Rabbit Care: Setting the Standard for Happy, Healthy Rabbits
This guide outlines all the essential information you need to meet our minimum welfare requirements for adopting rabbits from Nibbles. By ensuring you provide everything detailed here, you’ll be fully prepared, and your pre-adoption form will receive an instant "yes" from our team!
Welcome to the Nibbles Rodent & Rabbit Rescue Rabbit Adoption guide!
Whether you’re adopting our rabbits or simply looking to learn more about providing the best life for your bunnies, you’ve come to the right place. Modern rabbit ownership has come a long way, and we’re here to help you understand the needs of these intelligent, social, and active animals.
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Our guide outlines essential aspects of rabbit care, ensuring you’re equipped to offer the happiest, healthiest life possible. We also aim to dispel outdated myths and advice, which are unfortunately still widespread in the pet trade, and to inspire you with achievable, welfare-focused standards of care.
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We understand this guide is quite detailed, but that’s because there’s so much important information to cover! To make it easier for you to find exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve included a list of quick links at the end of each section, allowing you to jump straight to the topics that interest you most.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Before You Adopt: The Lifelong Commitment of Rabbit Ownership
Rabbits are wonderful companions, but caring for them is a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration. They can live for 10–12 years, meaning they will likely be part of your life through significant changes, such as children leaving for university, moving house, or even relationship breakdowns. It’s crucial to plan ahead and ask yourself who will care for the rabbits in these situations.
While rabbits are often seen as good pets for children, the reality is quite different. Rabbits should always be considered family pets, with adults taking full responsibility for their care and children helping under supervision. Their complex needs require consistent, thoughtful attention, which children alone are not equipped to provide. By ensuring adults are fully invested and engaged in their lifelong care, rabbits can thrive as beloved members of the family.
Have you considered who will care for your rabbits when you go on holiday? Or how you would manage unexpected veterinary costs? Emergency vet bills are expensive, and planning for this responsibility is essential. Sadly, all these issues are among the most common reasons rabbits are surrendered to rescues.
By reflecting on these questions and preparing for the long-term responsibilities of rabbit ownership, you can ensure a stable, loving home for your bunnies throughout their lives.
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Now that we’ve considered the important responsibilities of rabbit ownership, let’s explore what’s needed to provide the best possible care. From housing to diet, enrichment, and companionship, we’ll cover everything required to ensure excellent welfare standards for pet rabbits.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Housing: A Foundation for Happy, Healthy Rabbits
Did you know that the most common reason pre-adoption forms don’t succeed is because the housing offered is too small to meet a rabbit’s needs? We understand how this can happen—many pet shops sell hutches, runs and cages that fall far short of what rabbits need to live happy, healthy lives. Unfortunately, there are no regulations in place to ensure these products meet modern welfare standards.
At Nibbles, our minimum housing standards are rooted in peer-reviewed scientific research that highlights how important proper space is for a rabbit’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Providing a spacious, enriched environment isn’t just about meeting basic needs—it’s about giving your rabbits the best life possible.
We know making the shift from traditional, smaller housing to welfare-driven enclosures may feel like a big step, but it’s one worth taking. By embracing these higher standards, you’re ensuring your rabbits can express their natural behaviours, stay active and healthy, and truly thrive.
It’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about giving your pets the quality of life they deserve—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Housing: Creating a Home They Deserve
Rabbits can be happily housed either outdoors in a secure, spacious enclosure or indoors as house rabbits. The choice often depends on your personal preference and lifestyle, some rabbits may be happier as outdoor buns, some happier indoors. Because we know our buns well, we can help match you with rabbits suited to either outdoor living or indoor life as house rabbits, ensuring they thrive in their new environment.
Regardless of where you choose to house your rabbits, it’s essential to provide them with constant access to a space no smaller than 3m x 2m x 1m high. This space allows them to express natural behaviours like running, jumping, and exploring, which are vital for their physical and mental well-being.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the key is ensuring your rabbits feel safe, have plenty of room to move, and are given the chance to live their best life.
Housing Rabbits Outside: What You Need to Know
Essentials for a Secure Outdoor Enclosure:
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Protecting from Rain, Wind and Sun
Protecting outdoor enclosures from rain, wind, and sun is essential for keeping rabbits comfortable and healthy. Here in Wales, we all know how much it rains—none of us enjoy getting drenched when we step outside! That’s why we wear waterproof clothing to stay dry. But rabbits don’t have raincoats, so it’s up to us to ensure their runs are covered with roofs and rain covers. Without them, rabbits can’t enjoy their space during wet weather, even if they want to hop and play.
