Rabbits are among Australia’s favourite pets, known for their affectionate nature and charming personalities. With their adorable little noses, fluffy tails, and long ears, they’ve captured the hearts of many Aussies. However, rabbits are more than just cute companions. Rabbits require proper care, attention, and a healthy living environment to thrive. Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or a seasoned pet parent, this guide will provide everything you need to know to care for your bunny.

Rabbit facts

Rabbits are not rodents, they belong to the order Lagomorpha.
The Latin name for a domestic rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus.
Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they primarily eat plant-based foods, particularly hay.

History of rabbits in Australia

Rabbits were first introduced to Australia in the late 18th century, and despite the ecological challenges they posed, they quickly became a common pet. Their rapid reproduction rate led to them becoming a significant issue in the wild, but their role as a beloved pet has remained strong in Aussie households. Rabbits have since found a place in the hearts of many pet owners, admired for their gentle temperament and manageable size.

Diet and nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for the health and wellbeing of your rabbit. In the wild, rabbits eat grasses, plants, and leafy greens, and pet rabbits need a similar diet to stay healthy.

Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives because, in the wild, they naturally wear them down by chewing on tough vegetation like grass, bark, and twigs. This constant growth of up to 2–3 millimeters per week is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them maintain strong, functional teeth despite their fibrous diet. If their teeth didn’t grow like this, they would quickly wear down and be unable to eat properly. However, for pet rabbits who may not have access to the same natural materials, it’s important to provide plenty of hay and chew toys to help keep their teeth at a healthy length and prevent dental issues.

Hay

Hay is the foundation of a rabbit’s diet and should make up around 80% of their daily intake. It helps with digestion and keeping their teeth trimmed.
Types of hay: Oaten hay, meadow hay, and timothy hay are popular choices in Australia. Make sure to avoid lucerne hay for adult rabbits as it’s too high in calcium, which can lead to kidney problems.

Fresh vegetables

Fresh, leafy greens are also important for your rabbit’s health. Safe options include:
- Kale (in moderation), spinach (in moderation), baby bok choy, fennel, bitter lettuce varieties
- Carrots (in moderation), capsicum, and cucumber
Avoid feeding rabbits vegetables like potatoes, onions, or iceberg lettuce, as they can cause digestive issues.

Fresh herbs for rabbits

Herbs not only add variety and flavour to your rabbit’s diet but also offer numerous health benefits. Here are some herbs that are safe and beneficial for rabbits:

Parsley
- High in vitamin C and antioxidants, parsley is great for supporting immune function. However, it should be fed in moderation as it can be high in calcium.
Basil
- This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and provides a rich source of vitamin K. It also contains essential oils that promote digestive health.
Mint
- Fresh mint is a refreshing treat for rabbits and is known for its soothing digestive properties. It can help with upset stomachs and bloating.
Coriander (cilantro)
- High in vitamins A, C, and K, coriander is a great addition to your rabbit’s diet. It also contains antioxidants that help with detoxification.
Thyme
- Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium. It also has antibacterial properties, which can support general health and digestion.
Oregano
- Oregano is an excellent source of fibre and antioxidants. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can support overall health and help with respiratory issues.
Dandelion greens
- These wild herbs are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium. Dandelion greens can be great for supporting liver health and boosting the immune system.
Fennel
- Fennel is known for its digestive benefits, including helping to reduce gas and bloating. It also contains vitamin C and can help soothe your rabbit’s stomach.
Rosemary
- This herb is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can support digestion and help with respiratory health.

Pellets

Rabbit pellets should be high in fibre and low in fat. Look for pellets specifically designed for rabbits.
Pellets should be offered in small amounts—no more than 1/4 cup per 2 kg of body weight per day.

Fruits and treats

While rabbits love fruit, they should be offered in moderation due to high sugar content. Safe fruits include apple slices (without seeds), berries, and small pieces of banana.
Avoid sugary treats or any food with high-fat content.
Do not feed rabbits chocolate, cookies, crackers, bread, cake, muffins, chips, popcorn, yogurt, honey, pasta, candy or any other foods that are processed.

Fresh water

Ensure fresh, clean water is available at all times, either in a bottle or a bowl. Change it daily.

