Rabbit Information

This rabbit information site is part of the Galen's Garden network of specialist sites for rabbit, guinea pig and chinchilla keepers.  The rabbit information on the network is spread over a number of domains, for example Rabbit Vets, Rabbit Rescues, Rabbit Clubs, Rabbit Shows and Rabbit Breeders.. You can also find information on all three species, including of course rabbits, in our Directory, Classified Ads, Forum, FAQ and Events Calendar.

The main rabbit information pages covering rabbit behaviour, diet, health, origins, physiology and links as well as general information on nutrition, herbs and homoeopathy, are situated on the main Galen's Garden site in the Herbivore section.

Just started looking for a rabbit?

If you're here in search of information then you've already done better than most prospective rabbit owners.  Rabbit rescues across the UK are bursting at the seams with unwanted rabbits.  Many either purchased on impulse from a pet superstore or garden centre, the result of an unwanted mating because the store could not guarantee the sex but 'thought' they were the same, or simply because the novelty wore off and the demands too great because they'd not been given sufficient consideration in the first place.  The Rabbit Welfare Association has a wealth of information for first time and more experienced rabbit keepers.  A must read for anyone considering rabbits as pets.

Animals weaned too soon, stressed by travel and the store environment, transferred onto a new diet too quickly and probably factory farmed with more concern for profit than health, can rapidly develop fatal diarrhoea and may develop other short or long term health problems. In addition, there is often no way of knowing how big the rabbit will grow and the housing purchased may soon turn out to be woefully inadequate.

What do rabbits need?

Rabbits are intelligent and social animals with a need for space & company as well as a healthy diet and proper housing.  Their behavioural needs need to be taken into account.  It is recommended that pet rabbits be spayed or neutered both to prevent unwanted litters and to prevent behavioural problems, they will also need to be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and VHD.

With an understanding of rabbit behaviour and rabbit diet, it is far easier to keep your rabbits housed and fed correctly.  Make sure you know how big your rabbit will grow.  An adult rabbit should be able to stand on its hind legs in it's hutch and be able to stretch out full length in its sleeping quarters.  They also need a safe place to exercise, either around the house or in a safe garden or run.

Where should I start looking for a rabbit?

One of the main reasons for setting up the Directory on this site was to give members of the public access to information about rescue/re-homing organisations and breeders.  Both will give new rabbit owners the appropriate advice, a stock of the original food to wean the rabbit on to and ongoing support.  Rescued rabbits are often adults, will normally be neutered or spayed and will often be in bonded pairs and of known temperament, size and health status.  Rabbit breeders often sell off baby rabbits that they do not need for breeding or showing.  However they may retire rabbits that do not breed well or once their breeding life is over.  In both cases the rabbits will probably be vaccinated and you should find a contact for a good rabbit savvy vet!

There is some controversy amongst rescue organisations who believe that there are enough unwanted rabbits already without bringing more into the world.  Whilst I agree with that to a certain extent, my personal experience has been that good breeders grill their prospective rabbit buyers pretty thoroughly and support them in their ownership of the rabbits consequently.

Pet superstores, on the other hand, cannot even guarantee the sex of the animals they sell and often display disclaimers to that effect.  My feeling is that if they don't know that end of the rabbit, one can hardly expect them to know much about the other, let alone what goes on in-between.

There are a lot of rabbits waiting for good homes at rabbit rescues and animal shelters all over the country.  Please think about taking on an unwanted rabbit or two (they like company) from a rescue or re-homing centre.

See Rabbit Rehome's Campaign to stop the sale of rabbits from pet stores to allow the demand to catch up with the supply.

If you want a particular breed of rabbit for breeding or showing, then take the time to find a good rabbit breeder.  If you only want a pet then Rabbit Rehome have a comprehensive search for animals needing new homes that allows you to specify your requirements.