Rabbit Care

Healthy, happy bunnies start with great care

Rabbits make wonderful companions — full of personality, gentle in nature, and a great way to introduce children to the joys of pet ownership. They’re quiet, clean, sociable, and can be easily litter trained. With the right care, rabbits can live long, healthy, and happy lives.

Housing and safety

While rabbits enjoy company, they are also quite independent and can be left alone during the day — making them a great pet for busy families. However, their environment must be safe, secure, and comfortable.

Your rabbit’s hutch should be:

• Predator-proof and escape-proof
• Divided into two connected compartments:
  • One enclosed for warmth and shelter
  • One open (wire mesh) for fresh air and natural light

• Lined with newspaper and topped with bedding such as straw, hay, or shredded paper to prevent pressure sores and provide warmth

Avoid placing the hutch in direct sun. Rabbits are extremely sensitive to heat and may suffer heat stroke during Australia’s warmer months. Choose a shaded, well-ventilated location and monitor conditions in extreme weather.

🔁 Tip: Rabbits need at least two hours of exercise outside their hutch daily. Regular handling keeps them tame and builds trust.

Grooming and daily care

Daily grooming is important, especially for long-haired rabbits. Use a firm brush to remove:

• Loose fur
• Garden debris
• Grass seeds (which can irritate or infect eyes, ears, and nose)

Check your rabbit’s rear end daily — a soiled bottom is prone to fly strike, a serious and potentially fatal condition.

Feeding and nutrition

Good nutrition is the foundation of rabbit health — and many commercial rabbit foods don’t meet their needs.

Rabbits are herbivores and require a very high-fibre diet to support healthy digestion and wear down their continuously growing teeth.

✅ A healthy rabbit diet should include:

85% hay — fresh, high-quality grass hay is essential

• 15% leafy greens — Asian greens, endive, and similar veg
• Fresh water — provided in both a drip bottle and open bowl

⚠️ Use pellets, root vegetables (like carrots), capsicum, and fruit only as occasional treats — no more than 1–2 tablespoons per day.

🚫 Avoid iceberg lettuce, cabbage, and starchy treats as they can cause digestive upset.

Veterinary care for rabbits

Rabbits benefit from regular vet checks, just like dogs and cats. Routine care includes:

Vaccination against rabbit calicivirus

• Desexing, especially for females (to prevent aggression and reproductive cancers)
• Dental checks — rabbit teeth never stop growing and can cause problems if not managed
• Nail trimming and grooming advice

Our vets are experienced in rabbit health and can help with everything from preventative care to more complex medical issues.

📞 Ready to give your rabbit the best care?
Book an appointment to chat with our team about how to keep your bunny happy and healthy for years to come.
Or call us on (03) 5333 5959 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff.