Rabbit Care Essentials: Hay, Teeth and Gut Health
Rabbits have unique needs. Most serious rabbit illnesses come back to diet - and a rabbit that stops eating is an emergency.
Rabbits are social, curious and full of personality, but their bodies work very differently from cats and dogs.
Hay is the foundation
- Unlimited fresh hay should make up most of a rabbit's diet. It keeps the gut moving and wears down the teeth.
- Add a daily portion of fresh leafy greens.
- Pellets in small, measured amounts only.
- Fruit and carrots are treats, not staples - they are high in sugar.
- Fresh water always available.
Teeth that never stop growing
A rabbit's teeth grow throughout life. Chewing hay wears them down naturally. Without enough fibre, teeth can overgrow and form sharp points that cut the cheeks and tongue. Signs include drooling, dropping food, a wet chin and weight loss.
The gut must keep moving
Gut stasis - when the digestive system slows or stops - is one of the most common and dangerous rabbit emergencies. If your rabbit:
- stops eating,
- produces small, few or no droppings, or
- sits hunched and still,
contact a vet the same day. Don't wait to see if it passes.
Housing and company
- Rabbits need space to run, jump and stand up fully - a small hutch alone is not enough.
- Most rabbits are happier with a bonded rabbit companion.
- Keep them cool: rabbits are very sensitive to heat and can suffer heatstroke at temperatures that feel only warm to us.
- Rabbit-proof cables and toxic plants during free-roam time.
Neutering and check-ups
Spaying or neutering helps with bonding and behaviour, and spaying removes the risk of uterine cancer, which is common in unspayed female rabbits. Regular check-ups help catch dental problems early.