Water bottles

Enrichment

Enrichment is essential for a rabbit’s mental and physical well-being. Rabbits are intelligent and curious animals that thrive on exploration and play. Providing enrichment helps prevent boredom, stress, and destructive behaviour. Simple ways to enrich a rabbit’s environment include hiding treats in cardboard boxes, setting up tunnels or mazes, offering digging boxes filled with shredded paper, and rotating toys regularly to keep things fresh. Interactive time with their human companions, like gentle play or training with clicker commands, can also be very rewarding. A well-enriched environment not only keeps your rabbit entertained but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

The importance of gnawing

Gnawing is extremely important for rabbits because their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Without regular chewing, their teeth can become overgrown, leading to serious health problems like difficulty eating, pain, and infections.

To keep their teeth at a healthy length, rabbits need access to safe and appropriate items to chew on. Some good options include untreated wooden toys, willow sticks, hay, cardboard, and specially designed chew blocks. Providing a variety of chewable items not only supports dental health but also helps prevent boredom and encourages natural behaviors in rabbits.

It’s also important to note that rabbits will chew on their cage, enclosure and furniture, so it’s important to provide safe chews for them to prevent this occuring.

Housing your rabbit

Rabbits are social animals that need both a comfortable home and time out of their enclosures for exercise and mental stimulation.

A clean and comfortable living space is crucial for your rabbit’s health. Use soft, absorbent bedding materials such as paper-based bedding or hay. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues.

Indoor housing

The ideal living space for a rabbit is a large, secure enclosure where they can stretch out and stand upright.
Cage size recommendations: For a pair of average sized rabbits, a minimum cage/hutch area of 3 meters by 2 meters (6 square meters) is recommended, with a height of at least 1 meter.
A well-ventilated, clean cage with plenty of hiding spots will help your rabbit feel safe and comfortable.
Allow them space to run around and get exercise outside their cage, but the option to return to their cage for privacy and safety when they need it.

Bunny proofing your home

Rabbits love to explore, chew, and dig, so bunny-proofing your home is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. Start by protecting electrical cords with cord covers or by keeping them completely out of reach, as chewing wires can be dangerous. Block off access to tight spaces behind furniture or under appliances where your rabbit might get stuck. Use baby gates or exercise pens to limit access to unsafe areas. Cover or remove anything valuable or toxic, like houseplants, certain foods, or cleaning supplies. Providing plenty of safe chew toys and enrichment will also help redirect their natural chewing instincts away from your furniture and baseboards. A bunny-proofed home lets your rabbit roam and play safely while protecting your belongings.

Store bought rabbit cages

Many store-bought rabbit cages are too small to meet a rabbit’s needs for permanent living. Rabbits need plenty of space to hop, stretch out, and stay active, and most cages sold in pet stores don’t provide enough room for this. A cramped environment can lead to boredom, stress, and even health issues like muscle weakness or obesity. Instead of a small cage, consider using a large exercise pen, a bunny-proofed room, or a spacious custom enclosure that gives your rabbit room to move freely and express natural behaviors. Remember, happy bunnies need space to bounce!

Litter training

Rabbits can be easily litter-trained, which helps keep their living space tidy and more hygienic. Provide a litter box with rabbit-safe bedding such as newspaper cat litter and hay. Ensure that the litter box is cleaned regularly.

Outdoor housing

While some rabbits enjoy being outside during the warmer months, outdoor enclosures need to be predator and weather proof.
Ensure they have a shaded area to escape the heat, as rabbits can easily overheat in direct sun, especially in Australia’s summer heat.
While keeping rabbits outdoors allows them to enjoy natural surroundings, it also exposes them to certain health risks, particularly calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease) and myxomatosis, two viral diseases that affect rabbits in Australia. More on these diseases and precautions have been discussed below.

Health and preventing illness

Rabbits typically live between 5-10 years, but they need consistent care to remain healthy. Regular health checks and a nutritious diet will go a long way in ensuring your rabbit stays fit and happy.

Some common health problems in rabbits

Dental problems

Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, so they need plenty of fibrous foods like hay to wear their teeth down.
If a rabbit’s teeth become overgrown, they can cause pain and difficulty eating.
Dental abcesses can also be a common problem for rabbits. These infections often cause large swellings on the jaw or under the eyes and require long-term antibiotics and surgical procedures.

