Rabbits – Petz https://www.petz.uk Expert Pet Care Guides & Independent Reviews for UK Pet Owners Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:33:01 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.petz.uk/wp-content/uploads/cropped-petzicon-32x32.jpg Rabbits – Petz https://www.petz.uk 32 32 Rabbit Care UK 2026: Vaccinations (RVHD2 New Strain), Bonding, Housing 3×2m, Diet 80% Hay & Neutering https://www.petz.uk/rabbit-care-guide/ Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:15:59 +0000 https://www.petz.uk/rabbit-care-guide/ Rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood and poorly cared for. […]

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Rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood and poorly cared for. Modern rabbit welfare has advanced significantly: the days of a small hutch at the bottom of the garden are over. This guide covers the essential areas of rabbit care based on the latest recommendations from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), RSPCA, and PDSA.

Vaccinations — Critical Update for 2026

  • Rabbits need protection against three diseases: Myxomatosis, RVHD1, and RVHD2
  • 2026 update: A “highly virulent” new strain of RVHD2 has been identified in Europe. Two separate vaccinations are now recommended annually — a combined Myxo/RVHD1/RVHD2 vaccine PLUS a separate RVHD2-specific vaccine, given 2+ weeks apart
  • Even indoor rabbits must be vaccinated — the viruses spread via insects, wild rabbits, and contaminated surfaces (shoes, clothing)
  • Vaccinations can start from 5–7 weeks of age

Housing

  • RWAF minimum: 3m × 2m × 1m high for a pair — continuously accessible. A hutch is only a shelter, not a home
  • Hutch minimum: 6ft × 2ft × 2ft (1.8m × 0.6m × 0.6m) attached to a larger secure run
  • Outdoor runs must be predator-proof: 16-gauge wire minimum, protection against digging
  • Indoor rabbits need the same minimum space, even with free-roaming access

Diet — 80–90% Hay

  • Unlimited hay: Timothy Hay or Meadow Hay — essential for digestion and dental wear (teeth grow ~2mm/week)
  • Small amount of fresh leafy greens daily
  • Limited pellets — approximately one eggcup per rabbit per day
  • Avoid muesli-style food — rabbits selectively feed, causing nutritional imbalances

Neutering

  • 90% of unneutered female rabbits develop uterine cancer by age 5 — spaying is essential
  • UK costs: Males £110–185, Females £215–225
  • Males can be castrated from 10–12 weeks; females spayed around 4–5 months

FAQs

Can rabbits live alone?

No — rabbits are social animals that suffer from loneliness when kept solo. The ideal pairing is a neutered male and a neutered female, bonded gradually on neutral territory. Same-sex pairs can work, especially if from the same litter. Bonding takes days to months and requires patience. Once bonded, rabbits should never be separated — even vet visits should include both together.

⚕️ Veterinary Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for advice specific to your pet. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet or call the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) in an emergency.

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Reproductive Problems In Rabbits And Guinea Pigs https://www.petz.uk/reproductive-problems-rabbits-guinea-pigs/ Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:28:09 +0000 https://www.petz.co.uk/?p=6005 By Dr Joanna De Klerk As rabbits and guinea pigs are becoming increasingly popular as pets, it’s important to understand […]

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By Dr Joanna De Klerk As rabbits and guinea pigs are becoming increasingly popular as pets, it’s important to understand some of the most common problems of our furry little friends. Most rabbit and guinea pig owners are unaware that reproduction issues can be very common. In fact, a study in Europe of 1000 guinea pigs, showed that reproductive diseases were the third most common problem, after dental and skin problems.

Rabbit and Guinea Pig Reproduction

Small furries go through puberty at a very young age. Rabbits enter this stage in their life at four to five months old, and guinea pigs at only two months old. Once they’ve gone through puberty, the problems can start. It’s a common misconception that you’ll only have reproductive problems if you breed with your guinea pigs or rabbits, but in fact, there are many problems they can suffer from, even when they are not breeding animals. It’s wise to get your rabbits and guinea pigs neutered or spayed, not only to prevent breeding, but also to prevent reproductive health ailments. Females are more likely to have reproductive problems than males. However, neutering males reduces unwanted mating and aggression, so it’s still worth taking them to have the surgery. Most veterinary practices will be able to offer neuter and spay surgeries for your rabbit or guinea pig. Unlike dogs and cats, it might require a hospital stay overnight to monitor them closely, as anaesthetics can slow down the guts of small furries, and therefore it’s important to ensure they are eating and defaecating properly before they go home again. Surgery can be performed at 4-6 months of age for rabbits and 5-6 months of age for guinea pigs.

