After dogs and cats, pet rabbits are third most popular pets in UK, with an estimated number of 900,000 adopted rabbits. They are adorable, playful and quite intelligent animal. But being so fragile, they need extra care and attention.
Whether you are living in a small hut or a house with huge playing area, rabbits can easily gel in to your family. This guide will provide you complete knowledge about what you require in UK to keep a pet rabbit and how to keep them happy, healthy and safe.
Choosing Right Breed of Pet Rabbit in UK
According to British Rabbit Council RBC, there are over 60 breeds of rabbits in UK. Which they generally categorize as follows.
1. Fancy Breed
This section has breeds that are more delicate, vary in shape, colour and sizes.
Tri Colored English, Tri colored Dutch, Thrianta, Tan, Silver, Rhinelander, Polish, Netherland Dwarf, Minature Papillon,
Lionhead, Himalayan, Harlequin, Giant Papillon, English, Flemish Giant, Dutch, Belgian Hare, Angora.
Rare breeds in this section: Dutch Tri-Colored, Giant Papillon, Rhinelander, Thrianta
2. Lop Breed
Lops have wide range of variants in colours and sizes. That is why it is the most popular pet option. This section includes:
Miniature Lop, Meissner Lop, Miniature Cashmere Lop, Miniature Lion Lop, Lion Lop, German Lop, French Lop, English Lop, Cashmere Lop.
Rare breed in this section: Meissner
3. Rex Breed
These breeds are categorised by their unique, short, and velvety coats. They have variety in patterns and colours.
Standard Rex and Miniature Rex.
Rare breeds in this section: Opossum, Astrex, Satin
4. Fur Breed
This section generally includes larger breeds, which require sufficient space and healthy housing. Their fascinating fur makes them distinguished among all. These are the breeds that lie in this section:
Vienna, Wheaten, Thuringer, Sussex, Swiss Fox, Smoke Pearl, Squirrel, Schwarzgrannen, Siberian, Silver Fox, Sable, Satin, Sallander, Marbuger Feh, Hulstlander, Lilac, Havana, Golden Glavcot, Fauve de Bourgogne, Chinchilla Giganta, Continental Giant, Deilenaar, British Giant, Californian, Blanc de Bouscat, Blanc de Hotot, Blanc de Termonde, Beveren, Beige, Alaska, Argente
Rare breeds in this section: Beige, Blanc de Bouscat, Blanc de Hotot, Blanc de Termonde, Deillenaar, Golden Glavcot, Hulstlander, Perflee, Pointed Beveren, Sallander, Squirrel, Sussex, Swiss Fox, Thuringer, Vienna Colored, Vienna White, Wheaten, Wheaten Lynx
To select among these options, you should take a look at the following factor:
• Research for the breeds that you find interesting. Every breed has different needs. It’s better to have enough knowledge about the chosen breed.
• Go for online resources to make a better decision. Websites like, Omlet, Petplan and Pets 4 homes are specific about UK.
• Consult breed clubs. Some of the UK rabbit breeds clubs include The National Lionhead Rabbit Club and Angora Bunny Club.
• Attend Rabbit shows, this will provide a better chance to observe different rabbit breeds.
Preparations for Your Pet Rabbit in UK
After choosing the right rabbit breed for your home. It’s now time to prepare your home for that cute addition. Rabbits are very fragile in nature and need additional care than other animals. Therefore, it is most important to have a quick check:
Your lifestyle:
How much time do you have to take care of the bunny? Rabbits are social animals they love to play, need company, enjoy cuddles, see if you can be available for them out of your routine.
Housing:
For an animal like rabbit you must have suitable space. Decide where you are going to make a hutch? According to RSPCA, the minimum hutch size should be 6ft x 2ft x 2ft attached to a run of 8ft x 6ft.
Rabbit Friendly Material:
The material of internal surfaces of hutches or cages should be easily cleaned and disinfected. Toxic materials like paints, plastics, and wood preservatives should be avoided on the surfaces.
Local Supplies:
Check for the availability and cost of supplies in your local area. You will need regular shaving sessions, hay, feed, and other essentials. Make sure everything is easily available near you.
Rabbit Proof House:
Your pet rabbit should be able to play indoor as well as outdoor. The freezing temperature of UK can be harsh for the bunny. Make sure you already have pet proof your house. So that they can have an enriched indoor experience.
What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit in UK
Rabbits need a proper balanced diet to grow healthy and happy. A good combination of grass, hay, pellets and fresh vegetables should be added in their daily diet.
Daily Rabbit Diet:
RSPCA suggest to divide the rabbit diet in portions. a rabbit diet should have 85% Hay, 10% of fresh leafy green vegetables like kale, cilantro, romaine and 5% pellets daily.
