How to keep rabbits happy

How can I give my rabbits the best care?

As Britain's third most popular pet, many rabbit owners fail to realise just how much specialist care rabbits require, and they’re often left neglected.

Here we look at how to give your rabbits the happiest life possible. It’s also worth considering taking out rabbit insurance, to help protect their health and wellbeing.

Behaviourist advice: How to give rabbits the happy life they deserve

Originally released in celebration of Rabbit Awareness Week, we produced this video to help raise awareness. Watch behaviourist and trainer Carolyn Menteith share her top tips on how to give the UK's most neglected of pets the happy life they deserve.

Carolyn says:

“Rabbits are the third most popular pet in Britain, after dogs and cats. People quite often buy them for their children because they think they're cute and cuddly. But often they don't realise that rabbits need specialist care.”

Can I pick up or cuddle my rabbit?

“While they might look cuddly, rabbits are a prey species. And without being sensitively and patiently socialised, touching them, picking them up and cuddling them causes them stress. They can feel they've been captured by a predator. And so, unsurprisingly, they'll either struggle to escape or else respond aggressively.

“Very soon families lose interest in them, and often they'll be left in small hutches on their own – making rabbits possibly surprisingly the most abused and neglected pet in the UK.

“Thankfully it doesn't have to be like this. Rabbits can make fabulous pets for people who are prepared for the commitment and the reality of life with bunnies. They're entertaining and endlessly fun to watch – being curious, active and highly social.

How much space does my rabbit need?

“Rabbits need more space than people think. They need a large, sheltered, dry indoor area – ideally with at least two interconnecting rooms.

“Rabbits also need to be able to run, jump, play, dig and forage. And so their hutch needs to have access to a secure outdoor area with toys, tunnels and plenty of enrichment.

“It should be big enough for a rabbit to lie stretched out, to stand on their back legs without being hunched or have their ears touch the top. They should be able to do three hops… And rabbits can do big hops!

“The Rabbit Welfare Association says that 3 metres by 2 metres by 1 metre high is the minimum-sized hutch. But bigger is always better when it comes to rabbits.”

Read more of our top tips for rabbit accommodation.

How do I keep a single rabbit happy?

“Rabbits need companionship and so should never be kept alone. Watching a bonded neutered pair – or a companionable group snuggling together or grooming each other – is one of the joys of rabbit ownership.”

Find out more about getting a buddy for your bunny.

How much does owning a rabbit cost?

“Rabbits aren't cheap. They must be neutered, vaccinated and have access to veterinary care when needed. The cost of a pair of rabbits over their 12-year lifespan can be over £10,000.

How to give a rabbit a happy life, in summary

“Despite being a prey species, rabbits can learn to enjoy being with people they trust. They can become surprisingly affectionate, especially if you start while they're young.

“Resist the temptation to pick up a rabbit or cuddle them. Just spend time quietly with them and give them every opportunity to explore you when they feel safe to do so.

“You can try hand feeding when they're happy to come close to you – and soon you may be able to stroke them gently. Never make them feel cornered or that they can't escape whenever they want to.

“Before long, your rabbit will be coming to you for affection… And you can start to really enjoy life with these fascinating animals, knowing that they're healthy and happy.”

Find out more with our advice for rabbit owners.