Guinea Pig Reproductive Diseases

Ovarian cysts

Female guinea pigs are prone to developing ovarian cysts. By one-year-old, 5% of guinea pigs will have them, increasing to 22% at two years old, and a whopping 70% by six years old. There are several different types of cysts, but they are broadly categorised into two groups; functional and non-functional. Functional cysts secrete hormones, which can lead to hair loss on flanks and the back, and increased pigmentation of the nipples. However, non-functional cysts are far more common. These do not secrete hormones, but grow very large in size, resulting in abdominal distension and inappetence. This can potentially become life-threatening. Some cysts can be treated with hCG hormone injections to decrease their size, but surgery to remove the reproductive organs and including the cysts immediately resolves the problem.

Dystocia

If your guinea pig falls pregnant, it’s not always happiness and joy when it comes to birth. Guinea pigs are very prone to a birth complication called dystocia. This is when it is impossible for the mother to push the baby out. The main reason for this is that after six months of age, if they haven’t had a litter before, the pelvic bones become fused, resulting in a small pelvic canal and the inability for babies to pass through it. In addition to this, when the baby is too big, which is very common if the litter size is small, it also contributes to the problem. Other reasons for dystocia include twists in the uterus, exhaustion and obesity (another common problem of many pet guinea pigs). Your vet can give your guinea pig calcium injections to improve the strength of her contractions, however in many cases and emergency caesarean surgery will need to be performed since it is physically impossible for a baby to come through the pelvis.

Rabbit Reproductive Diseases

Uterine cancer

Cancer of the uterus in female rabbits is very common. Approximately 50-75% of unspayed female rabbits older than three years develop uterine cancer. Out of those, almost half of them have metastatic, terminal cancer which has spread to the lungs. This type of cancer is called uterine adenocarcinoma.  The most common symptoms of uterine cancer are weight loss and blood-stained vulval discharge. Uterine tumours can and should be removed by surgery, but because of the high rate of spread, it will not always cure the condition. Once it has spread to the lungs, there is nothing that can be done, and keeping your rabbit comfortable is the most important thing.

Pseudopregnancy

Pseudopregnancy, also called phantom pregnancy, is when the body thinks it’s pregnant, but it actually isn’t. It’s a debilitating condition, that will make your rabbit feel unwell and very hormonal. It often leads to aggression, pulling out fur, and mammary gland development. It can be caused by many things, including simply unfortunate luck, but the most common of which is a functional cyst. Due to the development of the mammary glands, milk is often produced, but since there is a lack of babies to drink the milk, your rabbit is likely to end up with mastitis; an infection of the mammary glands. This is a painful condition and requires veterinary treatment, but you can improve the comfort of your rabbit by placing warm (not hot) heat packs on the mammary glands.

Rabbit Syphilis

Rabbit syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema cuniculi. It sticks to the skin around the face, nose and genitals, where it replicates and causes scabs, blisters and ulcers. It can be spread through sexual transmission, close contact and babies suckling from their mother. Even though it is highly contagious, and can be present on a rabbit for years without showing any signs, it is easy to treat. Your vet can give antibiotic injections, which usually clears the problem completely. Of course, eating with blisters around the mouth is not comfortable, so you might need to syringe feed and nurse your rabbit back to health while the blisters are healing.

Take Home Message

Rabbits and guinea pigs are popular pets, and if you have recently added one to your household, it’s important to consider getting them neutered or spayed. This will prevent many reproductive problems and help them live a healthy, long life.

