Rabbit Care Information
How do you properly look after a rabbit? It takes much more than food and a hutch. Rabbits need the right diet, space, companionship, enrichment and preventative healthcare to live happy and healthy lives.
This practical UK rabbit care guide covers the questions rabbit owners ask most — including what rabbits eat, how much space rabbits need, rabbit housing, hay, bonding, behaviour, vaccinations, neutering and common rabbit health problems. Tap any section below to expand it — or jump straight to what you need using the quick links.
🐰 Rabbit Care: The Quick Version
If you only remember a few things about rabbit care, remember these:
RABBIT WELFARE UK
The Five Welfare Needs of Rabbits
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 provides the legal framework for animal welfare in England and Wales. People responsible for animals have a duty to take reasonable steps to meet their welfare needs.
🏠 Suitable Environment
Rabbits need a safe, clean and comfortable environment with enough space to exercise, rest, hide and behave normally.
🌾 Suitable Diet
Rabbits need a high-fibre diet based mainly around hay and/or grass, with suitable fresh foods and a small amount of appropriate rabbit food.
🐇 Normal Behaviour
Rabbits need opportunities to run, hop, forage, dig, hide, explore, chew and rest.
❤️ Suitable Company
Rabbits are social animals and should normally have suitable companionship from compatible rabbits.
🩺 Protection From Harm
Rabbits need protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease, alongside appropriate preventative healthcare.
Source: PDSA — Your Pet's 5 Welfare Needs .
RABBIT HOUSING
Rabbit Housing: How Much Space Do Rabbits Need?
One of the biggest rabbit-care mistakes is assuming that a traditional rabbit hutch is enough. A hutch can form part of a rabbit's home, but rabbits need substantially more living space than a small sleeping compartment.
The important part is the 3m × 2m continuous floor footprint. A second level, platform or connected small hutch does not turn a small footprint into an equivalent living area.
Rabbits need enough room to run, hop, stretch, stand upright, forage, explore, hide and rest. Their environment should also have safe flooring, shelter, hiding places and enrichment.
Rabbits can live indoors or outdoors, but whichever environment you choose, it must be secure, suitable and large enough for their physical and behavioural needs.
Sources: Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund — Space Recommendations and PDSA — Creating the Ideal Home for Your Rabbits .
WHAT DO RABBITS EAT?
What Do Rabbits Eat?
A healthy rabbit diet is based on fibre. Good-quality hay and/or grass should make up around 85% of a rabbit's diet, supported by suitable fresh greens (around 10%) and a small measured amount of rabbit nuggets or pellets (around 5%) — a balance consistently recommended by RWAF and Woodgreen.
As a practical everyday guide, PDSA suggests offering at least a bundle of hay the size of your rabbit each day, an adult-sized handful of suitable fresh greens morning and evening, and around a tablespoon of nuggets once daily (or twice daily for rabbits over 3.5kg). Fresh water should always be available.
🌾 MAIN FOOD
Hay & grass
Rabbits need plenty of fibre for healthy digestion and natural tooth wear. Hay should be available all the time.
🥬 FRESH FOOD
Leafy greens, herbs & suitable vegetables
Introduce new foods gradually and offer a varied selection of suitable fresh foods.
🥣 SMALL AMOUNT
Rabbit nuggets or pellets
These are concentrated foods and should be measured rather than provided without limit.
Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available.
Muesli-style mixes are generally discouraged because rabbits can selectively eat preferred ingredients instead of consuming a balanced diet.
Fresh grass can be excellent for rabbits when introduced safely and gradually. Never feed freshly cut lawn mower grass — cut grass can ferment and heat up quickly, which can upset a rabbit's digestion.
Sources: PDSA — Feeding Your Rabbits , PDSA — Keeping Your Rabbit Healthy and Woodgreen — What to Feed Your Rabbits .
POPULAR RABBIT FOOD QUESTIONS
Can Rabbits Eat...?
