Rabbits are inquisitive and adventurous pets. They love a spacious environment to explore, a rabbit friend for company, and tasty food to graze on.
Often seen as just cute and fluffy, rabbits come with big characters and all sorts of different needs.
Just like wild rabbits, our pet rabbits are very social animals, so they need to live with at least one other rabbit – a group is even better. Taking care of a pair or group of rabbits can be a big commitment. So it’s important you think carefully before you decide whether to take on rabbits as pets.
If you do decide to go ahead, rabbits can make lovely pets. They generally don’t enjoy being handled, but with plenty of time and patience, they can bond very closely with their humans.
If you’re thinking of getting pet rabbits, we have the information you need to make the decision a little easier.
Rabbits need to live with at least one neutered rabbit companion to help them feel safe and happy.
Rabbits can live for 8-12 yrs+
Rabbits can live indoors or outdoors – as long as they have lots of space to help keep them fit, healthy and happy.
The minimum outdoor accommodation for a small-to-medium-size pair of rabbits consists of 24-hour access to a large run (3m long x 2m wide x 1m high), attached to a hutch or shed. The initial start-up cost for the right home for your rabbits can be over £700.
The minimum indoor accommodation for a pair of small-to-medium-size house rabbits consists of 24-hour access to a large rabbit-safe room or a large (3m x 2m) space sectioned off within a room.
You’ll find more about the best rabbit accommodation – including the minimum sizes – in how to house your rabbits.
Rabbits are herbivores. Their diet should be 85% hay or grass, 5% rabbit pellets, 10% vegetables and safe plants. And they should always have plenty of fresh drinking water available.
Learn more about what to feed your rabbits.
Rabbits need a weekly health check to help reduce the risk of diseases – like dental diseases – or other problems like parasites. They also need to have their nails trimmed regularly.
They require two vaccinations a year – one which covers myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD1 and RVHD2). The other vaccination covers the new more highly virulent strain of RVHD2.
Read more about rabbit care in your rabbits’ health: what to look out for.
With time and patience, most rabbits enjoy the companionship of humans. They can become very affectionate – hopping up for a chin rub or taking some tasty fresh forage from your hands!
As a prey species, rabbits should be kept safely and securely away from other pets in the home such as cats and dogs. They should also not be left unsupervised with small children who may hurt them by mistake. This can happen if they try to pick them up or interact with them inappropriately.
Rabbits do not generally enjoy being handled and are likely to kick and scratch if you try. They can also find loud noises and sudden movement scary. So, they’re often suited to families with slightly older children who are happy to allow the rabbits to settle in their own time.
Discover the perfect care tips for your rabbits in our rabbit care guide.
A self-led online course suitable for anyone with pet rabbits, who works with rabbits, or who would simply like to learn more.
Read more about 'An introduction to rabbits – Online course'
This essential family course explores the basic needs of a rabbit. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to keep your rabbits happy and healthy.
Read more about 'An introduction to rabbits – Online family course'
We’re part of the coalition of experts behind Rabbit Awareness Week, an annual rabbit welfare campaign which aims to improve the lives of pet rabbits. Here are some common questions around the theme ‘creating a great environment for our long-eared friends’.
Read more about 'Ask the experts: An introduction to rabbit accommodation'