Rabbits are often cherished as delightful companions, yet their care requirements extend far beyond mere cuddles and carrots. As the third most popular pet in New Zealand, rabbits are in many households but not everyone has a good understanding of their needs in order to have a Good Life.
Cuddly, cute and relatively small... the perfect pet for young humans right? Well... no, not really.
There is a common misconception that rabbits make great low-cost pets for children, and this view can quickly lead to poor welfare outcomes for a rabbit. How this came about could be debated, but one argument could be made that across media and pop culture, rabbits are frequently depicted as friendly, docile creatures that make great companions, suitable for children.
So, what do they actually need to live a Good Life as companion animals?
Not a ‘starter pet’
Rabbits are small, prey animals and are relatively fragile compared with cats or dogs; they require gentle handling and can easily become fearful of being handled if they have bad experiences.
They are sometimes viewed as easy care ‘starter-pets’ suitable for children. However, some studies have shown that owners who viewed rabbits as ‘starter pets’ often provided inadequate housing and low investment in essential resources like continuous gnawing opportunities, hay, and routine healthcare [1]. This was especially the case where children were the main caregivers. Without better knowledge of what the problems can be for rabbits as pets and what good welfare for rabbits entails - as well as increased public promotion of this information – the stereotype of them as ‘starter-pets’ is likely to continue.
🏠 Housing and exercise
Rabbits are burrowing animals. They need a complex environment with space to perform their natural behavioural tendencies such as ‘hopping about’, digging, gnawing and hiding.
Proper housing is crucial for the welfare of pet rabbits with an environment that allows them to express their natural behaviors. According to the House Rabbit Society, rabbits need a minimum enclosure size of 4-6 times the length of the rabbit stretched out, with ample height to allow them to stand on their hind legs without their ears touching the top of the cage [2].
Additionally, rabbits should have regular access to a larger area for exercise outside their enclosure. This is supported by a study from the University of Bristol, which found that rabbits with access to larger living spaces showed significantly fewer signs of stress and more natural behaviors compared to those confined to smaller cages [3].
Inside or outside?
Deciding whether pet rabbits should live indoors or outdoors depends on various factors related to their welfare, health, and environmental conditions. Consider factors such as weather exposure, predation risk and your ability to monitor their health – as well as your space constraints and how the rabbit’s social interactions would be impacted. Ensuring your pet rabbit has appropriate housing in winter involves providing a well-insulated and weatherproof shelter.
If housed outdoors, the hutch should be elevated off the ground, equipped with ample bedding such as straw or hay for warmth, and protected from wind, rain, and snow. Adding a cover or tarp can help shield the hutch further from the elements. For indoor rabbits, maintaining a stable, warm temperature away from drafts and providing cozy bedding will keep them comfortable. Additionally, allowing supervised indoor playtime can provide both exercise and warmth during colder months. Regular checks to ensure the rabbit’s water supply doesn’t freeze and providing extra food to meet their increased energy needs are also important for their winter care.
The choice between indoor and outdoor living should be based on the individual rabbit's needs, the owner's ability to provide a safe and enriching environment, and the local climate and predator risks.
👐Gentle Handling of Rabbits
Rabbits that have not been socialised and introduced to handling at an early age (starting at 10–20 days old) may be very nervous. It’s important to move quietly and invite interactions rather than force them on the rabbit. Their fear reaction may include hiding to avoid handling, and escalate to biting and aggression. The rabbit’s behaviour can be reinforced by the way that a person responds to them, leading to further fear and more ‘aggressive’ behaviour. Any rabbit that continually reacts aggressively to attempted handling could be experiencing pain and should be checked by a veterinarian.
🥬Nutritional Needs for Pet Rabbits
A balanced diet is essential for the health and longevity of pet rabbits. The primary component of a rabbit's diet should be high-quality hay, which promotes dental health and provides the necessary fiber for proper digestive function. According to the SPCA, hay and grass should make up approximately 85% of a rabbit's diet [4]. The chewing action required to eat hay also helps to wear down rabbits' continuously growing teeth, preventing dental problems.
Fresh vegetables and leafy greens are another important part of a rabbit's diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals. A variety of vegetables, such as leafy greens, should be offered daily. Pelleted rabbit food can also be included in the diet but should be limited to prevent obesity. Carrots and fruit should only be provided in small amounts as treats, as rabbits do not naturally eat root vegetables or fruit in the wild.
And of course, access to fresh, clean water at all times is essential for maintaining hydration and supporting digestive health. Check out SPCA’s page for foods to include and avoid, and there are some great tips here too on the types of food and treats to offer.
🐇🐰Social Needs
Rabbits are highly social animals, living in family groups in the wild, and not surprisingly in captivity they require the company of one or more other rabbits. Studies of rabbits' motivation for access to social contact showed that this was the same drive as for access to food - suggesting that they value this very highly. [6]
Under test conditions, rabbits pushed a weighted cat-flap door that was one third their weight to be able to get to another rabbit! The best way to ensure a compatible pair is to keep two littermates together. However, if one is male and the other female (usually the best pairing), it is important to neuter both rabbits before they reach sexual maturity. Unfamiliar rabbits should be introduced to each other gradually, initially with a barrier between them, to ensure they will get on with each other. Lots of food and environmental enrichment will help to keep them occupied when first introduced without the barrier. However as with all social animals, it’s also important to give them space to get away from each other.