Prolonged exposure to waterlogged runs can cause painful sores on their feet and bums, especially in fluffy breeds like lionheads. Dry runs keep rabbits happy, healthy, and able to use their space, even during the long, wet Welsh winters.
Protection from direct sunlight is just as important. Rabbits can easily overheat, so providing shade with covered roofs helps them stay cool and comfortable during warmer weather. By safeguarding against rain, wind, and sun, we create safe, year-round spaces for our bunnies to thrive.
Protecting from Predators
Protecting enclosures from predators is essential to keeping rabbits safe. Foxes pose a major risk, and even if you’ve never seen one, chances are there’s a fox nearby, no matter where you live. Active both day and night, foxes are agile enough to scale high fences and walls, and surprisingly strong for their size, capable of ripping weak mesh from enclosures to reach rabbits.
Other threats include polecats, stray ferrets, and even our own dogs or strays. Birds of prey also pose a danger, especially to smaller rabbits. That’s why a fully secure roof covering the entire enclosure is crucial—to stop predators from climbing over the top and to prevent birds of prey from swooping down.
Placing housing on paving slabs or concrete is another key measure to prevent predators from digging in and rabbits from digging out. This setup also helps deter rats from digging inside enclosures. While rats don’t typically harm rabbits, they are highly destructive and can damage enclosures, making them unsafe and leading to costly repairs.
Using 16g weld mesh alongside these measures provides the best defence against most predators, ensuring a safe, secure, and stress-free environment where rabbits can thrive.
Housing Rabbits Inside: What You Need to Know
Essentials for a Safe Indoor Home:
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Keeping House Plants Out of Reach: A Must for Indoor Rabbits
Keeping house plants out of reach is essential for indoor rabbits, as they often enjoy nibbling on greenery but can’t distinguish between safe and harmful plants. Many common house plants can cause stomach upsets, and some are even poisonous to rabbits, posing serious health risks. To keep your bunnies safe, plants should either be removed from the room entirely or placed on high tables or shelves.
It’s important to note that rabbits are agile jumpers and can easily reach sofas, tables, and even windowsills. Simply placing plants on these surfaces isn’t enough to keep them out of reach. Ensuring plants are safely stored high up will help create a safe, bunny-proof environment while still allowing you to enjoy greenery in your home.
Protecting Cables: Keeping Your Rabbits Safe from Electrical Hazards
Protecting electrical cables is crucial when you have indoor rabbits. To a rabbit, cables can resemble the roots they’d naturally encounter while digging burrows, and their instinct to chew is strong. Unfortunately, chewing on cables is incredibly dangerous—it can result in serious electric shocks for your rabbit and even cause house fires.
To prevent this, all cables must be securely protected. We recommend using cable trunking, which is affordable, easy to install, and readily available online. Don’t forget about portable cables, such as phone or laptop chargers. These are particularly tempting for rabbits and should always be kept well out of reach, even if you’re in the room. Rabbits can chew through these cables in less than a second, putting themselves and your home at risk. Proper cable management ensures a safe environment for both your rabbits and your household.
Other Important Considerations for House Rabbits
When creating a safe environment for indoor rabbits, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Rabbits naturally seek out small, dark spaces, as these mimic the burrows they would use in the wild. Unfortunately, in our homes, these spaces are often areas we want to keep them away from, such as behind the TV, where there are masses of cables, or under the sofa, where they might chew the furniture or hide and refuse to come out when it’s time for a vet visit. Blocking off these areas is essential for both safety and convenience.
If your rabbits are kept in a dedicated rabbit room, it’s important to ensure the door is secure, especially if you have other pets like dogs or cats in the home. Adding an additional bolt or lock to the door can provide extra peace of mind, particularly when you’re not at home.
For rabbits housed in a room divider or pen setup, make sure the panels are high enough to prevent them from jumping over. While some rabbits are less inclined to jump, others are incredibly agile and adventurous. A minimum height of 100cm is recommended, but more active or athletic rabbits may require even higher barriers to keep them contained safely.