“Can rabbits eat carrots?” is one of the questions new rabbit owners often ask — but carrots are only one of many foods people wonder about. Tap any food below for a quick answer.
Suitable fresh foods can add variety to a rabbit's diet, but new foods should be introduced gradually, one at a time. Fruit and other sugary foods are better treated as occasional treats rather than everyday staples.
🥕Carrots
A root vegetable, higher in natural sugars than hay or leafy greens. Fine as an occasional small treat, but shouldn't be a daily staple.
🍎Apples
Offer in small pieces occasionally, as fruit is naturally sugary. Remove any pips and the core first as a general precaution.
🥒Cucumber
Mostly water with little nutritional value. Fine as an occasional small treat, but not a substitute for hay or leafy greens.
🥬Leafy greens
Suitable rabbit-safe leafy greens can form part of the daily fresh-food portion. Introduce one new green at a time to check your rabbit tolerates it well.
🌿Herbs
Fresh herbs such as basil, mint, parsley and coriander are generally well tolerated in small amounts and add variety to the fresh-food portion.
🍓Strawberries
A fruit, so treat as an occasional treat only, in small amounts, due to its natural sugar content.
🍌Banana
Higher in sugar than most fruits — an occasional treat only, in small amounts.
🌱Fresh grass
Excellent — can form part of the hay/grass base of the diet. Introduce gradually if your rabbit isn't used to it, and never feed lawn mower clippings.
🚫 Foods and feeding mistakes to avoid
- Never feed freshly cut lawn mower grass.
- Avoid chocolate, sweets and other sugary human foods.
- Do not make fruit or root vegetables the main part of the diet.
- Avoid sudden changes to your rabbit's normal diet.
- Never give a rabbit an unfamiliar food in a large quantity.
Sources: PDSA — Feeding Your Rabbits and Woodgreen — What to Feed Your Rabbits , which also lists safe wild plants and forage.
RABBIT COMPANIONSHIP
Do Rabbits Need Another Rabbit?
Yes, rabbits are social animals. Welfare organisations recommend keeping rabbits with compatible rabbit companions wherever possible.
Human interaction is important, but people cannot completely replace the social relationship rabbits have with another suitable rabbit.
The usual goal is a compatible, bonded and appropriately neutered pair or group.
Rabbits and guinea pigs should not normally be kept together. They have different needs and communication styles, and a rabbit can unintentionally injure a guinea pig.
Sources: RWAF — Companionship and PDSA — Keeping Your Rabbit Healthy .
RABBIT BEHAVIOUR
Rabbit Behaviour: What Does My Rabbit Mean?
Rabbits communicate through body language, movement, sounds and behaviour. Understanding what is normal for your rabbit can also help you spot illness.
💥 Binkying
A rabbit may jump, twist or kick their feet in the air when excited, playful or particularly happy.
🐾 Digging
Digging is a natural rabbit behaviour. Safe digging opportunities can provide valuable enrichment.
👃 Nudging
Rabbits may nudge people or other rabbits as part of their normal communication.
💤 Flopping
Some rabbits dramatically flop onto their side when they feel comfortable and relaxed.
Behaviour changes can also be a warning sign. If a normally active rabbit suddenly becomes withdrawn, stops eating, hides more than usual or behaves differently, consider whether they could be unwell and contact your vet if concerned.
RABBIT HEALTH
Common Rabbit Health Problems
Rabbits can hide illness, so small changes can matter. Changes in appetite, droppings, movement, posture, grooming or behaviour should be taken seriously. Research from the Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass programme has found flystrike and gut stasis among the leading causes of death in UK pet rabbits.
Gut Stasis
Gut stasis involves a reduction in normal movement through the digestive system and can occur alongside other illnesses or causes of pain.
Warning signs: not eating, reduced droppings, smaller droppings, lethargy, hunched posture or signs of pain.
What to do: contact a vet promptly.
