Your New Rabbit
A Guide to Its Care
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. This is an exciting time for everyone and we hope that you will have many happy years together. This handout covers some of the basic facts about keeping a new rabbit. Please read it carefully; if you have any further questions please ask a member of staff.
Suggested Feeding Guidelines
The rabbit has a complicated digestive system so it is essential to get diet correct. On top of this 95% of rabbits going to the vet will have diet related problems. Whether it's teeth, eyes, tummy upsets or flystrike, almost every condition can be linked to inappropriate diet.
The easiest way to ensure a good level of nutrition for your rabbit is to feed a mixture of grass and hay supplemented with Supa-rabbit XL rabbit food, on top of this you should feed it fresh vegetables but not too many, you want your bunny to eat as much hay and grass as possible. Also, always make sure that your rabbit has a fresh supply of water to drink, remember water bottles will freeze in the winter.
Vaccinations
Your rabbit should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis which is a serious and usually fatal disease. It is caused by a highly contagious virus, transmitted from rabbit to rabbit by mosquitoes and fleas. There is no cure, only supportive therapy, which usually fails.
The Myxomatosis vaccine can be given from 6 weeks of age, and it is advised that re-vaccination should be carried out at least every 12 months, but preferably every 6 months in high risk areas. We would also recommend treating rabbits in high risk areas against fleas using a prescription strength product available from the practice.
A vaccine is also available against Viral Haemorrhagic Disease [VHD]. This can be given from 10- 12 weeks of age and a booster given yearly. Myxomatosis vaccine and VHD vaccine cannot be given at the same time. We offer a discount when both vaccines are bought together.
Neutering
We recommend that both male and female rabbits be neutered after the age of six months. This prevents unwanted pregnancies and also has several health benefits.
Neutering females at an early age can reduce the likelihood of developing uterine cancer, as well as mood swings and aggression. Neutering males can reduce the likelihood of territory spraying and aggression.
Insurance
Insurance for your pet is something we strongly recommend as veterinary fees can be expensive. There is no National Health Service for animals but many people want the same quality of care and treatment for their pets. Many of the more complicated procedures can cost hundreds of pounds. Petplan have a policy especially designed for rabbit owners. Please ask for advice if you are unsure.
