All enquiries regarding animals should be either by phone or visit during the Centre opening hours.

RABBIT ADVICE

Rabbits are the most common small animals handed into Rescue Centres.

The biggest reasons are children losing interest once the novelty has worn off, and people not realizing the time and effort involved in keeping rabbits.

What do Rabbits need?

• Companionship - to be with other rabbits.

• The widespread practice of keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together is not recommended.

• A mixed diet of grass, rabbit pellets, apples, carrots, dandelions and a good quantity of hay.

• A constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water in a drip feed bottle with metal spout.

• A large weatherproof home off the ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds.

• Move to an indoor area or porch in cold weather.

• Many homes sold in pet shops are too small and not waterproof.

• A separate covered sleeping area.

• A clean layer of wood shavings and plenty of hay or shredded paper for bedding.

• Daily exercise in a large, safe grassy area.

• Rabbits burrow, so ensure the enclosure is sunk into the ground, escape-proof and safe from predators.

• Their home to be cleaned every day and bedding changed weekly.

• A gnawing block to wear down long teeth.

• To be brushed every day if they have a long coat.

• Injections to prevent serious diseases.

• To be checked daily for Fly-strike during the hot weather (See Health section below)

Rabbits are happier in the company of other rabbits, so we only re-home them in pairs or to keep an existing rabbit company.

Health
Young rabbits should be vaccinated and given regular boosters. Your vet can advise.

Rabbits should be checked regularly for overgrown claws and teeth - these can be trimmed by a vet.

Young rabbits may be affected by a highly infectious disease called coccidiosis. Symptoms include a yellow look, diarrhoea, dullness and loss of appetite. Keep the rabbit isolated and seek veterinary advice straight away

All rabbits may suffer from the potentially fatal disease fly-strike, caused by flies laying eggs in soiled fur.

Make sure the rabbits' home is cleaned every day, the bedding changed regularly and the rabbit has a good quality high fibre diet. Groom them every day, checking their fur for dirt, especially under the tail.

Rabbits may suffer from parasites. Treatment is available from your vet.

If a rabbit is sneezing and has a discharge from its nose, it may have snuffles. This is highly infectious and could lead to pneumonia. Keep the rabbit isolated and seek veterinary advice straight away.

Life span
Rabbits can live for up to ten years.

Handling
Approach the rabbit from the front.

Gently hold the scruff of its neck with one hand but take the weight in your other arm, which should be around the hindquarters.

Lift the rabbit towards you and rest it against your body with its head towards your shoulder. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears or the scruff of its neck.

Put a rabbit down slowly, hind legs first, on a non-slip surface. 

IN CASES OF CRUELTY, NEGLECT OR IN AN EMERGENCY TEL: 0300 1234 999 (24 HOUR)