Further Reading

https://www.thewebinarvet.com/webinar/reproductive-disease-in-female-rabbits-and-guinea-pigs https://www.thewebinarvet.com/speaker/robert-doneley

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Rabbit Care Guide https://www.petz.uk/rabbit-care-sheet/ Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:57:05 +0000 https://www.petz.co.uk/?p=5443 It’s widely accepted that little bunnies are just about the cutest creatures in the world, and so it’s no wonder […]

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It’s widely accepted that little bunnies are just about the cutest creatures in the world, and so it’s no wonder that rabbits are one of the most popular choices of domestic pets.

Affectionate, curious and cuddly, rabbits can quickly become part of the family and are incredibly easy to bond with, making them a great first pet for young children.

However, looking after one is no walk in the park, and there’s a lot to learn before you purchase a new furry friend!

Sadly, a lot of misinformation still exists about the care of rabbits, and so many new bunny owners are given the wrong advice when it comes looking after a long-eared pal.

So to help you avoid running into any issues, we’ve put together this in-depth, trustworthy guide, to clue you up on everything you need to know on rabbit caregiving!

FACTFILE

  • Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
  • Average Height: 17 – 40 cm
  • Average Weight: 1 – 8 kg
  • Popular Breeds: Lionhead, Angora, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Lop
  • Diet: Hay, Grass
  • Origin: Europe

IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Before you decide you really want a rabbit, you need to consider these important caregiving factors:

  • Rabbits need time and attention – They must be checked at least once a day or more without fail.
  • Rabbits need to live in groups – They are not solitary animals and need to be kept in groups or pairs to keep them healthy and happy. If you want one, you’re going to have to get another.
  • Rabbits need regular vaccinations – They need to be protected against myxomatosis and VHD.
  • Rabbits should be neutered – Neutering helps prevent disease and unwanted pregnancy.
  • Rabbits are sensitive – Although they are a great pet for young children, rabbits sensitivity means kids should always have parent supervision when looking after bunnies.
  • Long-haired rabbits need grooming – Long fur can become matted quickly, and so these breeds need daily brushing.
  • Rabbits can live for 10 years – Make sure you have the time, money and facilities to cope with this.

WHERE TO BUY A RABBIT

Once you’re sure a bunny really is the pet for you, your next question is probably where to buy some from. Thankfully, rabbits are a widely available animal and can be bought from many pet shops, breeders and rescue organisations.

However, you need to make sure that whoever you buy your rabbits from is reputable, and that they’ve taken good care of the animals before they come home with you.

This is because rabbits living in poor conditions could easily be carrying illness or infection, which would cause you and your family needless distress or grief should you purchase a suffering animal.

A reputable seller should keep their rabbits in an appropriate area, preferably a hutch, that is clean, dry and not overcrowded. They should also clearly be on an appropriate diet of hay and grass with access to clean water.

bunny care

CHOOSING YOUR RABBITS

Health

When choosing your little hoppers, you first need to make sure they are in good health and ready to be given a new home.

Healthy rabbits are active and wary of their surroundings, with clear bright eyes and undamaged fur. These are the easiest things to spot, but if you can, try and also observe whether they have pink and moist gums, even teeth, and clean feet without sores. Their droppings should also be well-formed.

Age

For those looking for a bunny, the perfect age for a baby rabbit is around 6 – 8 weeks old, once they have been weaned from their mother. However, you will find rabbits of all ages of being sold and adult rabbits can make just as good pets.

Sex

If you want certain sexes of rabbit, make sure you buy from a seller with experience of sexing one, as it can be quite difficult to determine. You don’t want to bring home Peter and discover five years later he’s a Miffy!

Knowing this is also important when it comes to pairing rabbits together.

This is because it is unusual for two male rabbits to live in harmony without fighting, so two females or a male and female pair are usually the preferred choices.

Handling

As rabbits are so sensitive, socialising with them at an early age is important to avoid them becoming too distressed when coming into contact with humans.

Ensure you are always gentle with them, move slowly, and speak in a quiet, hushed tone to avoid scaring them.

This is why supervising children with rabbits is important, as it’s easy for a rabbit to become startled in their presence.

