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Rabbit Awareness Week

  • info074086
  • Jun 22
  • 3 min read

It’s Rabbit Awareness Week this week and we’d like to share with you some advice and information about rabbit care to help keep your furry friends happy and healthy.


Rabbit care in summer


It’s going to be hot this week, so here are some top tips for keeping your bunnies cool.


  • Keep rabbits and runs / hutches out of direct sunlight.

  • Provide shade.

  • Don't house rabbits in greenhouses or conservatories – they can become too hot.

  • Give extra water regularly.

  • Freeze a semi-full plastic bottle of water and wrap it in a towel for rabbits to lay against, or provide a damp towel.

  • Know the signs of heatstroke – contact a vet immediately if needed.

  • Regularly groom rabbits to help keep them cool.

  • Check rabbits twice a day for signs of Flystrike.



Flystrike

Flystrike is a painful and sometimes fatal condition, caused by flies laying their eggs on another animal. These hatch into maggots, which eat the flesh of their hosts.

 

If your pet becomes infested, seek help from a vet immediately. Pets with dirty rear ends or generally dirty fur are particularly at risk of Flystrike.



Rabbit housing


Rabbits are active creatures and need to be able to hop and run, and stretch out fully when lying down. They need enough room to exercise and stand up fully on their back legs without their ears touching the roof of their accommodation.


For two medium-sized rabbits, we recommend a living space no smaller than 3m x 2m and 1m high – this will include their main shelter and exercise area. A dedicated shed, hut or playhouse with an exercise area attached can make a great home. Rabbits like to have separate areas in their shelter for eating, resting and toileting.


Visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/environment for further details on rabbit housing, including a useful video.


Rabbits need company


Rabbits are social animals and are best kept in pairs or groups and not alone as they get lonely. Littermates make great companions, but other rabbits can also be successfully bonded with each other. We can advise on bonding if you have a single rabbit, and there is also useful information at https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/company/bonding


Ensure male/female rabbits who will live together are neutered (from 10-12 weeks for males and 16 weeks for females) as females will have many litters a year otherwise. Neutering also helps to keep your rabbits healthy.


Don’t keep rabbits and guinea pigs together as they have different food and housing requirements and could fight.


Rabbit fosterers needed!


At RSPCA South Bucks, we rely on our amazing volunteer fosterers to give animals the love and care they need while they wait for their forever homes. Right now, we’re looking for more kind-hearted people to foster rabbits for us.


If you have a spacious indoor or garden area that’s perfect for bunnies, we’d love for you to join our foster team. We provide all the food and equipment, and cover any vet bills. You’ll be giving our rabbits a safe, loving environment to thrive in as they prepare for adoption.


As a fosterer, you'll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated RSPCA South Bucks team. Plus, it’s very rewarding helping a rabbit get ready for their new life.


Interested? Please take a look at https://bit.ly/4vcySjD for further information. You might also be interested in reading some of our testimonials from volunteers who are currently looking after animals for us at https://www.rspca-southbucks.org.uk/volunteering


Adopt rabbits from us


Thinking about welcoming rabbits into your family? We have lots of wonderful bunnies looking for loving forever homes. Take a look at our rabbits available for adoption at


Support the rabbits in our care


Would you like to support the rabbits in our care? From hay and tasty treats to enrichment toys and essentials, every item makes a real difference. Next time you're shopping online, please consider choosing something from our Amazon Wishlist at https://bit.ly/4a3j6PK


Thanks for your ongoing support of RSPCA South Bucks.

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