Rabbits

Rabbits make excellent and friendly pets. They are the third most popular pet species in the UK, after cats and dogs.

Is a rabbit the right pet for you?

Rabbits are very sociable animals, and ideally need the company of other rabbits. They are not suitable pets for children under the age of about ten, depending on the child's maturity. Young children can be lively and exuberant, which can be stressful for a rabbit.

Rabbit vital statistics

• An adult rabbit can weigh from 1kg to 10kg, the weight varying according to the breed and sex.
• They can live for between 5 and 10 years but some may live longer.
• Female rabbits reach sexual maturity between 4 and 5 months of age.
• Male rabbits reach sexual maturity between 5 and 8 months of age.
• Smaller breeds may reach maturity earlier than the larger ones.

Keeping them company

The best rabbit pairing combination is a neutered male with a neutered female.

Two neutered does or two neutered bucks may live together, but these pairings may not be as reliable because they can squabble. A female rabbit can produce between 4 and 12 offspring (kits) per litter, so it is not a good idea to keep an un-neutered female with an un-neutered male.

What do rabbits need?

Housing
Feeding, watering and training
Handling, exercise and grooming
Care