Rabbit Advice

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Rabbits are very lively little pets and require lots of care and attention. They should be handled everyday and checked to make sure that they and their sleeping quarters are clean. A disease called fly strike is life threatening and can be prevented by keeping their home clean and checking your rabbit as least twice a day. It is so important to make sure that they keep eating and passing lots of poo as this is a sign of a healthy bunny! We recommend you vaccinate against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD1) annually. This is now a combined vaccination. Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (RVHD2) is a new strain of RVHD1. In 2015 it was first reported in the UK, and it is easily spread via wind, clothes, shoes, droppings of rabbits, birds and insects. It is impossible to stop it getting into the environment whether it be indoor or outdoor. Therefore vaccination is the best way to prevent. A vaccine is now available, which can be given 2 weeks after the RVHD1 vaccine, it can be given every 6 months or 12 months depending on the risk level in your area.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease1: Attacks the liver and causes severe bleeding. It is mostly fatal by those that become infected
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease2: Similar to above, often no symptoms meaning hard to spot early. Usually fatal.
Myxomatosis: A virus that affects the respiratory system and multiplies on the skin of the face, ears and anus and is fatal. Even indoor rabbits can be affected.

Neutering

The benefits include that your bunnies will get on better together, they are less territorial. It prevents unwanted pregnancy. It makes them easier to house train and males are less likely to urine spray. Females will also avoid the very common problem of uterine cancer(80% of females will get cancer by 5 years of age if not neutered). Can be carried out from 4 months of age

Companionship

Rabbits are very social creatures and are best kept with a friend. The best combination is a neutered female and neutered male. Other combinations can live together providing they have been neutered and introduced correctly to each other.

Insurance

We strongly recommend insuring your bunny. It offers peace of mind should your pet be injured or diagnosed with an ongoing illness that might require lengthy and expensive treatment. Please consult us for advice.