PET CARE
By Vets
Monika and Lisa
AS ITS EASTER TIME we thought we would talk about the third most popular pet in the UK, Rabbits! Rabbits have never been more popular as pets but before you contemplate buying that cute ball of fluff here are a few pointers to consider beforehand...
Rabbits are social critters. You only need to look into your nearest field to know they find comfort in large groups. If you don't get a bunny in a pair most will bond with a mate of the opposite sex after some patience... just make sure both are neutered! More about neutering later...
90% of their diet should be fibre (hay/grass). This sounds pretty boring and we appreciate the temptation to buy all those lovely fruit and veg treats but trust us when we say you're rabbit's digestive system will be a lot happier with fibre! We will let you make up the remaining 10% with vegetables (spring greens, carrot, broccoli, kale etc) and complete pellets (not the mixed feed you can buy because even though as a whole it is nutritionally balanced, the mix encourages your bunny to only pick out their favourite pieces which means they don't get the correct balance. .. a bit like us picking out the chips and leaving the salad!)
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Rabbits live up to 10-12 years and can cost more than you think over a lifetime... If you can't commit to this then buy a chocolate one!
A hutch is not enough! Rabbits need enough space to run, jump and dig and they do require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. If you plan on keeping your bun indoors they can be easily litter trained (as they are very clean creatures naturally) but rabbit-proof those wires.
Neuter! The saying goes "at it like rabbits" Most companions are male to female (unless they have been together from birth and even then, when sexual maturity hits they can turn on their litter mate), reaching maturity at 4-6 months so get them done! Other benefits of neutering include reducing destructive behaviour and in the case of females, getting rid of the risk of uterine cancer (after 5 years this risk increases to 80% in unneutered females).
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