HEALTH AND DIET
At Lucky Bunny & Friends Rescue, we believe that a balanced diet and proper health care are essential for your rabbit’s well-being. Rabbits are delicate creatures with specific needs, and as a responsible pet owner, it’s important to ensure they have the right nutrition and medical care to lead long, happy lives.
🥕 Diet: What Should Your Rabbit Eat?
Rabbits have a unique digestive system that relies on high-fibre foods to stay healthy. A proper diet is essential for preventing digestive issues, dental problems, and obesity.
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Hay – The Staple of Their Diet:
- Fresh hay (such as timothy, meadow, or orchard grass hay) should make up 80-90% of your rabbit’s diet. Hay keeps their digestive system moving and also helps to wear down their teeth, which continuously grow.
- Ensure that your rabbit has unlimited access to hay at all times.
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Fresh Vegetables:
- A variety of fresh vegetables is key to providing essential vitamins and nutrients. Each day, your rabbit should receive around 1-2 cups of fresh veggies such as:
- Romaine lettuce
- Coriander (cilantro)
- Basil
- Kale (in moderation)
- Parsley
- Carrot tops
- Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes and iceberg lettuce, which can cause digestive problems.
- A variety of fresh vegetables is key to providing essential vitamins and nutrients. Each day, your rabbit should receive around 1-2 cups of fresh veggies such as:
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Pellets:
- Pellets should make up only a small part of their diet, about 1 tablespoon per 1kg of body weight per day. Choose high-fibre, good-quality rabbit pellets without added seeds or colourful pieces.
- Too many pellets can lead to obesity, so keep them to a minimum.
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Fruits as Treats:
- Rabbits love fruit, but due to the high sugar content, it should only be given as a treat. Stick to 1-2 small portions of fruits like:
- Apples (without seeds)
- Berries
- Banana
- Pineapple
- These should be offered sparingly, no more than a few times a week.
- Rabbits love fruit, but due to the high sugar content, it should only be given as a treat. Stick to 1-2 small portions of fruits like:
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Fresh Water:
- Rabbits need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Whether you use a water bottle or a heavy ceramic bowl, make sure it’s cleaned and refilled regularly.
🐇 Health: Keeping Your Rabbit in Top Condition
Keeping your rabbit healthy involves regular check-ups, vaccinations, and careful monitoring of their behavior and habits. Below are some key areas to focus on for rabbit health:
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Vaccinations:
- At Lucky Bunny & Friends Rescue, all rabbits are vaccinated against RHDV (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus) and Myxomatosis before adoption. These deadly diseases can spread quickly, so annual booster shots are critical to keep your rabbit protected.
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Neutering/Spaying:
- All rabbits at our rescue are neutered or spayed before adoption. Neutering helps prevent unwanted litters and reduces aggression, while also significantly lowering the risk of uterine cancer in females, which is a common issue in rabbits.
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Dental Health:
- Rabbit teeth grow continuously, so a diet rich in hay is essential to prevent dental overgrowth. You should also check for signs of dental problems, like drooling or difficulty eating, which can indicate that the teeth are not wearing down properly.
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Digestive Health:
- Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and it’s important to ensure they’re getting the right diet. Watch for signs of GI stasis, a potentially life-threatening condition where the digestive system slows down or stops. Symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Small or no droppings
- If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary help immediately.
- Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and it’s important to ensure they’re getting the right diet. Watch for signs of GI stasis, a potentially life-threatening condition where the digestive system slows down or stops. Symptoms include:
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Exercise & Enrichment:
- Rabbits are active animals that need plenty of space and time to hop around and explore. Exercise helps prevent obesity and encourages mental stimulation.
- Provide plenty of toys and opportunities to chew, dig, and explore to keep their minds engaged.
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Regular Vet Visits:
- It’s important to schedule regular vet visits for your rabbit to catch any potential health problems early. Rabbits can hide illnesses well, so even if they seem fine, annual check-ups are vital.
⚠️ Common Health Issues in Rabbits
- Flystrike:
- Flystrike is a painful and potentially fatal condition where flies lay eggs in dirty or damp fur, especially around the back end. Regular grooming and checking your rabbit’s bottom can help prevent this.
- Overgrown Nails:
- Rabbits' nails should be trimmed regularly. Long nails can cause discomfort or lead to injury if they catch on something.
- Parasites:
- Keep an eye out for fleas and mites, which can infest your rabbit’s fur. Speak to your vet about the best preventative treatments.
🏡 Adopting from Us Means Your Bunny is Ready for Life
At Lucky Bunny & Friends Rescue, all of our rabbits are neutered, vaccinated, and health-checked before going to their forever homes. When you adopt, you’re not only providing a loving home for a rabbit in need, but you’re also getting peace of mind that your new family member is set up for a long, healthy life.