🪀🪜Enrichment
Rabbits also require appropriate environmental enrichment to maintain their mental health. Providing hiding spots, tunnels, and chew toys can prevent boredom and promote natural behaviours. Including structures for climbing and hiding, can also significantly improve the wellbeing of rabbits by increasing exploratory activities. Ensuring that rabbits have opportunities to interact with their owners and, if compatible, with other rabbits, can further enhance their quality of life.
🍎Training for rabbits? Hop to it!
Many people wouldn’t know that you can train rabbits. Rabbits are primarily motivated by treats, particularly sweet ones like fruit (high in sugar, so only a treat!). This makes training easier as they will readily perform tasks for a reward. However, not all rabbits are treat-motivated. For those less interested in food rewards, petting and affection can be alternative motivators. Understanding and leveraging what motivates your rabbit is crucial for successful training.
Three common training techniques for rabbits [7] are:
classical conditioning: associating a cue with a reward, such as calling their name when giving a treat.
clicker training uses a clicker sound to signal correct behaviour, followed by a treat, which helps in teaching more complex tricks.
luring which involves using a treat to guide the rabbit into performing a desired behaviour, such as spinning or hopping onto a lap.
For effective training sessions, it's important to keep them short due to rabbits' limited attention spans. Creating a quiet, distraction-free environment and using consistent cues, whether verbal or visual, can enhance learning. Additionally, using high-value treats and gradually phasing them out as the rabbit masters the trick ensures they stay motivated without overindulging.
Becoming a rabbit guardian means a commitment to understanding their unique needs and providing optimal living conditions year-round.
Owners have the privilege of ensuring the happiness, health, and longevity of their beloved rabbit companions, and in return can foster a vibrant bond with your long-eared friend.
In a nutshell: Understanding rabbit care needs
Social needs: Rabbits are highly social animals and prefer to live in groups in their natural state. So, it's best for pet rabbits to be kept in a social group, or at least a pair.
Dietary Requirements: Rabbits are herbivores with complex digestive systems. A diet rich in hay, fresh greens, and controlled portions of pellets ensures their nutritional balance and digestive health. Scientific studies highlight the significance of fiber-rich foods in preventing gastrointestinal issues, a common concern in rabbit care.
Environmental Enrichment: Mental stimulation is crucial for rabbits' happiness and well-being. Enrich their environment with safe chew toys, tunnels, and safe spaces to explore. Research shows that enriched environments reduce stress and promote natural behaviors in rabbits, contributing to their overall health.
Socialisation and Training: Rabbits are intelligent and can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Evidence based training methods, such as positive reinforcement through clicker training, help foster bonds and teach desired behaviours. Studies emphasise the importance of positive interactions with human carers in building trust and reducing fear in rabbits.
Gentle handling: Rabbits not socialised early (10–20 days old) can be nervous. Move quietly and invite interactions instead of forcing them. Fear may lead to hiding, biting, and aggression. Consistent aggressive reactions could indicate pain and should be checked by a vet.
Winter Care Essentials
Housing Considerations: Winter poses unique challenges for rabbit care, especially regarding housing. Scientific findings advocate for insulated hutches or indoor enclosures to protect rabbits from cold temperatures and drafts. Providing bedding material like straw or hay offers insulation and comfort.
Temperature Regulation: Maintaining a stable temperature is critical during winter. Research highlights the risk of hypothermia and respiratory issues in rabbits exposed to extreme cold. Employing heating solutions, like heat pads or heat lamps, in designated areas of their habitat ensures their comfort and health.
Exercise and Activity: Despite the cold, rabbits require regular exercise to prevent obesity and promote circulation. Indoor play areas or supervised outdoor time (weather permitting) facilitate physical activity. Scientific studies emphasise the correlation between exercise and overall wellbeing in rabbits, including mental stimulation and muscle tone.
References:
[1] Skovlund CR, Forkman B, Lund TB, Mistry BG, Nielsen SS and Sandøe P(2023). Perceptions of the rabbit as a low investment ‘starter pet’ lead to negative impacts on its welfare: Results of two Danish surveys. Animal Welfare, 32, e45, 1–13 https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2023.41
[2] House Rabbit Society. "Housing Your Rabbit." https://rabbit.org/care/habitat/living-space-how-to-set-it-up/
[3] 'Run access, hutch size and time-of-day affect welfare-relevant behaviour and faecal corticosterone in pair-housed pet rabbits' by Nicola J. Rooney et. al in Applied Animal Behaviour Science
[4] https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/what-to-feed-your-rabbits
[5]Magnus, E. (2005). Behaviour of the pet rabbit: what is normal and why do problems develop?. In practice, 27(10), 531-535.
[6] Seaman, S. C., Waran, N. K., Mason, G., & D'Eath, R. B. (2008). Animal economics: assessing the motivation of female laboratory rabbits to reach a platform, social contact and food. Animal Behaviour, 75(1), 31-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.09.031
