Do Rabbits Make Good Pets?

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Do Rabbits Make Good Pets?

Rabbits are highly social animals and should live in compatible pairs or groups. Most do not enjoy being cuddled. They are exceptionally rewarding if given the right environment.

 

-They need large, secure housing.  Recommendation is a minimum of 2 feet wide, 2 feet high and 6 feet long.  This allows running, jumping and hiding activities which rabbits need to stay healthy.

-According to the PDSA 35% of pet rabbits live in inadequate housing and 56% of rabbits still live alone.

-Rabbits should be fed primarily a grass or grass product diet. They should have their own body -sized amount of good quality hay each day.

-They need a small amount of pelleted, rather than muesli-type food.

-A study in 2016 estimated 800,000 domestic rabbits are kept as companion animals in 2% of households in the United Kingdom, making them the third most commonly kept pet, after dogs and cats.

-Research shows that 25% of owners have pet rabbits because their children wanted them.

-Sadly, the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) estimates that 67,000 rabbits are passing through rehoming centres in the UK each year.

-Some rescue centres have rabbits that are already neutered and bonded in pairs and looking for good homes.

– If you are interested in keeping a rabbit, then please consult your vet regarding their needs.

 

Dr Mandy Elgin
BVMS MRCVS

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