![]() Flystrike not only affects guinea pigs but can also affect rabbits, sheep, horses as well as other animals and pets who may have an open wound or for some reason can’t clean themselves properly.įlystrike (scientific name “myiasis”) is a painful and dangerous condition whereby flies lay eggs on your guinea pig (usually their bottom) or in their housing which hatch into maggots. We welcome you to book an appointment with us to check your rabbit's health and vaccination status, and to discuss how best to look after your rabbit.You might have heard of flystrike in guinea pigs but you may not realise how much of a threat this can pose to your pet. Like all animals, rabbits should have regular veterinary checks, including checking their teeth and claws, as well as ensuring that they're up-to-date with vaccination against Rabbit Calicivirus. ![]() And of course, rabbits can breed easily unless desexed. Rabbits of both sexes may at times become aggressive if not desexed. Female rabbits who are not desexed have a very high likelihood of developing uterine cancer as they age. Please make sure your pet rabbit is up-to-date with the Rabbit Calicivirus vaccination every 6 months to ensure protection against this deadly disease. This presents a clear danger to pet rabbits, who may catch the disease from mosquitoes or from other sources. The virus is routinely released into the environment by local councils as a way of controlling the feral rabbit population. It's spread by mosquitoes and by contact with infected rabbits, and infected food and other material. Rabbit Calicivirus vaccination is essential. Veterinary care for rabbits includes vaccination against Rabbit Calicivirus (a fatal disease) and desexing. Treats such as fruits, root veggies (carrots), capsicum and pellets should only be offered in small amounts ( 1-2 tablespoons per day per rabbit).įresh water must always be available using both a drip feed bottle and an open container. For example, green lettuce and cabbage can cause diarrhoea. Check which vegetables are suitable, because many are not. Ideally, feed your bunny about 85% hay and 15% veggies, such as Asian greens, celery leaves, carrot tops (not the carrot itself) or parsley. Apart from providing a high-fibre diet, chewing hay wears down their continuously-growing teeth and keeps rabbits occupied, preventing boredom. Grass and/or hay is an essential dietary component. Rabbits are herbivores so their diet should consist almost entirely of vegetable matter. Many commercial rabbit foods don't contain enough fibre ( 18 - 20% is required) and are too high in fats and sugars. Using a firm brush to remove dead hairs, tangles and pieces of garden matter should form part of the routine.įeeding and nutrition is vitally important to rabbit healthįeeding is the most important factor in making sure your rabbit stays healthy. Check your rabbit’s rear end to make sure it is clean and dry, because if soiled, it's prone to fly strike. Grass seeds can become stuck in their eyes, ears and nose, causing irritation or even infection. Handling them will also be of benefit in keeping them tame. ![]() Rabbits should have at least two hours outside of the hutch for exercising each day. Or if they are not adequately cooled in hot weather. ![]() Rabbits are extremely sensitive to the hot summer temperatures we experience in Australia and may die of heat stroke if their hutch is not in a cool, shady position. Consider extreme weather conditions and ventilation when choosing a location for your hutch. The floor of your rabbit's hutch should be covered with newspaper, with a layer of bedding material like straw, grass, hay or shredded paper for warmth, comfort and to prevent pressure sores on your bunny’s hind legs. A predator-proof enclosure to ensure their safety is essential.Īn appropriate enclosure is a large-enough hutch that is divided into two connecting compartments, one with wire mesh top and sides to allow access to natural light and fresh air, while the other is enclosed to provide a 'bolthole', protection against threats, weather and which can be a secure sleeping place. While rabbits love company, they can be left alone during the day and are therefore suitable for people who work or are away from home. They are quiet, clean and are easily toilet-trained. They have character, are intelligent, enjoy the company of humans and are a great way of introducing responsible young children to pet ownership. ![]()
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