Husbandry Advice

Water

Twenty four hour access is essential.  Most rabbits are accustomed to a sipper bottle, but some prefer a bowl.

If you have a new pet, offer them both at the beginning. We believe Hong Kong tap water is safe, but of course you may boil it first if you prefer. Do not change water abruptly (i.e. to a bottled water) as it may taste different and the rabbit may not want to drink it. We have seen animals dehydrated or in gut stasis for reasons such as the water sipper ball getting stuck, and because the animal did not like the taste of the new water

Cage

A rabbit should be able to hop 3 times from 1 end of cage to the other end. This means the cage should be 1 – 1 1/2 metres long.

The main part of the floor of the cage should be solid, not wire as wire may cause ulceration of the feet. The floor should be kept clean and dry.

Newspaper may be used to cover it, the newspaper inks are soya based and non toxic.  You may also use bedding such as hay or paper bedding like ‘Care Fresh’.

We don’t like woodchips here as they can be dusty, irritant and even poisonous.

You can use a piece of ” vet bed ”  a fluffy bedding available from the clinic although not all rabbits like to sit on this as it is too hot for some.

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

You may also put a specialised rabbit toilet in

Of course you must keep the toilet clean and dry.

A hide box in the corner will help keep your pet feeling safe.