When you get your rabbit home she will feel frightened and will need to get used to being away from her mother and siblings and get used to her new surroundings. For the first 24 hours leave her alone to become accustomed to her new home. Then start to handle her for short periods and often so she can slowly get used to you. Pick her up carefully as young rabbits can be injured very easily.

Feeding

I feed my Rabbits a mixture of Heygates rabbit choice and Rabbit Royale. When you pick up your rabbit you will be given one weeks supply of food.

Rabbits, particularly young rabbits have very delicate tummies and a change in food can upset them very quickly making them very poorly. You will need to change over their food gradually!  I would suggest feeding rabbit pellets as otherwise your rabbit will only pick out their favourite bits!

On the first 2 days feed the food I provide then over the next 5-6 days gradually introduce your food. By the 7th day they should be on their new food without any problems.

You must provide your rabbit with plenty of good quality fresh hay everyday. They will also appreciate a handful of straw which they love to chew on.

I do not feed my young rabbits greens until they are at least 5 months old. You can then start to introduce greens gradually one at a time. I would suggest feeding a small amount and then leave a couple of days to see if there is a reaction.

Rabbits love carrot tops, curley kale, carrots, brussel sprouts, broccolli, celery and spinach.

Rabbits love blackberry leaves! These also act as a good medicine should they have a tummy upset.

Water

Clean fresh water should be provided at all times, ideally from a clean large water bottle. 

Algae tends to grow in water bottles, and should be cleaned regularly, with a bottle brush.

During winter months, be watchful of the water bottle freezing.  Even though the water may not appear frozen, check the spout as that usually freezes first.

Housing

Your rabbit can be housed indoors or outside.

If outdoors always purchase a hutch as big as you can afford.  For a mini lop I would reccommend a hutch no less than 4ft by 2ft.

It needs to be kept out of the wind and direct sunlight. Rabbits cope very well with the cold, but the rain, wind and the heat of the summer sun can kill them.

In the winter cover the hutch with a large plastic sheet. If really cold use a blanket or old duvet as well.

Use plenty of wood shavings in the base of the hutch along with handfuls of straw, particularly in the winter.

The hutch will need a thorough clean out once a week with all bedding being replaced. Also a  daily spot clean of their 'toilet corner'. It helps if your rabbit will use a litter tray as this can be emptied daily.

Excercise

Rabbits love running around and must be the chance to do so daily, however when you first get your rabbit keep in the hutch for a month so that it bonds with you. If you give a rabbit too much freedom initially it will not be easy to catch!!

 If you choose to keep your rabbit indoors allow it free running in a room of your house daily.  Rabbits can be easily litter trained so no need to worry about any accidents.  Above all rabbits need your attention!  They love company and lots of cuddles and can learn their name and come when called.

Health

Here are some tips to keep your rabbit healthy,

Teeth are constantly growing so provide your rabbit something to chew on, this will help to wear the teeth evenly, and also provide some entertainment too.

Claws are also constantly growing too, these should be clipped regularly.  Overlong nails can be painful to the rabbit, or cause the nail to tear, resulting in bleeding.

Myxomatosis is a viral disease spread by insects and fleas, ultimately causing death.  This can be prevented by a routine vaccination from your vets.   The vaccination is typically given twice a year by your vet.

VHD (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease) is a serious infectious disease, which is fatal, and there is no cure. 

Flystike is when flies lay eggs in/ on the rabbit, typically around the tail / anal area.  Maggots result and actually start “eating” your rabbit.  Prevention is better than cure.  Keep your rabbits’ tail / anal area clean and free from mess.  Make the hutch less attractive to flies by regularly changing the bedding and “skipping out” the litter area.

Colds and Pneumonia are common when the rabbit is exposed to draughts.  Careful placement of the hutch is essential in avoiding these illnesses.  Try to provide shelter away from rain getting into the hutch and prevailing winds.   A weighed cover for the hutch can be a useful tool in helping with this problem.   Also, ensure the rabbit is completely dry before being put to bed especially in colder weather. 

Dehydration can be preventable illness causing death especially in the summer months.  Ensure your rabbit always has a supply of fresh water; try to position the hutch in a shaded area, and out of direct sunlight.  Your rabbit will love extra greens during the summer months because of the high water content of most fruit and veg.  When your rabbit is out in the garden / run, try to give the rabbit a shaded area, so he can choose whether to sit in the sun or in shade.  Again provide a fresh supply of water.