It’s estimated that over 100,000 rabbits are kept as pets in New Zealand. They are now the fourth most popular pet after dogs, cats, and fish.
Rabbits make wonderful pets but need special care and attention and are not ‘entertainment’ for the kids. They’re highly intelligent, inquisitive animals with complex needs and each rabbit has its own unique personality. Rabbits require long term commitment as they live for 8-12 years on average. They’re social animals and should not live on their own.
They need to be able to express their natural behaviours – grazing, running, digging, hiding and socialising. Wild rabbits travel huge distances daily so ideally, in addition to their safe, dry and warm house, they will have either a large run to spend time in during the day, or better still, can free range around the garden – as long as it is safe from cats and dogs. Some rabbits also have free run of the house as they can be toilet trained to use a litter tray inside.
If confined, rabbits will become obese, develop health problems and can exhibit destructive or aggressive behaviour. Environmental enrichment is important to keep bunnies occupied and mentally challenged. Try digging boxes (cardboard boxes filled with sand or shredded paper), platforms to climb on and hide under, tunnels to play and hide in, small toys and cardboard tubes (toilet rolls or kitchen wrap tubes) stuffed with hay or treat food.
Fun facts about your bunny
Rabbits have an unusual digestive system where food is passed through the gut and special droppings (caecotrophs) are produced. Rabbits eat these, allowing the food to be re-ingested, getting maximum nutrition.
A rabbit’s top front teeth grow continuously - at 3mm a week - so it is important to provide items to chew on such as bunny-safe twigs and branches, cardboard boxes and tubes, as well as chew toys.
The way a bunny expresses happiness is through a ‘binky’ – jumping and twisting.
My bunny is honking! This noise, along with grunting and circling indicates the beginning of a mating dance and both males and females make these noises. They also honk and grunt out of excitement.
Health
To ensure a healthy digestive tract, 85% of the diet should be grass and good quality hay. Supplement with green leafy vegetables and herbs (parsley, coriander) and of course carrots! Keep fruit, such as apples, peaches, pears and berries, for treats due to the high sugar content.
It is extremely important to desex your rabbits. A female rabbit can get pregnant at just four months old. Pregnancy lasts four weeks and the average litter is 10 kits. The female can get pregnant again within hours!
Common health problems:
Digestive issues:
Gastro intestinal tract slows down or stops, caused by low fibre diets and lack of exercise – requires immediate veterinary attention
Diarrhea – due to dietary changes or stress
Bloat – too many carbohydrates and not enough fibre
Hairballs – can result in digestive blockages
Parasites – weakened immune system, exposure to contaminated environments or food
If your rabbit stops eating, take immediate action.
Dental issues:
Overgrown teeth – ensure plenty of twigs, wood to chew on
Dental malocclusion (teeth don’t align properly) which can be painful
Upper respiratory infections:
‘Snuffles’ – common bacterial infection with sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, wheezing or coughing
Calcivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease-RHD) – carried by wild rabbits and can be introduced to pet rabbits if they share the same environment
Skin issues:
Sore hocks is a painful inflammation or ulceration of the foot pads caused by sitting on hard surfaces
Abscesses from bites
Flea infestation
Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet rabbit. Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine. It can also assist with building a strong immune system to head off health issues before they start.
