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Rabbit food is normally bought from a pet shop in a mix. You can get different types of mixes such as fruity,or flakes/ These mixes are fine but your rabbit can become a selective eaterThis means that sometimes your rabbit doesn’t get all the nutrients it should from its food. But this is easily solved. You can buy pellets; these contain all the nutrients needed. If you decide to change your rabbit’s diet try to do so over a course of a few weeks. Hay is important in a healthy rabbit’s diet. full of fibre it is good for your rabbit’s teeth and digestion. A rabbit must have fresh hay available every day. Hay also contains calcium and magnesium.
Old hay can give off dust which is especially harmful to your rabbit’s bronchial tracts and also contains no nutrients.
The Seasons
During spring there isn’t much to be done with your rabbit. Just the regular cleaning, cuddling, exercising and grooming. Though do be aware of flies as although they come in summer some can appear earlier. Also bloat can be a problem as there is lots of new grass around. Don’t let your rabbit over feed on the grass as bloat can be fatal. Maybe put them on the grass for a bit in the morning and then feed them the usual food and greens in the evening, this way rabbits wont over feed too much. DO check your garden for any suspicious plants and find out what they are like for rabbits as some plants are deadly including fox glove, laburnum, deadly nightshade, yew and poisonous hemlock and there are many more so DO check your plants before letting your rabbits out for a run. Grass is good for rabbits in small quantities but is not suitable if it has been mown. Foxes are usually also out at this time so make sure your cage is fully protected from foxes and they are very clever and believe it or not can open rabbit hutches
WATCH OUT FOR FLIES!!! In summer the main problem can be flies, flystrike is a big problem. Make sure that your rabbits cage is cleaned and disinfected regularly to keep those flies away. Check your rabbits bottom EVERY DAY! and if soiled do clean with warm soapy water. Fly repellent can be homemade from tea (cold and strong) and citronella mixed together in the solution of 6 drops of citronella to every 4 ounces of tea and this can be put into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the front and inside of your rabbits cage but do not spray directly onto the rabbit. Like in spring bloat can be a problem so do make sure your rabbit doesn’t gorge on the grass available. Try putting them out on a place where it has already been mown and so the grass is very short. The weather in summer is very hot and I do recommend that you freeze a bottle of water and place it into your rabbit’s cage on hot days just to help it cool them down. Make sure your rabbit has access to some shade and always has adequate drinking water.
Autumn is one of the best times for rabbits, hardly any flies, and not much risk of bloat (but there still is a risk so do watch out). In autumn the weather is just right not too hot and not too cold. Perfect for your rabbit. As the weather may still be hot do make sure that water is available and try the cooling method mentioned in summer. As autumn turns into winter cover your rabbit’s cage to insulate it and keep out the weather. Give rabbits extra bedding. Watch out for mice and other rodents collecting food at this time as they can chew through feed bags and will steal what’s available.
BRRR!!! Winter. The cold temperature can be harmful to rabbits as they can get snuffles and colds which can be fatal. Make sure your rabbit has lots of bedding and cover his/her cage to keep it warm and protected from the weather. Water bottle may freeze so they do need to be checked regularly. If frozen jut place in warm water (not boiling as plastic bottles melt). Always make sure that the ball inside the bottle nozzle is fully un-frozen. Bottle huggers are available that keep your bottle at a fixed temperature and stop the bottle from freezing. Some rabbits may need a little more food at this time to provide extra body fat. Even though it is cold you do need to clean your rabbit out and look after it as usual! You can pick grass from your garden or put your rabbit out to nibble. But be careful; check your garden for any poisonous plants. Also don’t pick greens from alongside roads or in areas with heavy industry, as these plants are probably contaminated with lead and other poisons. Also avoid agricultural land, because of insectides. To avoid any risk, wash any green food thoroughly, and then let it drain and dry a little.
Apples
Pears
Bananas
Kiwis
Raspberries
Strawberries
Grapes
Cherries
Plums
Parsley
Summer Housing Your Rabbit It’s up to you whether you keep your rabbit inside or out. If you are keeping your rabbit inside be sure to buy a hutch made especially for inside. Also if your rabbit is inside you have to remember that rabbits don’t like loud noises and need a lot of space and a lot of attention. If you are keeping your rabbit outside then find a suitable well insulated hutch that will keep it warm through the winter months. Make sure your hutch is also very secure as to protect it from dogs, cats and foxes. Cleaning out Rabbits need thoroughly cleaning out 1-2 times a week (depending on the size of the hutch). This means their whole cage needs cleaning including: changing the bedding, changing the shavings and disinfecting with cage cleaner.
Aswell as a thorough clean out once to twice a week your rabbit will need cleaning out every few days. But this time only clean out his/her poo corner. This keeps your rabbit’s cage clean. Grooming You can purchase a grooming brush/comb especially for rabbits from a pet shop.
Your rabbit needs grooming 1-2 times a week. With Lionheads their mane needs to be brushed carefully . as a Lionheads mane is easily pulled out. Other breeds like the mini lop and the netherland dwarf don’t need as much grooming.
Remember that clipping your rabbits nails also comes under grooming. Make sure that your rabbits nails do not grow too long, if you think they do need clipping ask soemone who is experienced with clipping rabbit nails or ask a vet. You can also ask the breeder when you buy your rabbit as I am sure he/she will be happy to show you. Neutering your rabbit As rabbits get older their personalities change, they loose their cuteness and some can become aggressive. At this time most people give up and these rabbits end up in rescue centers or shelters, where some may never find another suitable home. The worst thing I think that I could do would be to sell rabbits that add to the number of unwanted ones. If you are not intending on breeding your rabbit it is recommended that you get him or her neutered or spayed as this can give you a much happier rabbit and can also prevent any infections in female rabbits. This is a small price to pay for a long lasting, loving pet!! Exercise is very important for rabbits as not only is it healthy for them but it also gives them something to do. Just remember not to leave your rabbit out exercising on grass too long otherwise he will gorge and could get bloated. Exercising on concrete flooring is good as it helps to keep their nails worn down. Your rabbit needs to be exercised every day (depends on how big the hutch) for at least an hour. If you are letting your rabbit have the run of the garden make sure that any escape holes are blocked off and check that there are no poisonous plants around that he can nibble at! The best option would be to either buy or make a run with a wood framing and mesh.
