Rabbit advice sheet

Single Rabbits

We have 6 single rabbits available (see below) to be homed with an existing lonely rabbit for viewing on our Small Animal Days at the Brent Knoll Animal Centre , or give us a call on 01278 782671 so you don't miss out. A mixed pair is best with them both being neutered. Often we can arrange a home check straight away providing you have a hutch and run all set up and ready!

As the RSPCA we recommend rabbits to be homed in pairs. They are very social animals and hate being lonely, in the wild rabbits naturally live in groups. Human company doesn't come close to a bond another rabbit can give. A pair of rabbits are so much happier - they will groom one another, play together and snuggle up through the long winter months.

If anyone has a single bunny looking for a friend then maybe we can help match you up with one of our single rabbits.

DO YOU HAVE A LONELY FEMALE RABBIT?

All our current single rabbits are neutered males. Please call us if can offer on of these 6 chaps a loving home.

Jim Ref WR2815

Adult, White, Domestic X, Neutered Male.

A medium- large extremely cuddly rabbit!! He has recently lost his rabbit girlfriend as is now lonely.

If you feel you can offer Jim a loving home please contact us or visit us.

He is currently living at the Brent Knoll Centre so can be viewed at any time- during the opening times.

Smokey Ref WR2729

Netherland Dwarf X, 1½ year old, Neutered Male.

Gorgeous Smokey is a sweetheart.

He is looking for a spayed female bunny to live with. She needs to be quite a confident rabbit as he needs to be kept in check!

Popeye Ref WR3105

Lop eared, 18 month old, Neutered Male.

Sweet little Popeye is a lovely small - medium sized rabbit.

He is blind in his left eye, this has not caused him any distress as he was born like it. We have had it checked by a vet to confirm this. The only draw back is that he doesn't always see you coming so we have to make sure not to startle him!

He has lived on his own all his life and really wants a friend now.

Ref WR3204

Blue Rex, 4-5 month old, Neutered Male.

If you are not familiar with the Rex breed - then the best way to describe them is that Rex's have fur like velvet - its gorgeous!

This adorable little rabbit was abandoned on the doorstep of our Locking road welfare centre with his friend (the lilac rex). Unfortunately the were squabbling due to them both being un-neutered at the time.

He has now been castrated and is on the look out for a little girlfriend.

He is very very good to handle.

Suit most homes

Ref WR3205

Lilac Rex, 4-5 month old, Neutered Male.

If you are not familiar with the Rex breed - then the best way to describe them is that Rex's have fur like velvet - its gorgeous!

This adorable little rabbit was abandoned on the doorstep of our Locking road welfare centre with his friend (the blue rex). Unfortunately the were squabbling due to them both being un-neutered at the time.

He has now been castrated and is on the look out for a little girlfriend.

He is very very good to handle.

Suit most homes

Socialising Rabbits

If you are thinking of getting a friend for a lonely bunny there is one thing you must think about - Socialising.

A new rabbit and existing rabbit must NOT be put together straight away. The rabbits need time to get to know each other.

The socialisation process usually takes about 2-4 weeks. Some rabbits do take to each other quite quickly, however some take a few weeks just to get to know each other! This does not mean they will never get on, it just means that you will need lots of patience!!

Here are some tips on how to socialise -

Put your rabbit's hutch and the new rabbit's temporary hutch at right angles so they can see and smell each other at all times.
If you have 2 separate exercise runs then position them next to each other on the lawn for the rabbits to be a bit closer but not together.
If you have one large run then divide it into 2 sections with wire, it must be double wired so the rabbits cannot nip at each other through the wire.
This can be done for approximately 7 days. Then begin to start introducing rabbits.
When introducing the rabbits for the first few times, do so in a NEUTRAL territory (somewhere both rabbits have NEVER been before). Both rabbits must be supervised at all times.
You could expect to see various behaviours including circling, chasing, mounting and grooming. Some rabbits may appear very quiet yet will be interested in their new companion.
Once you have done this for a few times put the rabbits in a run together for a few days, but in separate hutches at night. When they seem very comfortable together in the run they can then be hutched together. A good sign of this is the rabbits snuggling up and grooming each other.

The staff at the RSPCA Brent Knoll Centre can give you more advice on socialising - as its not as daunting as it seems! See us at one of our Small Animal Days or give us a call on 01278 782671.

Hutches and Runs

The RSPCA has been campaigning for a better standard of living for small animals.

Hutches and runs are the most important part of this. We have guidelines regarding rabbit and guinea pig accommodation.

As far as we are concerned the BIGGER the BETTER!! Converted sheds are great!

Rabbit Hutches (L x W x H)

For a pair of SMALL rabbits (Netherland Dwarfs). Hutch - 10 sq ft & 2ft high /0.9 sq m & 60cm high (i.e. 5ft x 2ft x 2ft Single Storey) .

For a pair of MEDIUM rabbits. Hutch - 16 sq ft & 2 ft high / 1.44 sq m & 60cm high (i.e. 6ft x3 ft x 2ft Single Storey or 4ft x 2ft x 2ft Double Storey).

For a pair of LARGE rabbits. Hutch - 18 sq ft & 2 ft high / 1.65 sq m & 60cm high (i.e. 6ft x 3ft x 2ft Single Storey or 5ft x 2ft x 2ft Double Storey (20 sq ft)).

These do not have to be the exact measurements for each hutch, as the size can be made up with more than one storey.

Rabbit Runs (L x W x H)

Run For ANY size pair of rabbits, minimum size - 6ft x 3ft x 2ft / 180cm x 90cm x 60cm (18 sq ft / 1.65 sq m)

PLEASE NOTE that these sizes are GUIDELINES and there will always be an element of flexibility providing good welfare standards can be maintained.

We understand that this can all be a bit confusing!

For more details or advice come along to a Small Animal Day or give us a call on 01278 782671.

Eros & Butterfly

Eros Ref WR3106 (Left Photo)

Lop Eared, 3 year old, Neutered Male.

Butterfly Ref WR3192 (Right Photo)

Lop Eared, 3 year old, Spayed Female.

They are a cuddly medium sized pair of rabbits.

Since I have fostered these lovely rabbits they have really developed their confidence and trust. They are much much better to be handled - as the really like having cuddles now!

Appeal For Rabbit Fostering

Are you a bunny lover?

Could you help unwanted, stray and abandoned rabbits whilst they are looking for a new home?

Do you have transport?

Do you have a spare hutch and run for a poor unwanted bunny rabbit to use?

If you can answer YES to the above questions, then perhaps you would consider becoming a Foster Carer for the RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE We are desperate for rabbit fosterers. We see lots of unwanted rabbits, and until we have a small animal unit built here at the centre we are entirely dependant on peoples goodwill to help us take in and look after all the small animals.

For further details please contact us on 01278 782671.

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