Rabbit Care and Husbandry

While the Easter Bunnies are hopping around, let's go through a few health and husbandry issues to help keeping your rabbits healthy and happy. 


1. Vaccinations 

Rabbits can be vaccinated against calicivirus at 10 - 12 weeks of age and annually with a booster. 

2. Handling

When handling a rabbit, the hindlegs and spine should be supported because they have very strong hindlegs and they can potentially damage their spine if they suddenly kick out. 

3. Biological facts

i. Weight - 900g to 6kg (depending on breed)

ii. Sexual maturity - 4 -7 months for males and 4 -9 months for females (dwarf breeds younger)

iii. Puberty: ~12 weeks so separate sexes at 10 weeks of age!

iv. Average life span: 6-8 years

4. Housing - the hutch should provide:

- shelter from extremes of temperature, wind and rain

- ventilation to minimize risk of exposure to fleas / mosquitoes

- hide / sleeping area

- run to allow free movement and exposure to natural light

- no wire flooring

- sufficient hay / straw for bedding that is changed regularly

- litter tray / corner for toileting

5. Exercise

- must have daily exercise outside of hutch for at least 4 hours, preferably outdoors with exposure of unfiltered light

6. Nutrition

- grass and hay should be available at all times 

- range of vegetables: leafy green vegetables like spinach leaves, bok choy, broccoli, herbs, sprouts, carrots and lettuce mixes

- fruits are offered occasionally or as a treat

- feed limited quantities, if any, pelleted food

- avoid rabbit mixes 

Pet Boarding / Minding Service

We would be able to help looking after your pet while you're away. At Casula Veterinary Hospital, we have a cattery which would enable to us to board your cat safely and securely. We would also be available to board small breed dogs in our kennel. Please click HERE to view our cattery information brochure.  Your pets would be looked after by our trained and qualified vet nurses during their stay and immediate veterinary attention and treatment would be available onsite if required. Therefore, our fully equipped hospital and trained staff would enable us to look after animals that require long term daily medication during boarding.  All the boarding animals would be fed twice daily with Royal Canin Diet.  We would require all boarding animals to be up to date with their annual vaccinations (minimum of C5 for dogs and F3 for cats), if you are unsure of your pet's vaccination status, please call and speak to one of our friendly nurses who can advise you on that.  For your large breed doggy friend, there are a few options with boarding / minding service 1. Adelar Pet Motel in Leppington, 9606 5955 2. Hanrob in Heathcote, 8508 3222 3. Don't Fret Pet - Pet Minding Service, 1300 307 021

Travelling with Pets

Here are some useful tips if you are thinking of travelling with your pets during the Easter break:

  

1. Planning your trip

- Means of transport and duration - air vs road

- Pets friendly accomodation

- Shopping for handy gadgets for your pet: water bottles, food & treats, toys, carry box, car harness, car seat covers, collar & leash, pet tags etc

- Training your pet to get used to the car eg fitting car harnesses on

- Plan your route and try to locate the nearest vet along the way just in case for any emergency

- Vet visit for a general health check and discussion:

i. to ensure animal is fit healthy for travel;

ii. to ensure using correct product to protect from tick paralysis esp visitation to the coastal areas,

iii. to see whether any medication (eg. sedation / anti-nausea) would make the trip more pleasant and less stressful to your pet

iv. get your animal microchipped as it is probably quite difficult for him/ her to find its way home if he /she gets lost

2. During your trip 

-  NEVER leave your pet in a car unattended as they can suffer from heatstroke and die

-  Stopping every coule of hours for a toilet break and a drink of water 

-  Rules and regulations

i. Police can fine a driver and issue dermit points if an animal is causing the driver to be not in full control of the vehicle, or if they are driving with an animal on their lap. The penalties are 3 demerit points and $344.

ii. The RSPCA can also issue fines under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act. If an animal is injured because it was unrestrained, owners face up to 6 months' jail and fines of up to $5500.  

Chocolate Toxicity

"A friendly reminder not to feed your pets chocolate".

 With the Easter season soon upon us, and the Easter bunny stocking up on yummy chocolate eggs it is important to remember that although these delicious treats are fine for us to eat, they are not ok for our pets at home; be it a dog, cat, bird or any other small animal such as a rabbit. Chocolate "dark, milk and white" contains a compound called "theobromine" which is a diuretic and a heart stimulant. As a heart stimulant and diuretic; chocolate if consumed will cause your pet to have many complications: excessive amounts of urine will be passed resulting in unusual thirst, vomiting and diarrhoea are commonly seen and most dangerously the heart will beat at an increased rate with possibly permanent heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Chocolate consumption can cause death in our pets even if a small amount is eaten, it's important therefore to remember that this means all forms of chocolate including cake, ice-cream, biscuits or any product that contains cocoa. To prevent chocolate toxicity in your pet always keep your sweets away from your pet's reach, do not leave chocolate products unattended with your pet and always seek veterinary attention if you feel your pet may have consumed a chocolate product.