Rabbits as a domestic pet

The domestic rabbits are available in many different breeds and colours ranging greatly in size. Rabbits are sociable pets appreciating the company of other rabbits and enjoy human companionship.

As with any pet, keeping a rabbit requires a commitment to care for it during its life which could be 5-10 years or longer. The commitment required in caring for a rabbit includes not only routine feeding, care and time spent with the rabbit but also the provision of veterinary treatment if the rabbit becomes ill.

Behaviour in Captivity

Rabbits are sociable although males kept together will most often fight. However, neutered males will live happily together and also females if introduced at a young age or carefully introduced at an older age.

Although rabbits and guinea pigs will "accept" each other as companions, the habit of a rabbit to playfully jump when happy mean that its powerful legs can cause injuries to a guinea pig. This is the case with even the smallest of rabbit breeds. Rabbits and guinea pigs also have different dietary requirements and different means of communicating. Therefore rabbits should not be housed with guinea pigs and the best and most natural companion for any pet rabbit is always another rabbit.

Rabbits are generally calm and enjoy human companionship making them a good pet. Although rarely aggressive, without the option to retreat and hide in a warren, they can display a degree of aggression when upset or threatened.

Rabbit cages and equipment:

There are various items of equipment that will be needed for a rabbit. It is best to buy the essential items of equipment such as cage or hutch, floor covering, nesting material, water bottle, food dish and food before getting a rabbit, so that the rabbit's new home can be prepared and ready before the rabbit's arrival.

Other optional items that can be provided are:

Rabbit Run

If the hutch or cage does not allow the rabbit access to the grass then purchasing a "rabbit run" (a wooden frame with wire mesh sides and no floor) is a good idea to allow the rabbit time to exercise and feed on grass.

The rabbit run should be placed over an area of grass that has not been soiled by other animals and not had any chemicals used on it and situated so that at least part of it is sheltered from direct sunlight on a hot day. A couple of water bottles should be fixed to the side of the run when being used.

Gnawing stone & rabbit grass

Many Pet Shops, stock mineral and salt blocks and rabbit grass.