Summary

• Rabbits are popular pets that require daily care and attention.

• Rabbits are social animals and should ideally be kept in pairs or in compatible groups.

• Neutered animals are happier and live longer than those that have not undergone the procedure.

• Even indoor rabbits need regular vaccination against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease, as these are transmitted by mosquitoes. If necessary, protection against fleas and ticks should also be provided.

Useful information for rabbit owners

Rabbits can easily become part of the family, but since they are sensitive animals, they are better suited for older children or adults. Younger children should only interact with them under parental supervision.

They are naturally social animals and enjoy companionship, so it is recommended to keep them in pairs or groups. There are many rabbit breeds, sizes, and colors to choose from. Long-haired rabbits require daily grooming and special care. Most rabbits can be kept both indoors and outdoors; in outdoor housing, a dry, wind-protected shelter must be provided.

When keeping rabbits indoors, toxic plants should be moved out of reach, and special attention should be paid to protecting cables. Their living space should allow them to hop, stretch, and play, just as they would in nature.

It is important to consider whether you have enough time, knowledge, and financial resources to care for a rabbit for up to 10 years.

The ideal age to acquire a young rabbit is 6–8 weeks, when they are separated from their mother. You can adopt a rabbit from rescue organizations, pet shops, or breeders.

In many pet shops, rabbits are housed together with guinea pigs, which is not appropriate. They can transmit diseases to each other, and their behavior differs. Rabbits may also injure guinea pigs. For these reasons, they should not be kept together.

Housing

A rabbit should have at least a cage large enough to stand upright on its hind legs, stretch out fully, and hop around. It is also important to provide a private hiding place where it can retreat if it wishes. The minimum recommended size is 180 × 90 × 90 cm. A wooden shelter is ideal as a hideout, especially outdoors, as it protects from direct sunlight, wind, and rain. Rabbits kept in too small spaces cannot move enough, which may lead to musculoskeletal problems.

During the winter months, protection against the cold is also necessary, but if properly provided, rabbits can be kept in outdoor enclosures. When choosing their housing, it is essential to ensure they are protected from predators. Since rabbits are highly sensitive to stress, even a serious fright can be fatal.

Rabbit litter

The most suitable bedding for rabbits includes straw, corn cob bedding, pellet litter, or wood shavings. Used bedding should be replaced daily. Rabbits can generally be litter-trained and quickly learn to use a designated litter box. To achieve this, observe which corner they prefer and place the litter box there.

A rabbit care

A healthy rabbit is lively and alert. Rabbits should be checked daily to see if there are any changes in behavior or appearance. Signs of poor health include flaky patches on the inner side of the ears, discharge from the eyes or nose, bloating, or diarrhea. The rabbit’s incisors and molars should be checked regularly, especially if weight loss occurs without an obvious cause. Dental problems are common in rabbits.

All rabbits should be regularly vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). Neutering helps prevent behavioral problems and reduces the risk of several diseases. Neutered rabbits are also easier to litter-train.

During the summer, rabbits should be checked regularly to prevent flystrike around the rear area. To avoid this, the area should be kept clean and dry, and if necessary, the fur around the underside and inner thighs should be trimmed short.

Long-haired breeds require daily brushing, while short-haired rabbits only need thorough grooming once a week. Grooming also strengthens the bond between the animal and its owner.

Rabbits can be infected by various parasites, the most significant being E. cuniculi, a microorganism that affects the nervous system. It is shed in the urine, and rabbits become infected by consuming contaminated food, such as hay. Many infected rabbits show no severe symptoms, but eye problems or balance disorders may occur. Diagnosis is made through blood tests, although it can be difficult due to asymptomatic carriers.

Treatment depends on the symptoms and usually requires prolonged medication.

Exercise and play in rabbits

Every rabbit needs daily exercise and play to maintain both physical and mental health. As part of environmental enrichment, they should be provided with chewable items such as branches (e.g. apple tree branches) or wooden toys available in pet stores. It is also a good idea to place wooden tunnels and hiding spots in their enclosure.

Another option is to give the rabbit a cardboard box to jump in and out of. Hanging vegetables can also be offered, encouraging them to work a bit to nibble on their food.

Rabbits are social animals

Wild rabbits live in large groups, so a rabbit kept alone can become lonely. It is best to keep a bonded pair or a small group. Neutering helps prevent unwanted reproduction and reduces rivalry between animals.

Rabbits have individual personalities - some enjoy companionship, while others prefer more solitude. As prey animals, they feel safest moving at ground level.

Rabbits that are accustomed from a young age to being handled are less likely to be frightened, but it is important to remember that being picked up is not natural for them. The safest way to lift a rabbit is to place one hand under the front part of the body (supporting the chest) and the other hand under the hind legs. Never lift a rabbit by its ears or by the skin on the back of its neck. Always place the rabbit down gently, ensuring that its hind legs touch the ground first, and avoid slippery surfaces.

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Additional useful information

Dental diseases in rabbits

Dental problems are the most common diseases in rabbits and rodents. Any rabbit that eats poorly should raise suspicion of dental disease, so regular dental check-ups are strongly recommended. Signs of dental problems may include: reduced food intake, weight loss, drooling, eye discharge, and a hunched posture.

The position of the incisors can be easily checked by the owner, but the molars can only be examined with special equipment. In an awake animal, only about 60% of the molars are visible, so a thorough examination usually requires anesthesia.

Overgrown teeth can injure the oral mucosa and the tongue, causing pain. As a result, the rabbit may stop eating and lose weight.

Grinding off the laces that cause damage from the molars is only possible under anesthesia. Overgrown incisors can be trimmed with a special dental tool, and in some cases this can be done without anesthesia. In certain cases, tooth extraction may be the only solution. It is important to know that dental diseases in rabbits often cannot be completely cured - only managed through regular treatment. Additionally, rabbits weakened by dental problems may require syringe feeding after dental procedures until they are able to eat properly on their own.

Should we neuter or not?

Male rabbits do not necessarily need to be neutered for medical reasons, but after neutering they usually become more manageable and calmer, so it is recommended.

In female rabbits, neutering has significant health benefits, as in non-neutered individuals, about one in three will develop uterine tumors later in life. From a behavioral perspective, neutering is also beneficial, as intact rabbits may urinate inappropriately around the home.

However, it is important to be aware that anesthesia in rabbits carries higher risks compared to dogs or cats.

On the right side of the image, an overgrowth of one of the lower molars toward the tongue can be seen - this can only be detected under anesthesia.

If only the incisors are overgrown, correction may sometimes be attempted while the rabbit is awake.