ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR RABBITS

(Adapted from ‘Biology, Natural History and Behaviour in Rabbits’ by Mr. R. Church, speaking at the NAVC 2007).

Unlike dogs and cats pet rabbits have not evolved from their wild cousins. The behaviour of a pet rabbit is still very much like that of a wild rabbit, they have the same needs. At the North American Veterinary Conference zooarchaeologist and small animal expert Bob Church suggested that because of this we can improve the husbandry of the pet rabbit by looking at the needs of a wild rabbit.

He suggests:

The amount of food you feed your rabbit each day and the feeding times should be changed to prevent a monotonous diet. Wild rabbits would not eat at set times.

Rabbits do not like open cages, wild rabbits evolved to live in safe, dark underground tunnels. Pet rabbits also need to feel secure in their home. The husbandry suggested for this is to provide multiple nest boxes which should have a small hole which the rabbit can plug with their body (to prevent predators entering) and preferably a blind entrance. Another method is to cover parts of the cage or run with towels or blankets.

Wild rabbits are social creatures, they live in groups. When your rabbit is ill you should take him to the vet along with his companion, this will make him feel safer and less stressed.

Current husbandry is for owners to try and prevent their rabbit from digging and foraging for food, for humans digging is an inconvenience. Mr. Church suggests that owners consider digging a fundamental need for rabbits and it should not be discouraged. Owners should create areas for digging and exploration, use a paddling pool filled with soil for example.

In the wild rabbits forage for several MILES a day. Pet rabbits should also be allowed plenty of exercise to ensure they do not become bored or overweight. Food should be scattered in their run or cage so they can look for it and Mr. Church suggests taking them for leashed walks!

Pet rabbits like wild rabbits need to chew. High Quality grass hay should be available 24 hours a day and twigs from trees offered as way of keeping the teeth naturally worn down.

Dry, pelleted rabbit foods often do not contain enough or even the correct type of fibre for natural wear of the teeth and normal digestion. The diet of a pet rabbit should mimic the wild diet as much as possible with plenty of hay, herbs, vegetables and wild plants.

If rabbits are denied any of these needs they will be unhappy and may develop behavioural problems. If they are denied a chance to dig their claws can grow too long, if they are denied exercise they can suffer from brittle bones and obesity, if denied a chance to chew their teeth can grow too long and serious dental conditions can occur. All of these factors should be taken into consideration before owning a rabbit.