IDEALLY, find a bunny at least 12 weeks (3 months) old and weaned. Respectable breeders should be open to keeping the bunny for an extra week or two of weaning, and it could save your bunny a lot of stress (and possibly its life).
What are the potential side effects of rabbit vaccines?
Side effects of the vaccine include temporary fever, lethargy, and soreness or swelling at the injection site. If these symptoms are noted, contact your full-service exotic vet as soon as possible. This vaccine is not considered safe in pregnant or nursing rabbits.
As your bunny ages from being an adult rabbit to a senior rabbit, their behaviour will change. Older rabbits start to become less active, sleep a lot more and cab be more susceptible to health problems. If your bunny lives indoors with you, you may also notice them becoming clingier and more affectionate.
Male rabbits are generally friendlier and more likely to bond with their owners early on. They're also known for their trusting nature, making them a delight to interact with. On the other hand, female rabbits can be a bit more stubborn and less inclined to trust immediately.
Their back legs are stretched out behind the body and their front paws are pointing forward. A happy rabbit jumps into the air with all four paws off the ground and twists in mid-air before landing. This is called 'binkying' and is a sign that the rabbit is happy or excited.
Rabbits can definitely form a strong bond with their human caregivers, showing signs of attachment through behaviours like seeking attention and responding positively to interaction.
How much are rabbit vaccinations? Rabbit vaccines in the UK can cost between £50 and £125 on average depending on which area you live in (correct as of June 2023). Prices also vary from practice to practice. But bunny vaccine costs are far less than treatment for the diseases they help to prevent.
Smaller dog breeds tend to experience more adverse vaccine reactions than larger dogs. Breeds that are particularly susceptible include Dachshunds, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Jack Russell Terriers, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers.
' These vaccinations protect against the most common rabbit diseases: Myxomatosis (Myxi), RVHD and RVHD2. While a Myxomatosis vaccination can't guarantee absolute protection, vaccinated rabbits with Myxi usually survive whereas the disease is likely to be fatal in unvaccinated ones.
The "3 hop rule" for rabbit housing means their living space should be large enough for a rabbit to take at least three hops in a row from one end to the other, plus stand up fully stretched without their ears touching the top, allowing for natural movement, feeding, and resting. This is a minimum guideline for the sleeping area (like a hutch), which should always be attached to a much larger, secure exercise area, with the RWAF recommending a combined space of at least 3m x 2m x 1m tall for even small rabbits.
Providing they have plenty of nutritious feeding hay, their daily portion of rabbit nuggets, some fresh greens and water – and they are in a safe, secure, spacious enclosure – they can be left for a day, up to 12 hours,” advises Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes.
Rabbits aren't “starter pets”—they're high-maintenance, long-term commitments. While healthy adult rabbits will typically use a litterbox to do their business, they do a lot of business—and you will have to keep their box clean by changing it at least every other day.
Rabbits will groom each other to show love and dominance If you see more than one rabbit living together, you might notice that they will often lick each other.
Reaction to unfamiliar or confusing situations. Whether it's a change in routine, a rearranged living space or a new scent, you rabbit may thump as a sign to say that something isn't quite right. And they may continue doing this until they feel reassured.
If your pet rabbit trusts you, it may flop down next to you. It may lean against you, and it may even sit in your lap. If you do pick up your rabbit, make sure to do so properly, to avoid injury to both you and to the rabbit.
While individual personality varies, breeds often cited as very friendly and good with people include the Holland Lop, Mini Lop, Rex, Lionhead, and Dutch, known for being calm, playful, and enjoying human interaction, making them great for families, though early socialization is key for any rabbit.
A pair of rabbits is far more rewarding to have at home than a solitary animal, but the care and time and attention you need to give them is exactly the same. In fact if you do have a solitary rabbit, you will need to give more time and attention to keeping them company…