By addressing these considerations, you can create a secure, rabbit-friendly space where your bunnies can explore and relax safely.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
The Key to Healthy, Hoppy Rabbits: A Balanced Diet
Did you know that a healthy diet is the best way to prevent common health problems and avoid costly trips to the vet? Rabbits are delicate creatures, and many issues like dental spurs, dirty bottoms (which increase the risk of fly strike), obesity, diabetes, urinary tract problems and even gut stasis are caused by poor nutrition. Thankfully, these problems can often be avoided by feeding the right diet.
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Rabbits have a unique digestive system, which means it’s essential to provide them with a diet that meets their special needs. As strict fibervores, rabbits rely on a constant flow of food through their digestive tracts to stay healthy. If their gut stops moving, it can’t be restarted, which is why keeping their diet right is so important.
While popular characters like Peter Rabbit and Bugs Bunny are often shown munching on carrots, in reality, carrots aren’t a healthy choice for rabbits—they’re too high in sugar and too low in fibre. But don’t worry! Getting your rabbits' diet right is neither daunting nor expensive. It’s simple to give them the best, and while their meals might seem plain to us, for your bunnies, it’s not just delicious and healthy—it’s a way of showing them just how much you care.
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The Hay Necessities: Why Hay is Vital for Your Rabbits' Health
​Hay is the single most important part of your rabbit’s diet—it’s the only food that should be available to them at all times. Did you know that your bunny should eat their body size in hay every single day? That’s because hay is packed with beneficial dietary fibre, which keeps their digestive system running smoothly and helps food move through at a steady, healthy pace.
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The low sugar content and nutrients in hay are perfectly suited to your rabbits' needs and help prevent an overproduction of caecotrophs, which can lead to sticky, smelly messes and increase the risk of fly strike. Although all hay provides essential fibre, long-stranded hay is especially good for rabbits, as it takes longer to chew, promoting better wear on their teeth and helping to prevent dental problems. Rabbits' teeth grow continually, throughout their lives!
There are lots of hay options to choose from, including meadow hay, timothy hay, orchard hay, and oat hay, so you can mix things up to keep your bunnies interested. You can even find hay mixes combined with dried forage and flowers, which not only add variety but also encourage your rabbits' natural foraging behaviours. The only type of hay to avoid is alfalfa hay, as its high calcium content can cause urinary tract issues.
By providing your bunnies with plenty of hay, you’re giving them the foundation for a happy, healthy life—and they’ll love you for it!
The Role of Pellets in a Healthy Rabbit Diet
Pellets are a small but important part of your rabbits' diet, making up just 3% of their daily food intake. Think of pellets as your bunnies daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals, helping to fill in any nutritional gaps that might otherwise be missed. Here at Nibbles, we believe in the importance of pellets and don’t recommend pellet-free diets, as it’s incredibly difficult to provide the wide variety of plants needed to meet all of a rabbit's nutritional needs on a day-to-day basis.
To keep your rabbits healthy, pellets should be fed sparingly—no more than 15g per 1kg of body weight per day. For most average-sized rabbits, this works out to about one level tablespoon per day. It’s also essential to choose a good-quality pellet feed that lists grasses as the main ingredient. Avoid muesli mixes, as these are high in fat and sugar, low in fibre, and can lead to serious health problems like obesity and digestive issues.
A little goes a long way with pellets, so even a small bag will last two rabbits for over a month. By sticking to the right amount and the right type of pellets, you’ll help ensure your bunnies gets everything they need to stay healthy, happy, and full of energy!
Fresh and Dried Forage: A Tasty and Healthy Treat for Your Rabbit
Forage is an important part of a rabbit’s diet, making up about 5% of their daily intake. While we humans might head to the fruit and veg aisle for healthy snacks, it’s not always the best option for our bunnies. Fresh vegetables—and especially fruit, which is very high in sugar—aren’t ideal. In fact, many common veggies, such as leafy greens and cabbage, can cause gas and lead to digestive problems like bloat.
If foraging for fresh plants isn’t possible, especially during the winter, there are some great supermarket options that are both safe and healthy for your rabbit. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, mint, dill, and coriander are excellent choices, and rocket salad leaves are often a bunny favourite! You can even grow these herbs at home, whether in your garden or on a sunny windowsill, to keep your rabbits' diet varied and fresh.
Dried forage is another fantastic option, and there’s now a wide variety available, including dried plantain, dandelion, and mixed herb blends. These provide the same benefits as fresh forage and are easy to store and serve. If you want to offer fresh grass, hand-pick it to ensure it’s clean and safe—never give lawn mower clippings, as these ferment quickly and can cause serious digestive upset.