Digestive issues (GI Stasis)

Rabbits are prone to GI stasis, a potentially life-threatening condition where their digestive system slows down or stops.
Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, and reduced droppings. Seek immediate vet care if you suspect GI stasis.

Respiratory infections (Snuffles)

Rabbits can develop respiratory infections, especially in cold, damp conditions.
Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, or laboured breathing. A vet visit is essential for treatment.

Parasites (External)

Mites, fleas, and other external parasites can cause skin irritation and discomfort.
Regularly check for signs of fleas or mites and treat with vet approved medications such as Revolution.

Parasites (Internal)

Rabbits can be susceptible to various internal parasites like coccidia, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and pinworms.

Wry neck

“Wry neck,” also known as head tilt or torticollis, is a condition where the rabbit’s head leans to one side, often due to vestibular disease or inner ear problems, and can be caused by infections or parasites.

Fly strike

This occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit’s skin, which can lead to maggots feeding on the rabbit’s flesh.
Do regular checks of your bunnies bottom to ensure it is clean and poop free. A poopy butt is the ideal place for flies to lay their eggs, which will result in fly strike.

Sore hocks

These are pressure sores that develop on the bottom of the feet, especially the back feet, due to prolonged contact with hard surfaces.

Signs of illness in rabbits

Rabbits are very good at hiding pain, so it’s important to pay attention to your rabbits behaviours and be able to identify what is not normal for them. If you are concerned about your rabbit be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible as rabbits can decline very quickly due to their ability to hide illness.
Droppings: Rabbits are constantly pooping. Their droppings can tell you about the state of their health. The size, shape and colour will be a good indicator of they bunny’s health. Most experienced owners become experts on their pet’s poop. Smaller droppings or no droppings can indicate a digestive issue. Diarrhea in rabbits, or watery, unformed stools, is a serious sign that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Changes in appetite: Reduced food or water intake can indicate health problems.
Behavioural changes: A normally active rabbit that becomes lethargic or hides could be sick.

Viral diseases in rabbits

Rabbits in Australia are at risk of several viral diseases that can affect their health. Two notable diseases are calicivirus and myxomatosis which are serious concerns for wild and domesticated rabbits alike.

Calicivirus

Calicivirus, also known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), was deliberately introduced to control the wild rabbit population in Australia. It’s a highly contagious and often fatal disease affecting rabbits. There is a vaccination available to protect pet rabbits from this virus, which is especially important if your rabbit may have contact with wild rabbits or is exposed to environments where the disease could be present.

The calicivirus (RHD) is released into the wild periodically by the Australian government as part of their ongoing efforts to manage the wild rabbit population. These releases are usually coordinated by government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE), in collaboration with other environmental management bodies.

Symptoms of RHD include: Sudden death (in many cases), lethargy, loss of appetite, and internal bleeding (though symptoms may not always be visible).
Prevention: Vaccinating your rabbit is crucial. Speak to your vet about getting your pet vaccinated against calicivirus, especially if they live outdoors or are in areas where wild rabbits are prevalent.

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is another viral disease that has had a significant impact on the wild rabbit population in Australia. This virus is spread by fleas, mosquitoes, and direct contact with infected rabbits. While vaccination for myxomatosis is not available in Australia for pet rabbits, it remains a serious risk for rabbits that are exposed to insects that carry the virus.

Symptoms of myxomatosis include: Swelling around the eyes, ears, and genitals, conjunctivitis (swollen eyes), and lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
Prevention: The best way to prevent myxomatosis is to keep your rabbit indoors or in a well-screened outdoor enclosure to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and fleas. Regular flea treatments can also help protect your rabbit from this virus.

Health precautions for outdoor rabbits

Mosquito and flea control: Use flyscreen on cages to prevent mosquitos and safe, rabbit-friendly flea treatments to help prevent infections like myxomatosis.
Enclosure cleaning: Make sure the outdoor area is regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Monitor for wild rabbit contact: If your rabbit is in a pen or run, ensure that it is completely enclosed to avoid any contact with wild rabbits, which could introduce harmful diseases.

Vaccinations for rabbits in Australia

As mentioned, myxomatosis does not have a vaccine available for use in Australia, but calicivirus (RHD) can be vaccinated against. It’s essential that pet rabbits are vaccinated against RHD to protect them from this potentially fatal disease.

