Rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet after dogs and cats, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. The days of a hutch at the bottom of the garden are long gone — modern rabbit welfare requires spacious housing, a hay-based diet, companionship, and regular veterinary care. Here’s your comprehensive guide to keeping happy, healthy rabbits in the UK.
- Housing — Bigger Than You Think
- •Indoor vs Outdoor
- Diet — Hay, Hay, and More Hay
- Companionship — Rabbits Need Partners
- Vaccinations
- Neutering
- Health Signs to Watch
- Enrichment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- •How long do rabbits live?
- •Can rabbits live outside in winter UK?
- •Do rabbits need to see a vet?
- Related Reading
- • 📚 Related Reading
Housing — Bigger Than You Think
The single biggest mistake new rabbit owners make is providing too little space. The RSPCA recommends a minimum of 3m × 2m × 1m (length × width × height) of usable space — that’s a hutch PLUS an attached run, accessible 24 hours a day.
| Housing Option | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed + attached run | Spacious, weatherproof, affordable | Needs DIY modification | £150–£300 |
| Large wooden hutch + run | Traditional, widely available | Often too small, rot-prone | £100–£250 |
| Indoor free-roam / pen | Year-round comfort, bonding | Rabbit-proofing essential | £50–£150 |
| Aviary-style enclosure | Excellent space, predator-proof | Expensive | £300–£600 |
Indoor vs Outdoor
Indoor rabbits benefit from stable temperatures, more human interaction, and protection from predators and Myxomatosis-carrying fleas. However, you must rabbit-proof your home — they will chew cables, carpet, and skirting boards. A large indoor pen or dedicated rabbit room is ideal.
Outdoor rabbits need a weatherproof, insulated hutch with a permanently attached run. The hutch must be fox-proof (16-gauge weld mesh, secure latches, anti-dig strips). In winter, provide extra straw, a cover for the hutch front, and a heat pad if temperatures drop below freezing.
Diet — Hay, Hay, and More Hay
A rabbit’s diet should be approximately:
- 80% hay — unlimited Timothy, meadow, or oat hay. This maintains dental health (rabbits’ teeth grow continuously) and gut motility.
- 10% fresh greens — daily portion of leafy greens: spring greens, herbs (basil, coriander, parsley), kale, dandelion leaves.
- 5% pellets — a small amount (1 tablespoon per kg body weight) of quality pellets (Supreme Science Selective, Burgess Excel). Muesli-style mixes cause selective feeding and dental disease — avoid them.
- 5% treats — occasional small pieces of carrot, apple (no seeds), or commercial hay-based treats.
Fresh water must always be available — both bottles and bowls should be offered, as many rabbits prefer drinking from a bowl.
Companionship — Rabbits Need Partners
Rabbits are social animals and should never be kept alone. The RSPCA considers solitary housing a welfare concern. The ideal pairing is a neutered male + neutered female. Same-sex pairs can work if bonded from a very young age, but are more likely to fight as they mature.
Bonding two rabbits requires patience — never just put two unfamiliar rabbits together. The process involves gradual introductions in neutral territory over days or weeks. Many rescue centres offer bonding services where they match your rabbit with a compatible partner.
Rabbits and guinea pigs should NOT be housed together — rabbits can injure guinea pigs with powerful kicks, and they have different dietary and social needs.
Vaccinations
UK rabbits need annual vaccination against three fatal diseases:
| Disease | Vaccine | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Myxomatosis | Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus | Annual |
| RHD1 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease) | Combined in Nobivac | Annual |
| RHD2 | Separate Filavac vaccine | Annual (6 months after Nobivac) |
Both Myxomatosis and RHD are almost always fatal and have no cure. Indoor rabbits need vaccinating too — Myxomatosis is spread by fleas and mosquitoes that can enter homes.
Neutering
All pet rabbits should be neutered — both for health and behaviour:
- Females: Up to 80% of unneutered female rabbits develop uterine cancer by age 5. Spaying eliminates this risk.
- Males: Neutering reduces spraying, aggression, and mounting behaviour.
- Cost: £60–£120 for males, £80–£160 for females at UK vets.
Health Signs to Watch
- Not eating for 12+ hours — this is a medical emergency. GI stasis (gut shutdown) is the #1 killer of pet rabbits and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
- Flystrike — flies laying eggs on soiled fur (especially around the rear). Check your rabbit twice daily in summer. Flystrike can kill within hours.
- Snuffles — sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes. May indicate Pasteurella infection. See a rabbit-savvy vet.
- Overgrown teeth — drooling, dropping food, weight loss. Caused by insufficient hay in the diet.
Enrichment
Rabbits are intelligent, active animals that need daily enrichment:
- Digging boxes (earth-filled trays)
- Tunnels and platforms for running and jumping
- Cardboard boxes and paper bags filled with hay
- Willow, apple, and hazel branches for chewing
- Daily supervised free-roam time (garden or house)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do rabbits live?
Pet rabbits typically live 8–12 years. Some breeds (particularly smaller ones like Netherland Dwarfs) can live longer. This is a significant commitment that rivals a dog.
Can rabbits live outside in winter UK?
Yes, but they need a well-insulated, draught-free hutch with extra straw bedding, a waterproof cover, and a permanently attached run. Check water bottles twice daily as they freeze quickly. If temperatures drop below -5°C regularly, consider bringing them indoors or into a shed/garage.
Do rabbits need to see a vet?
Yes — annual vaccinations are essential, and rabbits should be checked by a vet at least once a year. Use a vet experienced with rabbits (not all small animal vets are rabbit specialists). Find one through the Rabbit Welfare Association (RWAF) directory.
