A bunny isn't just for Easter

11:01am Friday 21st March 2008

Although rabbits have become very popular as pets, it is important to remember that although they can be very cute, they can also be temperamental, needing to be handled carefully and quietly, and also needing to have company and plenty to occupy them.

Feeding your bunny correctly is also very important, and as they are designed to eat grass, this should make most of the diet.

If grass isn't available, then good quality timothy or meadow hay is the most palatable.

Commercial cereal diets can lead to many problems. However, a pellet mix such as Supa Rabbit Excel can be used, but offered as about five per cent of the diet. And if you want to give your much-loved rabbit a treat, then fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs are ideal.

Keeping house rabbits is also becoming more popular, but if you do have a house rabbit don't forget to bunny-proof' your home, especially the wiring, to avoid possible disastrous consequences for both rabbit and owner!

House rabbits can be trained to use a litter tray, but both sexes will spray to mark territory.

The good news is, however, that neutering reduces this behaviour and can make them easier to train.

Both males and females can be neutered from four months old, eliminating the chance of breeding, reducing aggressive behaviour, improving pair bonding and eliminating the chance of some common cancers.

The ideal social grouping for pet rabbits is a neutered male and neutered female.

Don't forget the importance of keeping your rabbit healthy and protected against disease by vaccinating against two fatal diseases - myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD). VHD is easily transmitted via infected animals and can also be carried on shoes or pets' feet, so even house rabbits are at risk, while myxomatosis is spread via fleas or other insects, so flea control as well as vaccination is important in prevention. Vaccination can commence from 10 weeks old.

To find out more about keeping your rabbit happy and healthy, your local vet will always be pleased to help. For a free Rabbit Information Guide and starter pack, contact the Eastcott Client Care team on 01793 528341 or e-mail enquiries@eastcottvets.co.uk

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