Rabbits

Rabbits are cute and cuddly. However, they do require special care to look after them.

Some tips for keeping them healthy & happy:

  • Companionship: Rabbits are social and thrive with company—consider a second rabbit.
  • Diet: Their teeth grow continuously, so they need to chew. Feed 80% hay/grass, limit pellets to ⅛ cup per kg, and avoid high-water lettuces like icebergs.
  • Treats: Carrots and fruits are sugary—offer leafy greens like kale, spinach, and silverbeet instead.
  • Health: Rabbits can get lice and fleas—consult your vet for safe treatments. Revolution Puppy & Kitten spot-on (selamectin) lasts 1 month but isn’t safe for rabbits under 8 weeks.
  • Hygiene: High-water foods can cause diarrhoea—check daily for faecal buildup and clean to prevent fly attraction.
  • Desexing: Prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce cancer risk. It also helps with behaviour.
  • Training: Rabbits can use a litter box but love to chew—protect cords indoors.

Desexing

  • Recommended from 12 weeks old
  • Prevents uterine cancer, which affects 60% of females over 4 years
  • Helps bonding with a desexed male rabbit (a "husbun").
Rabbits veterinary services

Vaccinations

RHDV1 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease) has been in NZ for decades—Cylap® protects against this strain.
RHDV2, a newer strain, was confirmed in NZ last year. It’s spreading but hasn’t reached Northland yet.
Filavac® protects against both strains and is available at The Vet Centre. It can be given from 10 weeks old with an annual booster.
Cylap® still works for RHDV1, but we recommend Filavac® whenever possible.
Avoid vaccinating during desexing—doing it at a post-op check or regular vaccine consult is better.

More information about Calicivirus

  • Fast & deadly: Incubates in 3-4 days, often fatal within 1-2 days
  • Signs: Sudden death, sometimes nose bleeding, or no symptoms at all
  • Highly contagious: Survives months in the environment, spreads via wind, people, birds, and contaminated hay.

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