Rabbits

What to consider before you rehome a rabbit

The cute faces, floppy ears and fluffy tails have helped to cement rabbits as one of the country’s best-loved pets. Sadly, rabbits are also badly misunderstood by many people. Despite their popularity, we’ve seen the number of rabbits in need or rescuing and rehoming shoot up by 40% in 2019. 

That’s why it is so important you fully understand how to look after a rabbit before you adopt one. 

Are you in a position to rehome?

Before you consider the rabbit’s needs, make sure you are in a position to take on a bunny. We’ve come across many examples of rabbits being shut off in a hutch with little to no interaction other than to clean it out or provide fresh food and water. Rabbits are social animals and this lonely existence can lead to them being seriously unhappy. Make sure you fully understand the cost implications of caring for a rabbit, such as buying a hutch, regular food and veterinary fees, before you take the plunge. Please don’t adopt a rabbit if you can’t meet its needs due to time or money. But if you can, here’s what you need to know…

Making a rabbit hutch a home

Before you rehome a rabbit, look in to what size of accommodation you should purchase for it. Rabbits are far more intelligent than many people give them credit for and they need a big space to call home. And this shouldn’t just be a big empty space. Bunnies have brains that require stimulation. Their hutch should be brimming with toys, tunnels and textures that turns an ordinary home in to a fun-house.

Hutches come in a host of different sizes, but they should have a minimum size of 10ft x 6ft x 3ft high. Bigger is better - rabbits should have a home which is as large as possible.

Bunny buddies

Like we said, rabbits are social creatures. Most will thrive on the company of their own kind so it may be beneficial to rehome more than one. Find out more on successfully introducing new bunny buds to each other here. Whilst they enjoy the company of their own kind, most are not particularly fond of being handled or cuddled by humans. They like to have four feet on the ground – so please give them their own space as much as you can. 

Neutering any rabbits you own can lower the chances of either males or females displaying dominant behaviour, reduce the likelihood of cancer, prevent males mounting females and can prevent fights between bunnies. 

You can view the rabbits we currently have available for rehoming here.