You should also take care when picking up a rabbit, as picking them up from a great height can unnerve them, so it is best to keep your interactions at ground level.

rabbit environment

ENVIRONMENT

Housing

The most important thing to consider before you bring a bunny home is where on earth you’re going to keep it. While some find it easier to keep their rabbits outside in a hutch, others want to be more sociable with their pet and choose to keep it indoors.

Please make sure you read the specifics on both options before you make a decision!

Outdoor Rabbit Housing

A classic outside rabbit hutch needs to be suitably large enough for your rabbits to hop around in. This is because rabbits who live in too confined conditions can develop skeletal issues and become irritated and unfriendly very quickly.

Specifically, they need an area in which they can:

– Stand on their hind legs without their ears touching the roof
– Hop across three times without reaching the end
– Comfortably stretch out or lie down in

The vastly varying sizes of rabbit breed mean that the hutch dimensions needed differ greatly from owner to owner, but the average-sized rabbit would require at least a 1.8m x 0.9m x 0.9m space.

But gone are the days when rabbits could simply be locked away in this hutch till you came home.

To boost their health and happiness, bunnies now require access to a run or an enclosed area attached to their outdoor home, allowing them to get some fresh hair and hop around outside.

Try and also keep the accommodation in a shaded area away from direct sunlight, or where it could be subject to aggressive winds or rain, as all of these weather conditions can be stressful for a rabbit and even harmful.

Finally, you obviously need to ensure your hutch is as secure as possible, to prevent escapes and sly foxes getting in at your cute little bunnies, but simple strong sliding bolts and predator-proof materials should do the trick.

Another important thing to note is not to keep rabbits in the same enclosure as a Guinea Pig.

Their similarities often lead owners and even sellers to keep them in the same areas. However, they have completely different needs, and can often fight each other in the same environment.

Indoor Rabbit Housing

Rabbits can also happily be kept indoors, but if you’re genuinely considering keeping a house rabbit, be warned: It is a lot of extra work.

Firstly, they still need a base which they can retire to, as well as sleep and eat in.

For indoor rabbits, this is often a cage filled with bedding, which should be 3m x 2m x 1m at a minimum, although obviously, the bigger the better.

Then much like cats or dogs, they need equipment like food and water bowls, digging trays and litter trays to make sure they have everything they need to be happy.

They’ll need to be litter trained to prevent them from spraying and leaving droppings around the house and you’ll need to fill your house up with specialist chewing toys too. This is due to their love of nibbling things, and with chew toys, they’re less likely to gobble up all your furniture!

Annoyingly, all cables must also have a protective covering to ensure your chomper doesn’t nibble through them and most house plants need to be removed as they can be poisonous.

To stop these kinds of situations, we recommend creating a small pen or area in your home purely for the rabbit to play in, well away from any chewable items!

But it’s not all doom and gloom having a house rabbit, and one of the positives is that they often don’t need a long-eared partner, as the constant presence of people keeps them entertained.

Bedding

For bedding, rabbits require clean, bagged straw or hay.

Straw holds more warmth than hay and so is often the best choice for winter, but it has no nutritional content. Conversely, hay forms a large part of a rabbit’s diet, and so can be used as both food and bedding, effectively killing two birds with one stone!

Bedding must be checked on a daily basis and always removed if soiled.

This prevents their habitats from ever becoming dirty or smelly and also limits a rabbits exposure to the high levels of ammonia in their urine.

To cut back on your daily checks, litter training a rabbit can help them maintain a cleaner living environment, while also making your cleaning schedule slightly less frequent!

Make sure to also pay particular attention to their accommodation during hot weather, as flies will often lay their eggs in soiled bedding, resulting in maggots burrowing into a rabbit’s fur and body. This is known as flystrike and can be fatal if not prevented.

Cleaning

Rabbit hutches and cages require weekly cleaning at a minimum to prevent them from becoming too smelly or dirty.

Here all bedding must be removed and replaced and the inside of the accommodation wiped down to be rid of urine deposits.

If using a cage, you should probably also disinfect it on a weekly basis, taking care to rinse thoroughly once soaked for 30 minutes.

bunny rabbit diet

DIET

A rabbits diet is mostly made up of hay or good quality grass, accounting for at least 70% of their diet!

