Rabbit

Rabbits need a large, connected living space, not a small hutch: the RSPCA and Rabbit Welfare Association recommend a minimum of 3 m by 2 m of floor and 1 m high for a bonded pair, available at all times. Provide a hidey house, a litter tray with paper based litter, and a solid non slip floor to protect their hocks. Line resting areas with soft bedding or dust free straw, and keep wire floors and small cages out of the plan entirely. House rabbits do very well free ranging in a bunny proofed room with hazards like cables blocked off.

Unlimited good quality grass hay should make up about 85 percent of the diet and is essential for both gut movement and grinding down constantly growing teeth. Add a handful of leafy greens daily and only a small measured portion of pellets (about one tablespoon per kg of body weight). Fresh water must always be available, ideally from a bowl. Avoid muesli mixes, sugary treats, fruit in excess, and any sudden diet change, all of which can trigger dangerous gut slowdown.

Rabbits are comfortable at roughly 10 to 20 degrees Celsius and are far more at risk from heat than cold: temperatures above about 25 degrees Celsius can cause fatal heat stress, especially with high humidity. Give shade, good ventilation, and frozen water bottles or air conditioning in warm weather. They are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, and need a natural light and dark cycle with a quiet, secure place to rest.

Rabbits are highly social and suffer if kept alone: the ideal is a neutered male and neutered female bonded pair. Bonding must be done gradually and neutering prevents fighting, unwanted litters and, in females, common uterine cancer. Most rabbits dislike being picked up, so build trust at floor level and never lift by the ears or scruff.

Provide daily exercise space to run, binky and stand upright, plus tunnels, willow chew toys, cardboard, digging boxes and forage scattered in hay. Rotate novel items to prevent boredom, and offer puzzle feeders. Chewing is a genuine need that also keeps teeth healthy, so always supply safe untreated wood and hay.