We recommend that all pet rabbits should be neutered. In females, it prevents unwanted pregnancy and eliminates cancer of the uterus, but it makes both sexes calmer and less aggressive.

Does can be neutered from 14 weeks, while bucks can undergo the procedure as soon as their testicles have descended(around 3 months of age).

It’s important to remember that bucks can remain fertile for four weeks after the operation, so should not be kept with an un-neutered doe during this time…or you may get more than you bargained for

Rabbits need time to get used to their surroundings, so don’t try to pick your new rabbit up for the first few days.

Techniques for handling a rabbit will vary according to the size of the animal, but it is important that a rabbit feels safe whenever it is picked up.

This can be especially important with younger children – although they are often keen to cuddle their pet, they can accidentally be too rough.

When handling rabbits, you should remember that they’re ground-living creatures who can find being lifted and carried distressing, so whenever possible interact with your rabbits at ground level.

Owners should also remember not to approach from above (as a predator would), but rather on the same level. When picking your rabbits up ensure that all four legs and the bottom are securely supported at all times.

A rabbit should never be picked up just by the ears or the scruff of the neck.

Some rabbits are not happy to be handled, which could be a result of not being handled regularly – or properly – as a baby. It’s important to move slowly and quietly when handling such animals, so as not to increase their level of anxiety.

It can take some time to overcome handling anxiety, but is often helped by gradually introducing stroking and handling whilst feeding your pet a treat such as a piece of carrot.

Some breeds of rabbit, particularly the long-haired varieties, need brushing daily to remove loose and matted hair.

This is important to reduce the risk of hairballs and flystrike. It also keeps your rabbits in good condition, and helps to improve the relationship between you.

Be careful to be gentle when brushing long haired rabbits, as their skin can tear very easily if you pull on their fur too hard.

Keeping your rabbit fit and healthy is vital to ensure a long, happy and fulfilling life. Rabbits can be prone to some health issues which can prove challenging to treat, but can often be easily prevented if you know how.

Good care, appropriate feeding and other appropriate measures such as vaccination are key. Some of the most important health problems that can be encountered and how to prevent them are listed below:

Infectious diseases

Myxomatosis is caused by a virus spread by fleas, mites and biting flies such as mosquitoes. In some circumstances it can also spread by direct contact between infected rabbits too.

The first signs of infection are usually puffy swellings around the head and face. Within a day or so, these swellings can become so severe that they can cause blindness.

‘Sleepy eyes’ are another classic sign, along with swelling around the mouth and ears, which then spreads around the anus and genitals.

A high fever occurs and eating and drinking becomes progressively more difficult. Death usually follows within around twelve days.

Recovery from this disease is rare and euthanasia is often necessary to prevent suffering. Occasionally a longer and more protracted disease course occurs with multiple skin modules. All types of rabbits can be affected, including house rabbits.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), also known as Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) is a very serious condition which causes a high fever, internal bleeding and liver disease.

It is usually rapidly fatal and is spread by direct contact between rabbits (both wild and domesticated) and indirect contact, such as via insect transport or people, clothing, shoes and other objects.

Regular flea and fly control measures and avoiding pet rabbits coming into contact with areas wild rabbits have been, can help to lower the risk of infection.

Both diseases are widespread and endemic in wild rabbits in Ireland. The devastating nature of these diseases means that vaccination against both diseases is recommended to protect pet rabbits.

Although separate vaccines were needed in the past, dual protection against both diseases is now available from a single convenient annual vaccine.

This vaccine should be given annually starting from 5 weeks of age – please call us to arrange a consultation for your rabbit.

Flystrike

Flystrike is a common, extremely distressing and often fatal disease which predominantly occurs in warm weather.

It most commonly occurs when the rabbit’s rear end becomes soiled with faeces and/or urine. This attracts flies which lay eggs on damaged skin or on the soiled fur. These eggs then hatch into maggots that eat away at the tissues in the surrounding area and release toxins which makes the rabbit unwell.

The problem, if left untreated, can get so bad that the maggots reach the rabbit’s abdomen, causing so much suffering that the rabbit has to be put to sleep. If you spot any signs of flystrike on your pet, such as eggs or maggots, please contact us immediately.

You can prevent flystrike by:
• Keeping housing clean and dry.

• Feeding the correct high fibre diet to make sure they eat all of their caecotrophs (see our diet section for more information)

• Checking your pet thoroughly for signs of illness, injury or abnormal behaviour every day, and in warm weather checking the fur and skin around your pets’ rear end and tail area, at least twice a day.

• Removing any wet or soiled bedding every day.

• Keeping rabbits active and healthy – obese rabbits may be too big to clean themselves effectively or to eat their caecotrophs (which then build up around their rear end).

Fleas

The fleas most commonly found on domestic rabbits are the same species of flea as will most likely be affecting all other pets, and you, in the household.

Rabbits’ symptoms can be varied, from itching to severe scratching of the neck and biting of the area around the base of the tail and some show no signs at all.

Treatment should focus on both the animal and environmental approach so as to minimise the level and persistence of infestation. Only use treatments and medicines designed for rabbits, some treatments/medications designed for other animals can be harmful and in some cases fatal to rabbits.

At Cottage Vet Clinic we supply Advantage spot-on treatments which can be applied monthly to prevent fleas in your rabbit.