Most health issues with rabbits are purely down to nutrition, and so it’s crucial that your long-eared lop always has access to plenty of hay so that they can graze happily throughout the day.

They require a high fibre diet, with moderate protein levels as well as a smaller amount of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

To help them achieve total nourishment, it’s advised you feed rabbits a pellet diet in addition to their hay or grass rations as this ensures they are getting all the nutrients they miss through their daily graze. Pellets are far superior to muesli mixes in terms of quality, and can also improve your bunny’s dental health if long in shape.

You can also feed rabbits a variety of fresh, leafy greens and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and watercress. It is also safe to provide them with fruit provided it is in small amounts as their high rate of natural sugars is not good for hoppers when consumed in vast quantities.

Your rabbit should also always have access to clean water, through a drip bottle or a large bowl.

Foods To Avoid

As bunnies seem to enjoy chomping away on any old vegetable, you can be forgiven as an owner for throwing any old plant their way.

But you need to be careful!

As previously stated, rabbits are very sensitive, both in personality and stomach, and there are a few foods you definitely shouldn’t feed them, some of which can be fatal if ingested!:

  • Avocado
  • Iceberg Lettuce
  • Walnuts
  • Meat
  • Chocolate
  • Chard
  • Hamster Food
  • Potatoes
  • Rhubarb
  • Cauliflower
  • Oatmeal
  • Cereal
  • Bread
  • Biscuits
  • Crackers

HEALTH

To give your long-eared friend the best care possible, you are going to have to take measures to ensure it always remains in optimum health!

Firstly, rabbit nails need to be checked regularly to ensure they don’t get too long, and trimmed by yourself or a groomer if they are!

You should also perform daily checks on your bunny to check for any signs of disease or illness. The easiest way to spot this is by examining their eyes, ears and nose for any discharge and making sure their eyes are always clear and bright.

Any sudden weight loss, changes in fur quality, reduction in appetite and lumps or lethargy can also be symptoms of something wrong. If you notice any of these issues, seek advice from your vet as soon as possible.

Veterinary Care

Like all animals, rabbits require regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they are in the best of health. It’s recommended that bunnies are taken to the vets biannually for a routine inspection and that they also receive important vaccinations when necessary.

During a check-up, vets will examine and identify any problems your rabbit is having and will observe their teeth and give advice on how to prevent dental disease. They will also be weighed and you will be able to seek advice and declare any worries you may have about your rabbit.

In terms of vaccinations, rabbits should be given a vaccine for the deadly VHD virus at 12 weeks of age and then again 4 weeks later once a juvenile.

From there, a rabbit requires the VHD vaccine once every 6 months as an adult. You can choose from a myxomatosis/VHD1 vaccine or a VHD2 vaccine for your bunny, and it’s important to do so as if a rabbit contracts the virus they are unlikely to recover.

Vets will also be able to advise on any neutering or spaying procedures. Males can remain fertile for up to 6 weeks after a procedure, whereas females will be made infertile immediately.

Females will, however, take slightly longer to recover from the operation than males, as it is more invasive.

Neutering rabbits is considered one of the best things you can do for them as it helps decrease aggression and fighting in groups, urine spraying and unwanted pregnancy.

For females, it also prevents the occurrence of uterine cancer, which is a very common reproductive disease for female rabbits.

Non-Neutered Rabbits

Female rabbits become sexually active from around 3 months of age and unlike many animals, don’t have a set oestrous cycle. Instead, they go through a process of induced ovulation, in which the act of mating will bring on ovulation in a doe.

The average gestation period for a rabbit is just 28-32 days, and females will usually produce a litter of 4-12 babies. These bunnies will be raised by their mother in a small nest for the first 3 weeks of their life and should only be weaned once they reach around 8 weeks of age.

