Rabbits like to be near people they know and often form very close bonds with their owners.

Rabbits with their twitching noses, bright eyes, big ears, and soft, cuddly bodies are a popular choice of pet with animal lovers.  They are quiet, cheap, and fairly low-maintenance creatures that stay small and can make great indoor pets.  Social as well as active and playful, they have the potential to be wonderful pets for the prepared owner, so it would pay before you get one to read up on the basic things you need to know.

Be aware that baby rabbits less than seven weeks old are too young to separate from their mother.  Rabbits should be neither fat nor skinny and their coat should be well groomed.  Check for soiling around the rear end, as this may indicate a problem with diarrhoea. 

Ear flaps shouldn’t be damaged, and should be pink and free of discharge.  Eyes should be bright and clear - check the coat around the eyes for wetness or tear staining.  Check the nose is also free of discharge.

Teeth should be well-aligned and not overgrown, check for wet or matted fur on the chin.  Breathing should be quiet and regular.  Watch the rabbit move around and ensure it moves freely without signs of lameness. 

A rabbit kept in clean conditions, without crowding will have less exposure to stress and disease.  Ideally a rabbit that is relatively calm about being approached and petted will make a better pet.  Although babies are cute, many adult rabbits are in need of homes, consider visiting a shelter or rescue.  Remember some breeds of rabbit will grow too large for children to handle; therefore it may be more suitable to consider a smaller breed.  Some breeds, like the long haired Angora rabbit require daily grooming.

Rabbits like to be near people they know and often form close bonds with owners.  With gentle handling they are generally tame, but would rather not be held. They can be litter trained however litter trays need changing and cleaning frequently. 

Rabbits also respond well to gentle training (try a clicker) to do special behaviours.  Being social, rabbits are happier living in pairs and/or plenty of interaction with their owners.  If you don’t want another rabbit but want your pet to have a mate, consider a guinea pig; they can live together peacefully in the same cage with no need for supervision, but daily playtime and exercise outside their cage is necessary.

Rabbits become sexually mature between four and nine months, and a female can become pregnant immediately after giving birth.  A female rabbit can have up to 11 leverets (baby rabbits) in each litter and up to 12 litters each year. That’s 132 rabbits a year! 

Having your female rabbit desexed before two years of age can dramatically reduce the risk of uterine cancer and prevents unwanted litters. 

Unneutered male rabbits over the age of three months will most certainly fight.  Desexed rabbits easier to train and generally are more content.

Rabbits, like all animals, should have access to a constant supply of fresh water at all times.  Fibre is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits, fresh grass, hay and vegetables should make up the bulk of the diet.

Dental problems are very common in rabbits, their teeth are continually growing therefore if they do not meet and have sufficient wear they will grow very long.  Many cases of overgrowth of the back teeth are caused by poor diet, this can lead to sharp spikes digging into the tongue or cheeks, which can be painful and put the rabbit off its food.

Like cats and dogs, rabbits can get fleas – be on the lookout for excessive scratching.  The only flea product licensed for flea control for rabbits in NZ is “Advantage” made by Bayer.  Advantage is a liquid applied on the back of the neck, every two weeks.  Talk to your vet about how to best handle fleas on your rabbit and remember the best treatment for fleas on any pet is prevention.