Rabbit Care

Rabbits are extremely active, inquisitive and playful pets and need a lot of room to explore and exercise. They can be suited to living inside or outside, or a combination, as long as they have suitable safe accommodation.

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• Large enough pen/house – One of the biggest concerns with domesticated rabbits is unsuitable hutches with inadequate space. The minimum recommendation for two average-sized rabbits is a 3m x 2m by 1m high living area, including an internal bedding area. This allows rabbits to express natural behaviours and run, not just hop.

• Companion – Rabbits are social animals, developing strong bonds in pairs. It is not advisable to keep a rabbit by itself.

• Safe location – Secure from other animal access. As a prey species, rabbits can easily become distressed.

• Positioning – Away from draughts and direct sunlight, as rabbits can suffer from extremes of temperature.

• Litter tray – Ensure easy access, especially for older rabbits, as arthritis is very common. Daily cleaning encourages use and reduces sores and scalding.

• Bedding – Often newspaper as lining and soft straw is used. Wood shavings, sawdust and clumping cat litter are not recommended as they can irritate airways and pose a risk if ingested.

• Hideaways – As a prey species, rabbits need access to ‘hidey places’ to feel safe.

• Keep cables out of reach – Rabbits are inquisitive and may chew wires, risking injury.

• Bottle vs bowl – A bowl is a more natural way for rabbits to drink, but as it can be spilled, offering both is ideal. Always check and refresh water regularly.

• Diet – A rabbit’s diet should be composed of 85–90% good quality fibre such as grass or hay (timothy hay is preferable), 5% concentrate (pellets preferred over muesli), and 5–10% fresh leafy vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, parsley and watercress. Variety is good, but introduce foods slowly and in small amounts. Do not feed grass cuttings.

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A good way to assess your rabbit’s health is by checking the size and quantity of their droppings. Small, dry or reduced pellets can indicate gastrointestinal problems and require urgent veterinary advice.

• Veterinary care – All rabbits should be vaccinated annually against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Routine health checks help detect issues such as dental disease early.

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We also advise spaying female rabbits from 4 months old to prevent uterine disease and support bonding. Castration of males is recommended to reduce aggression.

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Guinea Pig Care

Guinea pigs make great family pets but need companionship, so they should be kept in pairs or groups (same sex or neutered). They can live 4–8 years or longer with good care.

• Housing – Requires a large, secure enclosure with bedding, tunnels and hiding spaces.

• Positioning – Avoid draughts and direct sunlight. Outdoor housing must be weatherproof. Avoid keeping them in used garages due to harmful fumes.

• Handling – Allow guinea pigs to approach you. Regular interaction builds confidence. Happy guinea pigs often ‘popcorn’ (jump).

• Bedding & cleaning – Spot clean daily and deep clean weekly. Use soft hay for bedding. Avoid sharp straw. Ensure wood shavings are dust-free.

• Diet – Guinea pigs require vitamin C. Diet should include 80–90% hay, 5% nuggets and 5–10% fresh vegetables such as kale, peppers and celery.

• Enrichment – Provide tunnels, chew toys and forage opportunities. Regular interaction helps identify normal behaviour.

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Hamster Care

Hamsters include Syrian, Chinese and Russian dwarf breeds. Syrians must live alone, while some others can live in groups. They are nocturnal and most active at night.

• Cage – Secure, escape-proof with deep bedding for burrowing. Keep in a quiet, draught-free area.

• Environment – Provide nest boxes, hiding spaces and chewing toys. Ensure adequate resources if housed in groups.

• Diet – A mix of pellets or seeds with small amounts of vegetables and fruit. Avoid grapes and rhubarb. Monitor appetite closely.

• Water – Provide fresh water via a bottle and change regularly.

• Cleaning – Use dust-free bedding. Spot clean frequently and deep clean regularly.

• Exercise – Provide a suitable wheel, tunnels and climbing areas. Avoid hamster balls as they can cause stress.

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Rat Care

Rats are intelligent, social pets that thrive in groups and typically live 2–3 years. They are also nocturnal.

• Cage – Large, multi-level enclosure with climbing opportunities, tunnels and hammocks. Use a solid base and dust-free bedding.

• Positioning – Well-ventilated, draught-free area away from direct sunlight.

• Diet – Balanced commercial diet with small amounts of fruit and vegetables. Avoid excessive sugary treats.

• Nest boxes – Provide dark, enclosed spaces for resting. Rats prefer to sleep together.

• Exercise – Encourage activity with toys, climbing structures and scattered feeding.

• Common problems – Respiratory disease is common. Red staining (porphyrin) around the nose may indicate stress and requires veterinary attention.