DIET

The wild rabbit lives on a diet of grasses and leaves and has a specialized gut which is adapted for this. The large intestine contains bacteria which break down the grass to make it digestible.The adult rabbit needs a high fibre, restricted carbohydrate, restricted protein and virtually no fat diet to stay healthy.

We recommend that the adult rabbit be given a limited amount of fresh rabbit pellets twice a day, each time around ¼ a rice bowl full each time.

Young (under 6 months), pregnant, sick or old (over 6 years) rabbits should be given free access to pellets.

Your rabbit must have 24 hour access to loose hay (not cubes). We strongly recommend TIMOTHY hay as this is higher in fibre than Alfalfa.

Check hay is good quality, it should have a fresh sweet smell, not dusty or mouldy.

Buy foods from a chinchilla shop as the turnover will be higher and foods fresher.

Fresh vegetables. These are an important source of vitamins. Around 1-2 rice bowls should be given every day. Carrots, broccoli, parsley, romaine and chinese lettuce are good. Chinese "choi" and spinach can be given once a week.

Wash thoroughly and make sure they are fresh.

Fruit. A few small pieces are acceptable.(less than 1 soup spoon/day)

Rabbit snacks and sweeties, seeds nuts and biscuits are not appropriate..

Any diet changes MUST be slow and gentle. Upsetting the gut causes bacterial imbalances and can kill your bunny. Take up to 1 week to introduce a new vegetable or hay or brand of pellets.

WATER

24 hour access is essential.

CAGE

A rabbit should be able to hop 3 times from 1 end of cage to another.

The floor of the cage should be solid, not wire. (this may cause ulceration of the feet)

If you leave a corner with wire many rabbits will use that corner for the toilet.

Of course you must keep the cage clean and dry.

Rabbits should be allowed out of the cage to exercise every day, but "rabbit proof" your house first- make sure there are no electric wires she can chew.

HEALTH

Follow the above instructions & keep your bun away from other rabbits.

Check the teeth, and the bottoms of the feet regularly. Brush them frequently when they are moulting (daily if long haired).

We advised desexing all female rabbits as they are prone to cancers of the uterus and mammary glands. A single male can be left entire but if more than 1 male they may fight.

Excellent information can be found on the Internet at http://www.rabbit.org/