By offering a mix of fresh and dried forage, you can provide your rabbits with a healthy, natural variety that supports their wellbeing and satisfies their natural foraging instincts!
Treats: A Small but Special Part of Your Rabbit’s Diet
Treats should only make up a tiny fraction of your rabbits' daily diet. Rabbits don’t need treats to be happy and healthy, but we all love to spoil our pets (us included!), so we’ve added them in our diet guide. Choosing healthy treat options is key to keeping your bunnies happy and healthy. Sugar-heavy treats, like carrot, banana, and apple, should be kept to a minimum—just once a week is enough. Even then, a small piece about the size and width of a 2p coin is plenty.
Thankfully, there are now more healthy treat options available for rabbits, such as herb-based or hay-based treats. However, it’s still important to stay vigilant when picking treats, as many products marketed for rabbits are neither safe nor healthy. Always avoid treats that include whole grains, seeds, dairy products, or honey, as these can harm your rabbit’s delicate digestive system.
By sticking to healthy, bunny-safe treats in moderation, you can spoil your rabbits without compromising their health—and they’ll love you for it!
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Healthy Choices, Happy Rabbits: Neutering and Vaccination Explained
Why Neutering Matters: Health, Happiness, and Harmony
Neutering your rabbits is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their wellbeing. While many people think neutering is just about preventing unwanted litters, the benefits go far beyond controlling breeding.
Rabbits are social animals and should always live in bonded pairs or groups. Neutering makes it possible for your rabbits to live together harmoniously, reducing the risk of aggressive behaviours like fighting or territorial disputes. It helps create a safer and more loving environment for your furry companions to thrive in.
Neutering also plays a vital role in your rabbits’ health. For females, it eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, a common and serious health issue, while in males, it prevents testicular cancer and reduces hormone-driven behaviours. These changes promote a calmer and more relaxed temperament, helping your rabbits form stronger, happier bonds with each other.
Beyond individual health and harmony, neutering contributes to the wider rabbit community. By preventing accidental litters, you’re helping reduce the strain on rescues and shelters, giving more rabbits the chance to find loving homes.
Neutering isn’t just a practical step—it’s a loving choice that reflects your commitment to your rabbits’ happiness, health, and long-term welfare.
A Shield Against Disease: Why Rabbits Need Vaccinations
Vaccinating your rabbit is essential to keeping them safe and healthy. All rabbits, whether they live indoors or outside, in the countryside or in the city, need to be vaccinated. Unfortunately, being indoors or in a seemingly secure location doesn’t provide protection from the serious diseases that can affect rabbits.
Vaccinations protect against two deadly viruses: myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). These diseases are highly contagious, and there are no cures available. Sadly, in most cases, they are fatal once contracted.
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Myxomatosis is transmitted by biting insects, such as fleas and mosquitoes, or through direct contact with an infected rabbit.
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RHD (which includes two strains, RHD1 and RHD2) spreads in a multitude of ways: on the soles of your shoes, the paws of dogs and cats, or even through hay and bedding.
These viruses can reach your rabbit no matter where they live, which is why annual vaccination is the only reliable defence we have. A vaccinated rabbit has the best possible chance of fighting off an infection should the worst happen.
By vaccinating your rabbits, you’re not just protecting their health—you’re taking a crucial step to ensure they live a happy, secure life. It’s a simple, preventative measure that brings peace of mind and safeguards your beloved companions.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Enrichment Essentials: Creating a Joyful Life for Your Rabbit
Enrichment is a term that often causes confusion, but at its core, it simply refers to everything we place in our rabbits’ environment to support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It’s about creating a space where they can thrive, with items and opportunities that cater to their natural instincts and behaviours.
To understand enrichment, think about our own homes. The items we place in each room influence how we behave and feel: we use the toilet in the bathroom, sleep in a bed in the bedroom, and relax in front of the TV in the living room. Some of us might even have a home gym for exercise or a craft room to pass the time. Each space serves a purpose, supporting different aspects of our daily lives and helping us stay happy and comfortable.
