Your First Rabbit: Getting the Diet and the Housing Right
Hay should make up more than 80% of the diet, with fresh greens and a limited amount of pellets, plus room to hop and stretch out fully. And the emergency signs every rabbit owner needs to know.
Short answer: Hay should make up more than 80% of a rabbit's total food, with fresh leafy greens alongside it and only a limited amount of pellets. If a rabbit stops passing droppings, or suddenly eats much less, treat it as an emergency and have them seen straight away.
Rabbits are a popular pet with dietary needs all of their own, clearly different from those of dogs and cats.
The core of the diet
Hay, such as timothy or oat hay, should be the staple and make up more than 80% of everything a rabbit eats. The high fibre in hay is necessary both for digestion and for wearing down a rabbit's teeth, which keep growing throughout its life. Fresh leafy greens can be added in sensible amounts, while pellets should be limited to help prevent bloating.
The right living space
Rabbits need enough room to hop and to stretch out fully. A hutch that is too small can affect both physical health and behaviour. They should also have somewhere safe to come out and run about every day.
Watching the teeth and the digestion
A rabbit that suddenly eats less, or passes no droppings at all for several hours, is showing an urgent sign and should be seen by a vet. A rabbit's digestive system is highly sensitive to changes in the body, and other illnesses may be hidden underneath, which can become life threatening if left too long.
Regular health checks
Bring your rabbit in for check ups from time to time, particularly dental checks, since teeth are where problems most often show up in pet rabbits.
At Hug & Heal we have vets who work specifically with exotic pets, ready to advise on rabbit nutrition and care from end to end.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How serious is it if a rabbit is not passing droppings?
A: Treat it as an emergency. A rabbit's digestive system can shut down, which brings other problems with it, and it usually signals something fairly serious. Rabbits are very good at hiding illness, so have them seen as soon as possible.
Q: Can rabbits eat any kind of vegetable?
A: No. Some vegetables do not suit rabbits. Ask a vet which ones to use and in what quantity.