Rabbits are the common name for species in the Leporidae family. The lagomorph family, which includes many species, has captivated us with their cute appearance, and owning pet rabbits has become increasingly popular over the years.

We have provided some information that you may need about rabbit care in bulleted form. When you adopt your rabbit, we recommend taking them to a veterinary clinic for a general health check and testing for common diseases.

• Before adopting a pet rabbit, there are factors to consider: Can you dedicate time to it? Is anyone in the household allergic to rabbits or hay? Do you have the financial means to provide a healthy lifestyle for it? And if you’re away from home, is there someone to care for the rabbit?

Rabbits are herbivores and feed on various plant-based foods like cabbage, carrots, fresh grass, lettuce, and leafy vegetables. Contrary to common belief, carrots are not their favorite due to their high sugar content and should not be overfed. The majority of a rabbit’s diet should consist of hay and grass, comprising at least 85-90% of their intake, roughly equivalent to the rabbit’s volume. Hay not only serves nutritional purposes but also helps in wearing down their continuously growing teeth. Otherwise, rabbits may chew on nearby items, including cables, leading to unwanted consequences. Other essential diet components include leafy greens and fiber-rich pellets, with a recommended amount of 20-25 grams per kilogram.

Understanding their digestive anatomy emphasizes the importance of this diet. Rabbits possess a hindgut, specifically the cecum, where undigested nutrients are fermented with the presence of Bacteroides spp. bacteria, aiding in digestion. Dry grasses enhance intestinal motility, supporting the rabbit’s digestive activity.

• Insufficient fiber content in the diet can also lead to digestive system disorders in rabbits. Symptoms include lethargy, roughening of the fur, and greenish-brown feces covering the hindquarters. When you notice these symptoms, you should immediately consult your veterinarian.

• Water needs in rabbits are much higher compared to other pets like cats and dogs. They consume about 120 ml of water per kilogram daily. Unless water bowls are made of materials like steel, rabbits may chew on them.

• Items that should not be included in their diet include dairy and dairy products, musli-style mixes rich in oils and sugars, bread, potatoes, oats, seeds, lentils, biscuits, and cakes. Onions, tomato leaves, avocado, and chocolate are toxic to rabbits.

• Rabbits can live for 8-13 years, but neglect in care can halve this lifespan.

• Rabbits release excess heat through their ears and do not sweat.

• Be careful not to hold your rabbit by the nape of its neck or ears as it may show aggression. Use both hands, one supporting the body from underneath and the other providing additional support. Though rabbits may appear aggressive, the underlying reasons can often be addressed, such as pain from injury, lack of access to food and water, fear, or lack of socialization due to being kept in a cage. Additionally, spaying/neutering is a recommended approach to mitigate aggression; consult your veterinarian for advice.

• To keep your rabbit healthy and extend its lifespan, it’s important to provide them with freedom of movement, high-fiber food, and the opportunity to socialize with an appropriate companion. Spaying/neutering, especially for females due to the high risk of uterine cancer, is protective and can extend their lifespan.

• Symptoms of pain and illness in your pet rabbit that require immediate veterinary attention include refusal to eat, inability to defecate, abdominal swelling, loss of interest in surroundings, and failure to engage in normal activities.

• Bathing should only be considered if there is heavy soiling, as rabbits naturally keep their fur clean. If bathing is necessary, use lukewarm water.

• Rabbits are coprophagic, meaning they consume their feces in the early morning hours. This practice provides them with microbial protein and vitamins essential for their diet, particularly rich in B vitamins.

• Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits do not have paw pads on their feet; their feet are covered with thick fur. Therefore, their living area should have a soft and comfortable surface.

• One of the essential features your rabbit’s shelter should have is protection against external weather conditions. Rabbits are prone to heatstroke, so the temperature and humidity levels in their environment should be carefully regulated. Otherwise, besides heatstroke, they can also become susceptible to skin diseases.

• If their living area is outdoors and includes a space where they can dig, ensure it is secure so that they cannot escape and other animals cannot reach them by digging.

• Providing a secure area protected from dogs and predatory animals, and maintaining daily cleanliness to keep flies away, are necessary practices to protect your rabbit.

Providing these conditions extends the lifespan of your pet rabbit and ensures a high level of welfare. We recommend socializing with your rabbit, offering them a space where they can move freely and play rather than confining them to a cage, and keeping them particularly away from stress factors.

This blog post has been verified by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Serhan ÇOŞKUN.

Source:

Mohammad RIFKY (2015). “Rabbit Behaviour, Health and Care”. Son Erişim Tarihi: 05.12.2023

MSD Manual. “Housing of Rabbits”. Erişim: 04.12.2023 https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits/housing-of-rabbits

Wikipedia. “Tavşan”. Erişim: 04.12.2023 https://tr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tav%C5%9Fan