When we think about enrichment for rabbits, it’s helpful to use the same mindset. Their space should provide:
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A safe, secure place to sleep
Rabbits need a cosy retreat where they can feel safe and relax. For outdoor rabbits, this area should be protected from the elements and keep them warm during colder months. A hutch with the door removed or a plastic dog kennel can make an excellent sleeping area. If your rabbits live in a shed or wendy house setup, even a simple cardboard box stuffed with hay can provide a snug and inviting space.For house rabbits, a snuggle space doesn’t need to be weatherproof, but it’s still vital to provide a covered area where they can retreat when they need quiet time. A cardboard box with an entrance cut out, a pet bed under a table, or a cosy cat cave can work beautifully.
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A suitable area to use as a loo
Rabbits are naturally clean animals and like to use a designated toilet area. They also have a quirky habit of eating while they poop, so their litter tray should always contain fresh, edible hay. It’s important to keep the litter area clean and hygienic by changing it at least every 48 hours.A great tip for litter trays is to use garden potting trays or under-bed storage boxes. These provide plenty of space, are easy to clean, and help prevent spills. Ensure the tray is lined with a safe, absorbent material like paper-based bedding or hay. Positioning the litter tray near where your rabbits already tend to go can make litter training easier and keep their environment tidy.
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A space to play and explore
Rabbits are active, curious creatures who love to dig, chew, and forage. Providing toys, tunnels, and items that encourage natural behaviours keeps them mentally stimulated and physically healthy. Regularly rotating toys or introducing new ones keeps playtime fresh and exciting for your bunnies.
By creating an environment tailored to your rabbits’ needs, you’re helping them stay active, entertained, and emotionally balanced. Enrichment is all about providing variety and choice, so your rabbits can express themselves and enjoy their lives to the fullest.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Better Together: Why Rabbits Need Companionship
Rabbits are deeply social animals who thrive on the company of their own kind. In the wild, they live in large groups, relying on each other for safety, comfort, and companionship. For domestic rabbits, life without a bunny friend can feel lonely and stressful, no matter how much love and attention we provide as humans.
Research has shown that rabbits value the company of another rabbit so much that they will often choose companionship over food. This highlights just how essential social bonds are to their wellbeing. A bonded rabbit pair or group creates a sense of safety and security, helping them feel calm and content in their environment.
Companionship provides a wealth of benefits for your rabbits:
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Emotional Wellbeing: Rabbits are happiest when they can groom, snuggle, and interact with another rabbit. These behaviours strengthen their bond and provide emotional comfort.
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Safety and Security: Rabbits instinctively feel safer when they’re not alone. Having a bonded partner allows them to relax and rest more deeply, knowing someone is always there to keep watch.
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Mental Stimulation: Playing and interacting with a bonded friend keeps rabbits mentally engaged and prevents boredom.
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Physical Health: Companionship encourages rabbits to stay active, hopping, exploring, and playing together, which promotes better overall health.
While rabbits need their own kind for companionship, it’s essential to ensure that any pair or group is carefully introduced and properly bonded. Neutering both rabbits is a vital step to prevent hormonal behaviours and ensure harmony in the relationship.
No rabbit should ever have to live alone. Providing your bunny with a friend is one of the most loving and impactful choices you can make for their happiness and wellbeing. A bonded pair isn’t just happier—they’re better together.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Special Pets, Special Needs: Understanding Rabbit Vet Care
Rabbits may be small, but their care is anything but simple. They are classified as exotic pets, which means they have unique medical needs that require specialized knowledge and training. Finding a vet with the correct expertise is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your rabbits healthy and happy.
The Rabbit Awareness and Welfare Association’s recommended vet list is an excellent resource for locating a rabbit-savvy vet near you. These vets are trained to understand the specific needs of rabbits and avoid common mistakes that could impact their wellbeing.
Why Expert Care Matters
Rabbits are prey animals, and as a survival instinct, they’re exceptionally good at hiding signs of illness or pain. This means that symptoms like reduced activity, not acting quite like themselves, or a decreased interest in food can indicate a serious health issue. Any change in behaviour should be treated as an emergency, and an experienced vet will understand the urgency of these situations.
The Importance of Keeping Bonded Rabbits Together
Rabbits form strong emotional bonds with their companions, and separating them—even briefly—can cause significant stress. Experienced vets know that bonded pairs or groups should never be split up, even during a visit or surgery. Keeping them together helps reduce anxiety and supports their recovery.
Surgery and Feeding
Unlike some other animals, rabbits should never be starved overnight before surgery. Their digestive systems are delicate and need to keep moving constantly to avoid dangerous conditions like gastrointestinal stasis. An experienced vet will advise you to bring your rabbit’s favourite foods to encourage them to eat as soon as they wake up from surgery.