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Eating Guide: Rabbits https://www.petz.uk/rabbit-eating-guide/ Wed, 05 Feb 2020 13:14:29 +0000 https://www.petz.co.uk/?p=1725 If you are a first-time rabbit owner, it can be confusing to know what they eat. Unlike the cartoons would […]

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If you are a first-time rabbit owner, it can be confusing to know what they eat. Unlike the cartoons would have you think, it isn’t just carrots all day.

Some parts of a house rabbit’s diet are available to buy in shops, online or in supermarkets but there are other parts which you will have to source yourself, so some preparation and knowledge are essential to arm your rabbit with the best diet.

A rabbit’s diet should be made up of:

  • 85% hay or grass
  • 10% leafy green vegetables
  • 5% pellets or nuggets (or slightly more if they are large in size)

If you do feed them more nuggets, you may have to cut down on their hay or vegetable consumption slightly to make up for this. It is also worth bearing in mind that particular breeds or diets may require slight adjustments which should always be discussed with a rabbit-friendly vet.

 

Water

As with all animals, a rabbit needs access to fresh clean water 24/7. This can be given to them in a drip-feed bottle attached to their cage/hutch, or in a bowl, but they do tend to prefer the latter. It is more natural.

Ensure it is heavy, such as ceramic, so they can’t tip it over. Also check for any algae, ice, dead insects and that it is accessible at all times (drip-feed bottles can become clogged). Change the water daily.

Rabbits that eat more hay can need more water than those which eat a good portion of greens as well. Always monitor your rabbit’s water consumption to ensure there is nothing wrong, as they need fluids to ensure dry food can move through the gut, and so they can get rid of excess calcium.

Hay

Did you know that a rabbit needs to eat one bundle of good quality hay per day? Did you also know that this bundle needs to be as big as them?!

This will be the main bulk of their food. It can’t be what they use for their toilet, so needs to be dust-free/sweet smelling/slightly green with long strands.

Grass hay such as Timothy or meadow is good for adults, and younger/pregnant/nursing rabbits can be fed on this as well as a bit of legume hay (like alfalfa or clover). These are higher in calcium for that extra bit of bone growth they need but long-term feeding causes kidney issues.

Ideally, they should also have access to fresh growing grass. Never feed them freshly cut grass, as this is already breaking down once it is cut which could make your bunny ill.

What Rabbits Can Eat

Leafy Greens

Which greens can rabbits eat?

A handful of washed, fresh vegetables, weeds and herbs every day is good for them. You should give them a wide variety, perhaps a mix of about six different types with every handful.

Good choices include cabbage, kale, broccoli, parsley and mint. If you want to try them on something new, introduce this slowly and gradually so they don’t get an upset stomach.

Have a look at some other rabbit-friendly greens, many of which can be bought in the supermarket or grown in your garden.

In the wild, their food can be limited, but if it is green and unless it tastes really bad to them, they will probably still eat it. This is why it is imperative to stick to the foods on this list. You can read more at the end of the article about what rabbits need to avoid.

Pellets

Around 25g of pellets or nuggets per kilogram of your rabbit’s weight should be enough every day. The average medium rabbit is about 2kg, so this will mean 50g in total.

You should always be aware of your rabbit’s weight, so you can keep an eye on any issues and be sure not to over or underfeed them.

Treats

All pets deserve a bit of love in the form of a treat every so often. Whether they have just been to the toilet in the correct place or they are showing affection, a rabbit is no different.

This is where the carrots can come in, as well as apples, but this must be given in small portions. Do not give them any other treats, such as bits of biscuit, other fruit and vegetables or human foods, as this could really harm them.

Blueberries, papaya, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums or melon are also fine, but sugary items such as banana, grapes and raisins should be limited and completely avoided if you don’t know how much is enough.

What Rabbits Can Eat

Rabbit Feeding Tips

Making Meal Time Interesting

Try stuffing their hay into toilet roll tubes or boxes with their pellets, so they have to forage slightly to get to what they want. They can also be scattered throughout their bedding hay. This provides them with a bit of mental stimulation.

Young, Pregnant and Nursing Rabbits

These will require slightly different foods, such as more protein content. You may need to introduce formulas, and boost their portion sizes without going overboard.

These changes may be particular to breed, the size of your rabbit and your rabbit’s current diet and health status, so you should ask your vet if you are unsure.

