Rabbit Care FAQs
Vaccinations
How many vaccinations does my rabbit need to have?
Yes – if your rabbit’s hutch is outside particularly during dawn and dusk it is important for them to be vaccinated against calicivirus.
How often does my rabbit need to be vaccinated?
As a general rule if your rabbit is younger than 10-12 weeks of age they should have two calicivirus vaccinations 4 weeks apart then yearly, if older than 10-12 weeks of age a second booster is not needed and the next show will be in 12 months time. If there is an outbreak or release of calicivirus this frequency may be reduced to every 6 months.
Is there a vaccination for myxomatosis?
No, unfortunately there isn’t – rabbits can only be vaccinated against Calicivirus.
Desexing
When can I have my rabbit desexed?
Rabbits can be desexed from about 4 months of age. If concerned about breeding as long as they are of an adequate weight we can do them a bit earlier if necessary.
Can I have a discount on my rabbit's desexing?
Unfortunately not as desexings are already done at a discounted price.
Does my rabbit require ongoing pain relief after desexing?
It is not mandatory however they will experience some discomfort for at least a few days after surgery and therefore it is nice for them to have a few days of pain relief at home.
How long does my rabbit need to be kept quiet after desexing?
Ideally, you should try to keep your rabbit quiet until their stitches are removed – this is 10 days after surgery. We often use dissolvable stitches in rabbits so you may not need to bring them back however they should still be kept quiet for that period of time.
Why should I get my rabbit desexed?
There are many health AND behavioural benefits with desexing your rabbit– the only reason you shouldn’t is if you are planning to breed from them.
Feeding
How often should I feed my rabbit?
Your rabbit should have food available/accessible at all times as they are what’s called ‘hindgut fermenters’ that have adapted to a large volume diet.
What should I feed my rabbit?
Rabbits need to be fed grass hay (timothy, oaten, paddock, meadow hay NOT Lucerne or clover) as the majority of their diet, fresh vegetables (includes but is not limited to broccoli, celery, spinach leaves, carrot tops, cabbages, bok choy) 250g/kg of body weight per day, and small amounts of a pelleted diet. Fruit can be offered as a treat (most fruits acceptable, carrots, sweet potato).
Parasite Prevention
Do I need to give my rabbit any regular worming, mite, lice protection?
Worming is not commonly necessary in rabbits, Revolution however can be used for mites, fleas and lice if needed.
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