Planning for the Unexpected
Rabbits can develop health issues that require costly treatments, and having insurance can help provide peace of mind. Many pet insurance plans cover routine care, illness, and emergencies, making it easier to ensure your rabbit gets the best possible treatment when needed.
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Understanding your rabbit’s special needs and choosing the right vet can make all the difference in their health and happiness. With expert care, you’ll be ready to tackle any health challenges and give your rabbits the life they deserve.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Rabbit Realities: Busting Common Myths About Rabbits as Pets
Rabbits are often misunderstood pets, and myths about their care can lead to unintentional harm. Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions to help give our bunny companions the happy, healthy lives they deserve.
Myth 1: Rabbits Are Easy Starter Pets
Reality: Rabbits are complex creatures with specific needs. They require space, mental stimulation, companionship, and regular vet care to thrive. They’re not low-maintenance pets and are a long-term commitment, often living 8-12 years.
Myth 2: Rabbits Are Great for Children
Reality: Rabbits aren’t naturally cuddly pets and don’t enjoy being picked up or handled roughly, which can happen with young children. They’re delicate animals that require gentle care and understanding. While rabbits can be wonderful family pets, the responsibility for their care should always fall on an informed adult.
Myth 3: Rabbits Can Live Happily Alone
Reality: Rabbits are highly social animals and need the companionship of another rabbit to feel secure and happy. A bonded pair provides emotional support, reduces stress, and encourages natural behaviours like grooming and playing together.
Myth 4: Water Bottles Are Better Than Bowls
Reality: Water bowls are actually a better choice for rabbits. Research has shown that rabbits drink more water from bowls, which helps keep them hydrated and healthy. Bowls are also easier to clean and maintain. Use a heavy ceramic bowl to prevent tipping and ensure fresh water is always available.
Myth 5: Hay Racks Are Best for Feeding
Reality: Rabbits eat more hay when it’s placed on the ground rather than in racks or bags. Ground feeding mimics a rabbit’s natural grazing behaviour, encouraging them to eat more of this essential fibre. We’ve tried it ourselves and can confirm—it really works! Just make sure the hay is clean and placed on a safe, dry surface.
Myth 6: Rabbits Like to Be Picked Up and Cuddled
Reality: As prey animals, rabbits often feel frightened and insecure when picked up. They’re much happier when we interact with them at their level, sitting on the floor and allowing them to come to us. This approach builds trust and strengthens the bond you share with your rabbit.
Myth 7: Carrots Are Good for Rabbits
Reality: Peter Rabbit and Bugs Bunny have given carrots an unfair reputation as a rabbit staple. In truth, carrots are high in sugar and low in fibre, making them more like a treat than a healthy meal. Think of them as the bunny equivalent of a Mars bar—enjoyable but best in moderation.
Myth 8: Rabbits Sleep at Night Like People Do
Reality: Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. It’s not appropriate to shut them in a hutch overnight, as they’ll want to stretch, play, and explore during these active periods. Ensuring they have continuous access to a safe and spacious area is essential for their wellbeing.
Myth 9: Free Roaming in Gardens Is Safe
Reality: While it might seem like an outdoor garden is ideal, free roaming comes with significant risks. Predators, even during the day, can pose a threat, and rabbits are excellent escape artists who can dig under fences or slip through small gaps. There’s also the danger of ingesting toxic plants. For outdoor time, a secure and predator-proof enclosure is a much safer option.
Before You Adopt / Housing / Diet and Nutrition / Neutering and Vaccinations / Enrichment and Toys / Companionship / Vet Care / Common Myths
Thank You for Caring
Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. By doing so, you’ve shown just how much you care about giving your rabbits the best life possible. Modern rabbit care has come such a long way, and by educating yourself, you’re helping to promote the welfare-focused standards that every rabbit deserves.
This guide has covered the essentials of rabbit care, from housing and diet to companionship and health, but there’s always more to learn. Rabbits are intelligent, social, and active animals, and understanding their unique needs is a journey that helps strengthen the bond you share with them.
For more in-depth and up-to-date advice, we highly recommend the Rabbit Welfare and Awareness Association and Fund (RWAF) as the leading source of reliable information on modern, welfare-driven rabbit care. Together, we can help dispel outdated myths and inspire others to provide the happiest, healthiest lives for their bunnies.