Rabbits and Calcium

Why is it so vital to stick to portion sizes and food types? Not only will it prevent weight issues and toxic consumption, but it will also limit their calcium intake.

Calcium is vital for bone and teeth growth and strength, but too much can be very bad news. A medium rabbit needs around 510 milligrams per day, but their daily hay, pellet or vegetable intake can take them over this.

Their bodies absorb every but of calcium, unlike humans. What they don’t need will pass out in their urine, but if they are given too much they could have difficulty removing this which can cause kidney issues or bladder sludge. This links back to why water is so important for them, as it keeps everything moving.

What Rabbits Should NOT Eat

As mentioned above, stick to leafy greens and a little bit of carrot or apple every day.

Some of the most common foods and greens that could be toxic to your rabbit include iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, peas, onions and seeds/grains. These should be kept on human plates only, and composted or thrown away if they will be wasted as opposed to being fed to the rabbits.

Any plants which grow from a bulb, buttercups, poppy, ivy and privet, are all common in gardens but very dangerous. If you give your rabbit time in the garden, never allow them to access these.

House plants are also toxic, so while you may not set out for them to eat those leaves, always keep them out of reach.

If you go out foraging for your rabbit’s food, beware of wild garlic, cowslip, nightshade, hemlock and wood sorrel which could easily be picked up along with safe foods and mixed in together. This is why it is best to perhaps buy greens if you don’t know what to look out for.

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Guide to Indoor Rabbits UK 2026: Housing, Diet, Bonding & Welfare Essentials https://www.petz.uk/keeping-indoor-rabbits/ Wed, 05 Feb 2020 13:14:20 +0000 https://www.petz.co.uk/?p=1732 Indoor rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet species, but also one of the most commonly misunderstood in terms […]

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Indoor rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet species, but also one of the most commonly misunderstood in terms of welfare requirements. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to provide an excellent quality of life for house rabbits in the UK.

🐰 2026 Update: The RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund) updated their minimum space guidelines in 2024: rabbits need a minimum of 3m x 2m x 1m living space, with additional exercise space. Indoor rabbits should have at least 4 hours of supervised free-roam time daily. RHDV2 vaccination is now essential and should be given annually.

Space Requirements — The Non-Negotiable Starting Point

The RSPCA and Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) minimum for a pair of average-sized rabbits: 3 metres × 2 metres × 1 metre high, with 24-hour access. This represents the lowest acceptable threshold — experienced rabbit welfare advocates recommend significantly more. Free-roaming in a fully rabbit-proofed room or rooms is the gold standard.

Rabbit-Proofing Your Home — Essential Checklist

  • Electrical cables — the single biggest hazard. Use cable management covers, spiral wraps, or conceal cables completely behind furniture. A rabbit chewing a live mains cable causes electrocution and death — this is not a rare accident
  • Toxic plants — common UK houseplants toxic to rabbits include: aloe vera, ivy, lilies (extremely toxic), daffodil bulbs, foxglove, rhododendron, and yew. Check RWAF’s plant list before allowing outdoor garden access
  • Gaps behind furniture — rabbits wedge themselves into impossibly small spaces and can become trapped
  • Stairs — a rabbit falling down stairs risks severe spinal injury (their skeletons are fragile relative to their muscle strength)
  • Other pets — even a “gentle” cat or dog can fatally injure a rabbit through stress alone (a rabbit pursued by a predator animal can die of cardiac arrest without physical contact). Supervised, calm introductions only

Diet — The 80:15:5 Rule

ComponentProportionDetails
Good quality hay or grass80% of dietMust be available 24 hours a day, unlimited. Rabbits need to consume a hay-sized portion roughly equal to their own body size daily. This is the most critical component — hay wears down continually growing teeth (rabbit teeth never stop growing) and provides the fibre essential for GI motility. A rabbit not eating hay is a welfare emergency
Fresh leafy greens15% of dietMinimum 3 types offered daily. Good choices: dark leafy greens (romaine lettuce, cos lettuce, kale, cavolo nero, watercress, parsley, coriander, basil, mint). Avoid: iceberg lettuce (no nutrition), all fruit except tiny treats, and root vegetables as mains
High-quality pellets5% of dietApproximately 25g per kg of body weight daily. Plain pressed pellets only — not the colourful muesli-style mixes, which allow rabbits to selectively eat the sugary pieces and leave the nutritious elements