Flystrike
Flies can lay eggs on rabbits, particularly around dirty or damp fur. The resulting maggots can cause severe tissue damage very quickly.
Warning signs: fly eggs, maggots, dirty fur, unusual smell, weakness, restlessness or obvious pain.
What to do: seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately.
Dental Disease
Rabbit teeth grow continuously. A high-fibre diet supports normal wear, but dental disease can still develop.
Warning signs: reduced appetite, dropping food, difficulty eating, drooling, weight loss or watery eyes.
Myxomatosis & RVHD
Myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease are serious viral diseases that can cause severe illness and death.
Vaccination is an important part of preventative rabbit healthcare.
Ear Problems & Parasites
Ear mites and other problems can cause irritation, scratching, head shaking and crusting.
Different conditions require different treatments, so speak to your vet before using medication.
Weight & Sore Hocks
Body condition, flooring, mobility and grooming can all affect a rabbit's comfort and foot health.
Ask your vet to assess unexplained weight changes or sore feet.
Neutering female rabbits greatly reduces the risk of serious reproductive disease, including uterine cancer. Speak to a rabbit-experienced vet about the appropriate timing.
Sources: RSPCA — Rabbits , PDSA — Keeping Your Rabbit Healthy and Woodgreen — Rabbit Lifespan & Common Health Problems .
RABBIT VACCINATIONS UK
Rabbit Vaccinations in the UK
Rabbit vaccination is an important part of preventative healthcare. UK vaccines are available to help protect rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, including RHD1 and RHD2.
Rabbits can be exposed to infectious diseases even if they live indoors. PDSA notes that disease can spread through routes including insects, wild rabbits and contaminated surfaces such as clothing and shoes.
Vaccination does not mean a rabbit can never become infected, but it is an important way of reducing the risk of serious disease.
Vaccine products and schedules can vary, so your veterinary practice should advise you on the appropriate vaccination and booster programme for your rabbit.
Source: PDSA — Rabbit Vaccines .
RABBIT NEUTERING UK
Rabbit Neutering: Spaying & Castration
Neutering is widely recommended for pet rabbits. It helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and can reduce reproductive behaviour and hormone-related fighting. It also provides important health benefits.
- Female rabbits can be spayed to greatly reduce the risk of serious reproductive disease.
- Male rabbits can be castrated to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce hormone-driven behaviour.
- Neutering can make bonding and living with another rabbit safer and easier.
- Rabbits can become fertile at a young age, so males and females should be kept safely separated until your vet confirms it is safe to bond them.
The correct age for neutering depends on the individual rabbit, including sex, size, maturity and health. Your vet should advise on the appropriate timing.
Source: PDSA — Rabbit Neutering .
When Should I Call a Rabbit Vet?
Rabbits can become seriously ill quickly. If something is significantly different from your rabbit's normal behaviour, it is safer to seek veterinary advice than to wait and see whether the problem gets worse.
🚨 Treat these signs seriously
- Your rabbit stops eating or has a significant reduction in appetite.
- There are significantly fewer, very small or no droppings.
- You find fly eggs or maggots.
- Your rabbit is struggling to breathe.
- Your rabbit develops a head tilt, loses balance or starts circling.
- Your rabbit collapses, becomes unresponsive or has a seizure.
- There is serious bleeding, an injury or an animal attack.
- Your rabbit appears to be in severe pain.
- Your rabbit is suddenly extremely lethargic or behaves very differently.
If you are worried, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service directly.
RABBIT HEALTH CHECK
Rabbit Health Checks
Knowing what is normal for your rabbit is one of the best ways to spot changes. Rabbits should be observed every day and receive appropriate preventative veterinary care.
- Eating: is your rabbit eating normally?
- Droppings: are they normal in size, quantity and appearance?
- Eyes and nose: is there unusual discharge or irritation?
- Ears: any scratching, head shaking, crusting or irritation?
- Coat: is the fur clean and dry?
