The whole rabbit: physical, immunological and psychological health

Abstract

Rabbits are herbivorous, social, prey animals; this must be remembered when considering nutritional and behavioural aspects of their care. Rabbits should be fed a diet high in undigestible fibre, preferably based on grass or grass hay plus some green foods and very small amounts of concentrates and more sugary vegetables/fruits. Water should always be available. As social animals, rabbits should not be kept alone. Preferably bonded rabbits should stay together if one needs to be hospitalised, and every effort should be made to reduce stress in hospitalised rabbits. In addition to company, rabbits need opportunities to run, dig, chew and hide. Many diseases of domestic rabbits are husbandry related but there are two important viral diseases, myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease; both can be prevented by annual vaccination with a combined vaccine.