. But same sex pairings are often harder to bond.
Rabbits are social animals and love attention. But as prey animals, they’re also naturally shy and it takes time to build a bond with them. When you bring a new rabbit home, its first instinct is likely to run and hide. This can be frustrating for children who want an instant attachment with their bunny. But if you try to push things too soon, a rabbit can get overwhelmed and kick out or bite. A slow, gentle approach helps build trust, forming a relationship you’ll both enjoy. Start by just sitting near them, letting them come to you on their own terms. Offer food before trying to pet them. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises. Over time, your bond will grow and you’ll get a furry friend for life.
A hutch alone is not enough for rabbits. They need space to run, play, jump, binky hop and graze. Many rabbit owners use sheds with runs attached, or keep them as house bunnies, with lots of space to explore. If you do decide on a hutch, it needs to be tall enough for the rabbit to be able to stand on its hind legs. It also must have a large run attached to it. Make sure the space is predator-proof and add in lots of hides, tunnels and toys to help your rabbit feel comfortable and entertained.
Rabbits are herbivores. This means they eat only plants. Hay is the most important thing you can give to your rabbits. As they are grazers, they need unlimited access to hay, along with fresh vegetables and rabbit nuggets daily. They also need fresh water daily. Rabbits must always have a constant supply of food. They can get dangerously ill very quickly if they go for more than a few hours without eating.
Bedding needs to fresh and natural. Hay makes good bedding as the rabbit can eat it too. Make sure it is changed regularly and remove any spoilt bedding daily.
The cost of neutering, vaccines and general healthcare all add up. Rabbits need annual vaccines to protect against myxomatosis, RVHD-1 and RVHD-2, which are fatal illnesses in rabbits. Dental issues are common in rabbits and usually very costly to fix. Flystrike and fur parasites can also be a threat in summer, and require veterinary care. Flystrike is particularly nasty and is the term given to a maggot infestation on an animal. It can be prevented by good hygiene and checking and cleaning your rabbit’s bottom of any mess. You can also buy protective medicines to prevent flystrike from occurring.
Regularly brushing your rabbit’s fur will keep it in great condition and is a lovely way to bond with your bunny. Long-haired breeds, like Lionheads, may require daily grooming to prevent matting. Nail cutting is part of rabbit grooming. This can be done at home or at a vet’s surgery.
Getting a rabbit is a long-term commitment – and not just for the year of the rabbit.
In summary, with the right care and attention, rabbits make amazing, loyal pets. But they are hard work and it’s always best to understand what you’re getting into to, before committing to a pet.
Lion Learners offer ethical, educational and awesome animal experiences for schools, care home, parties and more.
Discover our animal experiences
At Lion Learners, animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Many of our animals have been rescued from neglect or adopted from people who can no longer care for them. The animals live with their presenter in special habitats with the best possible enrichment. This encourages stimulation and natural behaviours. By living in our homes, we are able to form exceptionally strong bonds with the animals. It also lets us keep a very close eye on them to make sure they are happy, healthy and willing to socialise. It’s crucial that our animals’ needs are met and they are comfortable in any situation.
We carefully pick the species we choose to share our lives with, to ensure that we are able to meet their needs. This is why you won’t find us travelling with animals such as meerkats or racoons.
When you meet us, it will quickly become obvious how much we love our animals. We hope you will love them as much as we do!
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