Want to know more about your rabbit or guinea pig? There are many websites where you can find info out, but here are a few questions & answers. Some of our links pages will give you more help and advice.
Common Questions & Answers
How often do rabbits moult?
What vegetables and fruit can my rabbit eat?
What vegetables and fruit can my guinea pig eat?
How often should my rabbit be vaccinated?
What is the life span of a rabbit and guinea pig?
Should I adopt a rabbit or guinea pig?
Should I have my rabbit Spayed or neutered?
Litter Training my rabbit
1. How often do rabbits moult?
Rabbits tend to moult around twice a year, however some rabbits seem to moult constantly, for further info go to: www.rabbit.org/care/facts.html
Hay Hay and lots of hay! Rabbits should be provided with lots of hay. Rabbits should be fed a well balanced dried food mix twice a day. They need a balanced diet with lots of fibre to keep their guts healthy. Fresh fruit and veg should be provided, WARNING: Never change your rabbits diet suddenly, always gradually introduce new foods over a period of around 10 days to avoid digestive upsets. Generally rabbits can eat: Basil, Spring greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots & tops, celery, coriander, clover, dandelion leaves, green peppers, parsley, watercress, sweetcorn, sow thistle, docks, brambles, spinach and kale. Fruits: Apple (not pips or seeds), banana, pineapple, melon, peach, pear, strawberries, seedless grapes, raisins. Never give your rabbit: green beans, potatoes, avocado, onion, rhubarb. There are many garden plants that are poisonous to rabbits please be aware if your rabbit has the run of the garden.
Guinea pigs should have vitamin C in their diet. They should have a good helping of hay, and they can eat: Kale, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, carrots & tops, green and red peppers, apple, apricots, bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries and tomatoes. In addition they should be given a good balanced dried mix.
Your rabbit should be vaccinated against myxomatosis is a nasty viral disease that can kill. All rabbits are at risk whether they are indoor or outdoor rabbits. Rabbits should be vaccinated every 12 or 6 months (depending on your vets instructions). More information can be found at: http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rwf/articles/understanding_myxo.htm
What is the life span of my rabbit or guinea pig?.
Rabbits can live up to the age of 12 years, and guinea pigs can live between 4 - 8 years. However this depends on your pets living conditions, health status and genetics. If you have given your pet a loving and creative environment you should have many years with your rabbit or piggy. However, sadly not all our little friends live to a ripe old age, a bit like humans really. Enjoy your rabbit or piggy and give them the attention they deserve and you will be rewarded with very fond memories regardless of their age.
The answer is YES. Sadly many bunnies and piggies have lost their appeal to young children (and adults) when they get a bit bigger, and more dependent and sadly many end up dumped or abandoned when the novelty has worn off. There are many adorable bunnies and piggies needing a loving home. So if you can, go to the organisations and see if you can give a rabbit or guinea pig and kind and loving environment. Also if your rabbit has disappeared dont give up looking, many people find rabbits and take them to rehoming centres or pet search, you might find your rabbit or pig has been handed in and is safe. For information on rabbits and guinea pigs needing new homes check out: http://www.bobtailsrescue.org.uk
Yes!! Rabbit tend to urm breed like rabbits! Excuse the pun! hundreds a year have babies and hundreds a year are dumped! Spaying & neutering prevents rabbits spraying urine to mark their territory. It stops aggressive behaviour such as biting, growling and lunging and helps prevent females developing uterine cancer. Over 80% of females will die of uterine cancer if not spayed.
Rabbits are fairly clean creatures. Rabbit urine can be very strong and smelly, so a good absorbent material is needed, something like carefresh. Place a litter box or potty in his cage where he usually urinates. If your rabbit finds a different corner to go to the toilet and avoids the litter tray/potty completely move the litter box/potty to that corner he is now using. It might be a good idea to collect a few of his poops and a bit of his wet bedding and pop this in his tray/potty just to show him where to go. Hopefully your rabbit will start to use the potty. If your rabbit uses his potty give him a treat immediately. Given a bit of time and effort your rabbit should hopefully start to use his potty. Bit of trial and error really, go on have a go!