- Bottom: is the area clean and free from fly eggs or maggots?
- Feet: are the nails and skin healthy?
- Weight: has your rabbit gained or lost weight unexpectedly?
- Behaviour: is your rabbit behaving normally?
Dental disease can be particularly difficult to identify at home because important dental problems can affect teeth at the back of the mouth. Veterinary examination may therefore be needed even when the front teeth look normal.
Rabbit Care FAQs
Got a rabbit question? Start here. Tap a question to reveal the answer.
What do rabbits eat?
Rabbits need a high-fibre diet based mainly on good-quality hay and/or grass. Suitable leafy greens and other fresh foods can provide variety, alongside a small measured amount of rabbit nuggets or pellets.
Fresh drinking water should always be available.
How much hay should a rabbit eat?
Hay should be available to rabbits at all times. PDSA recommends unlimited hay and/or grass where possible, with at least a bundle at least the size of the rabbit each day as a minimum guide.
How much space do rabbits need?
RWAF recommends a single enclosed area of at least 3m × 2m × 1m high for two average-sized rabbits, available continuously.
A small hutch, even with an upper level, does not provide the equivalent 3m × 2m ground footprint.
Can rabbits live alone?
Rabbits are social animals and should normally live with compatible, bonded rabbits wherever possible.
Human companionship is valuable but does not completely replace the companionship of another rabbit.
Do rabbits need vaccinations in the UK?
Yes. Vaccination is an important part of preventative rabbit healthcare. UK vaccines are available against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, including RHD1 and RHD2.
Your vet can advise on the appropriate vaccine and booster schedule.
Can indoor rabbits get diseases?
Yes. Indoor rabbits can still be exposed to infectious diseases. PDSA recommends vaccination for indoor as well as outdoor rabbits because some diseases can spread through insects and contaminated surfaces.
What is rabbit flystrike?
Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit and maggots subsequently develop. It can cause severe tissue damage and can become life-threatening very quickly.
Finding maggots or fly eggs on a rabbit is an emergency requiring urgent veterinary treatment.
What should I do if my rabbit stops eating?
Contact a vet promptly. Not eating or producing significantly fewer droppings can indicate serious illness, including gut problems or pain.
Do not simply wait to see whether your rabbit starts eating again.
Should rabbits be neutered?
Neutering is widely recommended for pet rabbits. It prevents unwanted pregnancies, can reduce reproductive behaviour and fighting, and provides important health benefits.
Speak to your vet about the appropriate age and timing for your rabbit.
Can rabbits eat carrots?
Carrots can be offered to rabbits as an occasional food, but they should not form the main part of the diet. Carrots contain more sugar than hay and leafy greens, so moderation is important.
Hay and/or grass should remain the foundation of a healthy rabbit diet.
Can rabbits eat grass?
Yes. Fresh grass can be an excellent source of fibre and encourages natural grazing behaviour.
Introduce grass gradually if your rabbit is not used to it and never feed freshly cut lawn mower grass.
Do rabbits and guinea pigs make good companions?
Rabbits and guinea pigs should not normally be kept together. They have different needs and communication styles, and rabbits can unintentionally injure guinea pigs.
How long do rabbits live?
Rabbit lifespan varies considerably depending on genetics, breed, diet, housing, preventative healthcare and veterinary treatment.
Rather than relying on a single number, focus on providing appropriate welfare, nutrition, companionship and healthcare throughout your rabbit's life.
Trusted Rabbit Care Resources
We want rabbit owners to have access to reliable information. This page is educational and should never replace advice from your own veterinary practice.
If you are worried about your rabbit right now, please contact your own vet or an emergency veterinary service directly.
Rabbit Rescue in Sheffield
the lucky lop is an independent rabbit rescue based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. We take in unwanted, neglected and vulnerable rabbits and work to find them suitable forever homes.
We believe that good rabbit care starts with understanding what rabbits actually need — not simply what has traditionally been considered normal.