Important needs of a rabbit

The right living environment

One of the most important needs of a rabbit is a safe and comfortable home. Wild rabbits are constantly on the move and like to dig tunnels and create shelters. This is also part of their innate instinct in domesticated rabbits. As an owner, you should therefore make sure that your rabbit has this need met.

Rabbit cages and rabbit houses

Sufficient space to move around is another important need for a rabbit. If you are unable to let your rabbit live in its own rabbit hutch, you should allow it some time outside of its cage every day, preferably in a larger area where it can jump and run around. Your rabbit will also appreciate having access to a mound of soil or a box where it can dig and explore. When it comes to rabbit cages, we recommend a cage size of at least 120 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm. The rabbit cage should also be well ventilated and have suitable floor covering. Their little paws can be stressed by loud noises or bright lights, so make sure the cage is placed in a quiet place.

If you have house rabbits, make sure to rabbit-proof your home or the area they are in. This is to prevent your rabbit from chewing on wires and other dangerous objects that could cause them to injure themselves. Rugs that provide good grip are also a good idea so your rabbit can run around and play without slipping. Both outdoor and indoor rabbits like to use a litter box and neutering can increase the chance of your rabbit becoming housebroken.

Outdoor rabbit house

In order for rabbits living outside to thrive and be safe, they need an insulated house that protects against both cold and heat. During the winter, the house should have a mild temperature of between 5 and 7 degrees so that the temperature difference is not too great when the rabbit moves in and out of the run. This allows the rabbit to relax indoors and avoid frost. It is important to remember that the ideal temperature for a rabbit is between 15 and 21 degrees. (READ: Nordic summer, not winter.)

What does a rabbit eat?

Rabbits' digestive systems require a high level of fiber in their diet to function optimally. Hay is an important source of fiber and helps to keep their intestines and stomach moving and to grind down their teeth naturally. In the wild, rabbits spend much of their waking hours foraging and grazing, and eating hay is part of their natural behavior.

A healthy and balanced rabbit diet should ideally consist of 85–90% hay and you should choose low-fat rabbit pellets. Green leafy salads can be included as a supplement. It is also important to ensure that the rabbit has access to clean water at all times. At the same time, you should avoid giving your rabbit food that is high in sugar or starch as this can lead to dental problems and other health problems.

NOTE: Although carrots are often thought of as a rabbit's favorite snack, it may be a good idea to limit their intake to avoid too much starch and sugar. We recommend giving your rabbit no more than a small piece about the size of a centimeter as a treat from time to time.

Activity needs, socialization and activation

Rabbits are very active animals and should have access to exercise and activity every day. They love to jump, run and dig and a happy rabbit needs a place to play and explore. Providing toys and objects for the rabbit to chew on such as branches or chew toys is also a good preventative measure to prevent dental problems.

Can you have several rabbits together?

Our rabbits are domesticated, but an innate need in rabbits is social interaction with other rabbits. Those who have the company of conspecifics have actually been shown to have better health and less stress-related behavior than those who live alone. Rabbits in pairs also show more natural behavior and become more cuddly, while single rabbits are more prone to depression according to some studies.

However, when introducing one rabbit to another, it is important to understand their social hierarchy and allow them to establish some sort of ranking. They should also be introduced on neutral ground to avoid territorial behavior. All rabbits that will be housed together should be neutered regardless of gender. After neutering, you should wait at least five weeks before introducing a new rabbit friend.

Good health and hygiene

To maintain good health and prevent diseases, it is a good idea to have annual veterinary checks and vaccinations against dangerous diseases.

It is also smart to keep an eye on your rabbit's behavior. For example, a lot of sitting still, decreased appetite, bloody stools or weight loss can be an indication of illness. Remember that rabbits are prey animals and their natural instinct is to hide their illness to avoid attack. If you notice any changes in your rabbit's behavior or appetite, you should contact your veterinarian.

You can easily book an appointment for a consultation with us at A-Vet online. We also always prioritize urgent cases in our clinic.

The rabbit's teeth should also be checked regularly for any problems and the claws should be trimmed when they become too long. It is important not to trim too much as this can damage the nerve. If the claws are dark, you may want to shine a flashlight to better see where the nerve is. The ears should also be checked for signs of illness.

Wash and care

Remember that cleanliness is also important for the rabbit's well-being. Although fertile (unneutered) rabbits mark a lot and may not seem to be that concerned with hygiene, all rabbits thrive best in clean surroundings. Rabbits are naturally clean and wash themselves. Clean surroundings with proper maintenance are therefore important for the general well-being and quality of life. Also remember to use the right type of litter for the rabbit's toilet and clean it regularly.

How long do rabbits live?

Rabbits live on average around 9 years but can live up to 13 years depending on care, exercise and health. It is therefore important to think carefully before purchasing a rabbit. After all, you are taking on a big responsibility for a long time to come.