Keeping Rabbits Happy
Keeping Rabbits Happy
Rabbits! They're cute, fluffy bundles of love! They’re also very sociable creatures, who need specific nutrition to keep them happy and healthy. There’s certainly a lot more to them than meets the eye!
Companionship
Rabbits are social animals, meaning they are happier when housed with another rabbit for companionship.
It's important that the correct companion is selected for your rabbit. Typically, rabbits from the same litter will get on well together - though it is important that males and females are neutered to stop future litters.
Female rabbits from different litters tend to match well as companions. Male rabbits from different litters may fight. Neutering rabbits from different litters can help to improve relationships between them.
Matching rabbits so that they are similar in size helps to stop any bullying and keeps everyone in harmony in the bunny household.
Enrichment
Rabbits need daily enrichment to keep them mentally stimulated and active every day. Enrichment will improve your Rabbit's mood state and reduce behaviour problems. Here are some ideas to keep your rabbit happy and active...
Housing
Rabbits need a safe, comfortable home where they are protected from the weather and a safe place to rest. If your rabbit is housed in a hutch, the height of the hutch needs to allow the rabbit to stand up on its back legs. The width of the hutch must allow your rabbit to hop from side to side 3 times. Your rabbit will need separate areas for toileting, eating and sleep. If you have more than one rabbit, you will need a bigger hutch.
It can be helpful to have the hutch lined with newspaper to mop up any urine and this will help when cleaning the hutch. OSCAR recommend using hay or recycled newspaper as bedding for a rabbit hutch.
Make sure your rabbit’s hutch is kept out of direct sunlight or cold. The hutch may need moving, depending on the time of year, to keep your rabbit out of the way of harmful weather. Be aware in the summer months that your rabbit's hutch will need to be well ventilated and in the winter months remember to add extra bedding to keep your rabbit snuggly and warm.
Diet
Rabbits are known as Fibrevores. This mean they require two types of fibre (daily) in their diet – digestible and indigestible.
At OSCAR we recommend rabbits should follow the Burgess Excel 5-step plan. Read more about rabbits and their dietary requirements, here.