Regular vet check-ups: Apart from vaccinations, regular vet visits are key to keeping your rabbit in good health. A vet will check for signs of disease, parasites, and dental issues, as well as provide important health advice tailored to your rabbit’s age, lifestyle, and environment.Housing and Bedding

Calicivirus vaccine: This vaccine is available in Australia and should be administered annually. Your vet will recommend the best time to vaccinate your rabbit, often starting as early as 10-12 weeks of age.

Handling your rabbit

Rabbits need to be handled gently and calmly. To pick them up:

Place one hand under their chest and the other under their hindquarters.
Support their body firmly and keep them close to your chest to make them feel secure.
Avoid picking them up by their ears or scruff.
You should never place a rabbit on its back. Doing so can be highly distressing and potentially dangerous for your rabbit. Rabbits have a very delicate spine, and being placed on their back can cause them to enter a state of temporary paralysis known as tonic immobility (or playing dead), which can cause a great deal of stress, anxiety, and even physical harm.

Preventing breeding

If you don’t plan to breed your rabbit, it’s crucial to have them spayed or neutered.
Males and females should be kept separately, especially if you don’t want unplanned litters.

Sexing your rabbit

To determine whether your rabbit is male or female, gently lift the tail area:

Males have a round, protruding genitalia (often described as a small “bump”).
Females have a slit-like genital opening.

If you’re unsure, a vet can help you determine the sex.

Bonding rabbits

Rabbits are social animals, and it’s often recommended to keep them in pairs or small groups to ensure they have companionship. However, bonding rabbits, especially desexed or same sex rabbits requires careful consideration and patience. Successful bonding can lead to a strong, loving relationship between your rabbits, while poor bonding or improper introductions can result in stress, territorial disputes, and even aggression.

You should wait around 4 weeks after desexing before attempting to bond rabbits, allowing them time to heal and for hormones to settle.

Steps for bonding rabbits

Prepare a neutral space
The introduction should take place in a neutral space, somewhere neither rabbit has been before and doesn’t have any territorial attachment. This prevents them from being overly defensive about their own space. Some people recommend a bath tub for bonding.
Initial Introductions
Introduce your rabbits to each other slowly and under supervision. You can use visual introductions first, allowing them to see each other without direct contact. Small, supervised meetings are best, as they allow you to monitor any signs of aggression or anxiety.
Monitor body language
Watch for signs of aggression or stress. Thumping, growling, or bared teeth may indicate that they’re not ready for further interaction. On the other hand, grooming each other, sitting close together, or sleeping side by side are positive signs.
Short, positive sessions
Keep the initial bonding sessions short, around 10-15 minutes, but frequent. Gradually increase the length of these sessions as the rabbits grow more accustomed to each other. During these sessions, observe their behaviours closely. If they start to get too aggressive, separate them and try again later.
Reintroduce them after breaks
If things aren’t progressing, try reintroducing them after a short break (a few hours or a day). Rabbits can sometimes calm down after a little time apart, and they may be more open to bonding during the next session.
Use of barriers or pens
If the rabbits are showing aggression, using a barrier (like a wire mesh or a small pen) can help them get used to each other’s presence without the risk of injury. Allow them to interact through the barrier until they are calm and more accepting of each other.
Signs of success
The ultimate sign of a successful bond is when the rabbits start to groom each other, share food, or lie down near one another. These are all clear signs of trust and a growing bond.

Other important considerations

Social needs: Rabbits are social creatures and thrive when they have the company of other rabbits. However, introductions should be gradual to avoid territorial aggression.
Exercise and enrichment: Provide opportunities for your rabbit to explore and play outside their enclosure. This helps them stay mentally and physically stimulated.
Temperature control: Avoid placing your rabbit in direct sunlight or drafty areas, and ensure they stay cool during hot weather. Rabbits are prone to heatstroke in high temperatures.

By following these guidelines and understanding your rabbit’s needs, you can provide them with a loving, safe, and healthy home for years to come.

In loving memory

of Roxanne who gaves us
9 beautiful years of binkies and bunny love.

References:

Vegetables for rabbits – The educated rabbit

Calicivirus in Australia – Vet Voice

IMPORTANT: The information in the article is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please always seek medical treatment from a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

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