Basics

Handling
Rabbits are, on the whole, fairly docile, but if they are handled incorrectly they can struggle quite vigorously, which can result in serious injuries to their spinal cords.

Never lift a rabbit by the ears.

Lift your rabbit by putting one arm underneath its rump and the other arm across the back of its head, holding it close to your chest. Be careful that it is in no danger of falling during handling, as even a fall of a small distance can be dangerous because a rabbit's bones are quite fragile.
If it struggles when you handle it, carefully place the rabbit immediately hind feet first on a firm surface, or back into the hutch.

Exercise
Rabbits need daily exercise plus grazing to make sure they do not become overweight or bored. This can be provided with a secure and safe mobile 'run' (also called a Morant hutch).

As they are such efficient burrowers, both the sides and the base of the run should be made of a wire mesh sunk below the grass and attached to a strong wooden frame, with a shelter at one end.

If you have a large garden, you can fence off an area around the hutch as a rabbit run, using wire mesh. The fence should be at least one metre high, and should be sunk into the ground so that the rabbit can't burrow out! There should always be shelter at one end of the run.

You could put some cardboard boxes into the run for the rabbit to investigate and crawl into, as well as safe logs of untreated wood for the rabbit to sit on. Never let a rabbit exercise in its run unsupervised.

Sunlight is good for rabbits because it helps them to absorb dietary calcium, necessary for healthy bones and teeth.

Grooming
Most rabbits will groom themselves, but regular brushing keeps theircoats healthy and prevents furballs.

It is essential for long-haired breeds, such as the Angora, to be groomed every day using a stiff-bristled brush. Brush the coat with gentle strokes in the same direction that the fur grows.