We have an aisle dedicated especially to small furries. Toys, treats, bedding and food as well as fabulous bags of fresh hay. Call in and browse.
Burgess advise the following: –
1. Diet
Rabbits need constant access to grass and high-quality feeding hay. In the wild, rabbits feed on high levels of fibrous grasses and their digestive systems are designed to be kept in constant motion, which enables them to get the most out of this type of diet.
Fibre from feeding hay and fresh grass is really important for:
- Digestive health – it keeps a rabbit’s gut moving, reducing the risk of gut stasis and bloat
- Dental health – Rabbits’ teeth continually grow and chewing good quality feeding hay will help wear them down and prevent dental disease
- Behavioural Health – In the wild rabbits spend 70% of their time foraging, so they need access to hay and grass to be able to express their natural behaviour
2. Environment
Rabbits need plenty of space – think garden shed, rather than cramped hutch – in housing that’s protected from the elements and is safe from predators or loud noises that could scare them. They also need a spacious, secure exercise area permanently attached to it. Their home needs to be tall enough for them to be able to stand up fully without their ears touching the roof and to lie fully outstretched in any direction, to take a number of consecutive hops, and to run, jump, explore and forage and do all the things that come naturally to bunnies.
3. Behaviour
Rabbits need to be able to display the natural behaviours that they would in the wild in order to be happy. Here are some basics things that can help them do just that:
- Water – Always ensure fresh clean water is available for your rabbits
- Food – Access to their body size in hay and a small bowl of nuggets daily
- Space – Large housing with spaces to hide and access to a run that’s big enough for them to run around in
- Companions – Rabbits should always be kept in at least pairs
- Enrichment – Toys and activities
4. Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and solo bunnies can quickly become depressed. Although they enjoy spending time with their owners, rabbits naturally prefer the company of their own kind and should be kept with at least one bunny buddy.
5. Health
There’s nothing more important than doing your best to make sure your rabbits stay healthy and, as a bunny owner, you probably have lots of questions. What are the most common health problems in rabbits? How often should I take them to the vet? What should I do if I notice a change in my rabbits’ behaviour? What is gut stasis? What is fly strike? How do I help my rabbits stay in trim?
