April is our RABBIT AND GUINEA PIG MONTH!

 

 

We are committed to the health and welfare of all our patients, including rabbits and guinea pigs.  We are very aware that rabbits and Guinea pigs are very good at concealing illness, so we want to help owners examine them properly and to spot signs of illness.

 

Unlike dogs and cats who interact with their owners throughout the day, rabbits and guinea pigs don't usually, making spotting signs of illness difficult. They should be checked daily and handled regularly. Owners need to know what is normal behaviour to help them spot signs of illness.

Because of their unique digestive systems both species primarily, need a diet of fresh grass and good quality dust free hay. This should account for 80 per cent of their diet, they need a high fibre diet.
Their diet should be supplemented with commercial rabbit or guinea pig food. Pelleted and muesli preparations are available, but pellet is advised so they can't selectively feed and leave the more nutritious but less delicious bits behind! They like all sorts of fruit and vegetables, but this should only be given as a treat a couple of times a week.
They may like to eat lots of rabbit or guinea pig food, fruit and vegetables, but in doing so they will put on weight and are less likely to be hungry enough to eat the right amount of grass and hay they should be having.

Eating the right food is very important. Dental problems will develop if there is not enough fibre needed to grind their teeth down. They can get digestive problems such as bloat, which can be life threatening. When they put on weight they become less active and simple things like grooming become more difficult. If there is a build up of faeces around their bottom they will attract flies who will lay their eggs on

them. This is known as fly strike and is a life threatening condition.

Rabbits and guinea pigs are two different species and it is not recommend to keep them together. However, they are also sociable animals and need to have a companion.

 

Rabbit vaccination is really important. We have an annual vaccination policy which vaccinates them against two killer diseases - Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease and we are offering 10% off all rabbit vaccinations this April.

When buying a rabbit or guinea pig make sure they have been correctly sexed. Both species can breed from a very early age, as early as eight weeks old. With rabbits especially, there are benefits to neutering from a medical and behavioural aspect.

Exercise is really important.   As the Rabbit Association’s slogan says ... ‘A hutch is not enough’.   Both need decent sized houses to live in for example, rabbits should be able to stand on their back legs and stretch right up without hitting their hutch ceiling and be able to do at least three jumps along their hutch.

Neither should be left shut in a hutch all day, having access to a run is really important as is environmental enrichment. They are intelligent, inquisitive animals and need to be doing things to keep them healthy and active.