Mites

Cheyetiella is a type of skin mite that can affect rabbits; it lives in the fur, and causes areas of thick crusting and dandruff type material to develop.

It is often termed ‘Walking Dandruff’, with affected areas most commonly being at the back of the neck and at the base of the tail.

We can easily diagnose these mites by examining some of the dandruff material under the microscope, and will then be able treat your rabbit effectively.

Rabbits can also be affected by ear mites that cause crusting and ulceration of the ear canal.

People often think rabbits are very easy to look after and that all they need to do is pop them in a hutch in the garden and feed and clean them when needed. However this is actually far from the truth!

• Rabbits are prey animals first and foremost and their natural response to a perceived threat is to often run and hide. They have a wonderful ability to interact with humans but need time and regular, gentle handling from an early age to become comfortable around humans.

• Offer your rabbits lots of bolt holes/hiding within their home and areas they have access to. Open spaces with no protection will cause your rabbits to feel under threat. A good idea is to place the carrier inside the homing area so increase familiarity and reduce stress

• Think about what other animals are already in your house, and whether they are a natural predator to rabbits. For example rabbits will feel scared being housed next to dog kennels or ferret enclosures! Make sure your rabbits can always escape and hide if they feel afraid.

• If a rabbit’s behaviour changes or they show regular signs of stress or fear (such as frequent hiding or being aggressive to you/or other pets), they may be in pain, distressed and /or suffering emotionally.

We would recommend a health check up for your pet to rule out any form of illness or injury that could be causing the behaviour problem.

How to create the perfect environment for your rabbit:
Pet rabbits often lack stimulation, which can lead to behavioural problems and poor health. Much like humans, they need to be kept physically and mentally active. You can replicate a rabbit’s natural environment by providing some of the items below:

• Tunnels (that are wide enough for the rabbits to pass through easily)

• Tree stumps (from trees that are safe for rabbits to chew, e.g. apple, that have not been sprayed with chemicals) to act as look out points (platforms)

• Safe, unsprayed twigs (which can be hung up so that they can pull them)

• Suitable toys (there are many rabbit toys available commercially; ensure any you buy are safe and that your rabbits use them)

• Digging Box i.e. A planter filled with earth for digging

• Platforms for hiding under and climbing on

• Constant access to safe hiding places (such as cardboard boxes)

• Games, such as food items in brown paper which they have to unwrap

• Put food in multiple places so they have to move around to find it

• Use food balls (the treat balls made for cats work well) to feed their nuggets as they will spend longer eating and have fun chasing them around

Company:
Rabbits are very social animals and if left without appropriate company or things to do for prolonged periods they can suffer. Rabbits have complex social needs and are happiest when kept with another friendly rabbit – therefore, rabbits should ideally live in friendly pairs or groups.

However, keeping the wrong pairings together can lead to unwanted kittens (baby rabbits) and/or fighting. Neutering is recommended to prevent unwanted kittens.

A good combination is a neutered male and neutered female rabbit.

Neutering is important to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to reduce fighting especially in same sex pairings. Unfamiliar rabbits need to be introduced to each other very carefully and gradually, under owner supervision, preferably in a space that is new to both rabbits

It’s very beneficial for rabbits to start socialising with people and other rabbits from an early age.

Familiarity with people will help your rabbits develop into friendly and confident adults. Exposing them to normal everyday sights and sounds from a young age is also important, so they’re relaxed and happy in the environments they will encounter as adults.

Guinea Pigs:
Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs should NOT be kept as companions for rabbits. They have different dietary requirements and communicate differently too.

Furthermore, rabbits can sometimes bully guinea pigs and can pass a bacteria onto

Sometimes you will have to take your rabbit to the vet, for neutering, vaccinations, dental checks or because he or she has fallen ill.

Since rabbits are prey animals they are easily frightened so it’s important to make the visit to the vet as comfortable as possible.

The ideal rabbit carrier:
• It should be solid, non-collapsible, well ventilated and secure to ensure rabbits cannot chew or escape (never use a cardboard box – they can be easily chewed or become insecure if it rains or they urinate)
• Ensure it is of suitable size and shape so that the rabbit is comfortable enough to lie and move around as freely as possible. But it should be small enough to provide feelings of security and to stop them sliding around during travel.
• Sometimes a top opening is helpful to easily take out a nervous rabbit once at the vet
• Line the carrier with newspaper to absorb urine and a towel or vetbed (only if you are sure your rabbit will not chew them, otherwise hay from their bed might be more appropriate)
• Make the carrier as familiar as possible, so place inside hay from home, a favourite toy and some used bedding
• Make the carrier familiar to your rabbit first by leaving it in their enclosure with the door open to encourage them to investigate. Rabbits should not be pushed into the carrier – try to entice in with a healthy snack.
• Unsuitable rabbit carriers include wire pet carriers, fabric carriers, wicker baskets and cardboard boxes.

Rabbits that live together and are friends should travel together.

If you have more than one rabbit at home, it’s sensible to take them both to the vet in the same carrier, even if only one needs to be checked.

There is “safety in numbers” and the companionship will help reduce their stress levels.

When out and about the rabbits will absorb the same smells – if only one rabbit is taken, at home it can mean rejection from the companion rabbit if they smell different.