Things to do:
• Always wash the vegetables herbs and weed before offering them to your little fellow.
• Offer a variety daily, it’s good to give 5 to 6 different items.
• Good food for rabbit includes spinach, celery, cabbage, kale, broccoli, rosemary, parsley, mint and dandelion leaves.
• Give a small portion of anything new to them, specially the greens, they can upset their stomach.
• Add root vegetables and fruits in their diet occasionally. Carrots and apples can be ideal treats.
Things to avoid:
• Don’t offer any plant or leaf, some plants are poisonous, for example bluebells, foxgloves, holly and tulips.
• Commercial food products or muesli should be avoided. They may cause severe dental issues and poor digestion problems. They also make your rabbit gain excessive weight.
• Avoid Sugary items. They may result in tooth decay and other dental problems.
Water
Always make sure fresh water is accessible to your rabbit. Water should be clean and at room temperature. Always pour water in pot according to their size, to avoid any mishap.
Healthcare of Pet Rabbit
Rabbit needs more healthcare as they are so delicate. Here is a list of healthcare checks to ensure a healthy living of your pet.
Indications of Healthy Rabbit
Be happy if you find these indications in your pet. They are signs of their good health and your good look after.
• Activeness
• Clear bright eyes
• Good posture
• Energetic movements if unduly disturbed
• Active feeding and drinking
• Dark -colored pelleted stools
• Clean and healthy fur and skin
Signs of Ill-Health in Pet Rabbit
Speaking about the healthcare you must know the signs of poor health in pet rabbits. Immediately seek help is you observe these signs in your rabbit.
• Lethargy
• Dullness in the eyes
• Tucked-up posture and grinding teeth
• Shaking of the head
• Loss of appetite
• running eyes and tear-stains
• Nasal discharge
• Abdominal distention
• Rubbing
• Stained fur
• Presence of wet droppings
• Sneezing and pants
• Scratch marks
• Swelled face
• Sore hocks and lameness.
Common Dieases in Rabbits
Fly Strike
Flystrike is caused by poor cleanliness. It is a painful and sometimes fatal condition, where flies lay their eggs on another animal. These eggs produce worms, which eat the flesh of that animal. Most common in outdoor rabbits.
Dental Disease
Rabbit teeth normally grow 1 cm monthly. To promote normal tooth wear a diet containing roughage or fiber is a must. While wild rabbits grind down their teeth with hay and grass, a pet rabbit is at major risk of tooth elongation, malocclusion, and improper growth. That is why higher amount of hay is recommended in their daily diet.
Ear mite Infestation
It is a common disease in rabbit that cause disfigure and weakening. To avoid this disease the external ear canals and ears should be free of debris and layers.
GI Stasis
GI stasis is the slowing of passage of food through the GI tract. The common cause of GI stasis is eating too much carbohydrate and less fiber. If not treated properly it may lead to organ failure and ultimately death.
Respiratory Infections
Rabbits can’t breathe through their mouth. That’s why blockage in their nasal tract can cause serious respiratory issues. Pasteurella bacteria and Bordetella bacteria are most common bacteria that cause severe infections in rabbits.
Tips to Ensure Healthcare
Do practice the following safety steps to ensure the health of your pet rabbit.
• Brush your rabbit’s hair weekly, if the hair are too long give them a good trim.
• Cut off nails every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Check their fur for dandruff, parasites and flea.
• Teeth should be checked weekly to avoid overgrowth.
• Keep toilet areas clean and disinfected.
• Clean any leftover or spoiled food.
• Closely observe ears weekly to prevent from mites.
• Check the fur and skin around their bottom and tail area twice a day. Specially in summers.
• See is there any discharge or mucus around nose and eyes.
• Take your rabbit to vet for annual check-ups and vaccinations.
FAQ
1. How long do pet rabbits live?
With an average of 8 to 12 years, the life span of pet rabbit depends on living conditions and care.
2. What vaccines rabbit needs in UK?
Rabbits in UK need some regular vaccinations against fatal diseases like Myxomatosis, RVHD 1 and RVHD 2.
3. Can I keep my pet rabbit indoor?
Yes, keeping rabbits indoor is a general practice in UK. Rabbits are playful and social. Just make sure to rabbit proof your house to avoid distress.
4. Can I train my pet rabbit?
Yes, you can litter train your rabbit. Just be patient, offer rewarding treats and be consistent.
Conclusion
Keeping rabbit as a pet can be rewarding and pleasing experience. Their playful nature, delicate body and active presence deserve extra care and attention. Giving them the right place to live and a fiber rich diet can boost their health making your rabbit parenting journey more joyful.
Already have a pet rabbit? Comment down your experience with the little soul or share some tips with other rabbit parents.
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