Why muesli mixes are harmful: A 2011 University of Edinburgh study found rabbits fed muesli-style diets had significantly higher rates of dental disease, obesity, and caecotroph accumulation compared to hay-fed rabbits. Muesli mixes remain widely sold in UK pet shops but should be avoided entirely.

Why Rabbits Must Be Kept in Pairs

All UK welfare organisations (RSPCA, Blue Cross, RWAF, PDSA) are unambiguous: rabbits are highly social animals that suffer significantly when kept alone. A lone rabbit denied rabbit companionship is a rabbit under constant welfare compromise. Signs of loneliness and stress in a single rabbit: excessive grooming, hair loss, stereotypic behaviours, persistent attempts to interact with their owner as a surrogate, and depression. Rabbits should be kept in bonded pairs (neutered male + neutered female is the most reliably compatible combination) at minimum.

Neutering — Not Optional

  • Female rabbits (does): Unspayed does have an ~80% risk of uterine cancer by age 5. Spaying dramatically reduces this and also prevents false pregnancies and aggression. Spaying is recommended from 4–6 months
  • Male rabbits (bucks): Neutering reduces territorial behaviour, spraying, and humping, and is required before any introduction to a female (even a spayed female)

Signs of Illness — Rabbits Hide Pain

Rabbits are prey animals and conceal illness as long as possible. By the time a rabbit appears “off colour” to most owners, it is often significantly unwell. Seek veterinary advice promptly for:

  • 🔴 Not eating hay or food for more than 2–4 hours — GI stasis is a life-threatening emergency
  • 🔴 No faecal pellets produced for more than 4–6 hours
  • 🔴 Head tilt — indicates inner ear infection or E. cuniculi (a parasitic infection common in UK rabbits)
  • 🔴 Runny nose or eyes — upper respiratory infection
  • 🔴 Teeth grinding (bruxism) — indicates pain
  • 🟠 Weight loss (weigh monthly with kitchen scales)
  • 🟠 Reduced activity or hiding more than usual

FAQs

How long do indoor rabbits live?

Well-cared-for indoor rabbits live 8–12 years, with some reaching 14+. This is a significant commitment greater than many people expect when acquiring rabbits. Dental disease (from inadequate hay) and GI problems are the most common life-limiting conditions in UK house rabbits — both are largely preventable through correct diet and welfare management.

Advanced Environmental Enrichment for House Rabbits

As indoor rabbit keeping (often termed free-roam house rabbits) becomes the standard in the UK, veterinary behaviourists are noticing an uptick in psychological issues stemming from under-stimulation. A rabbit is a highly intelligent, crepuscular prey species that requires complex environmental enrichment to thrive indoors.

The core concept for 2026 is “destructive foraging.” Rabbits have an innate physiological need to dig, chew, and shred. Instead of battling this instinct via “rabbit-proofing” alone, owners must provide safe outlets. This means integrating digging boxes filled with child-safe play sand or shredded paper, and willow branch bundles for essential dental abrasion (preventing overgrown molars or malocclusion).

Furthermore, we must address the crepuscular sleep cycle. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. Structuring their main dietary intake—specifically their daily 80% Timothy Hay requirement—during these peak periods mimics their wild grazing patterns and prevents gastrointestinal stasis (GI Stasis), a potentially fatal motility disorder.

Lastly, flooring traction is critical. Hardwood or laminate floors cause chronic joint stress and sore hocks (pododermatitis). Providing high-traction runners or washable, non-slip rugs is a non-negotiable aspect of modern rabbit husbandry.

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⚕️ Veterinary Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for advice specific to your pet. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet or call the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) in an emergency.

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The post Guide to Indoor Rabbits UK 2026: Housing, Diet, Bonding & Welfare Essentials appeared first on Petz.

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