Rabbits are the third most popular pet in Spain, after dogs and cats, but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people adopt them believing they are easy, low-maintenance pets, when in reality they have specific and complex needs. A well-cared-for rabbit can live between 8 and 12 years, becoming a true lifelong companion.
Space and Habitat: The Most Common Mistake
The most frequent error when caring for rabbits is confining them to small cages. A rabbit needs space to run, jump and explore: at least 3-4 square meters of available surface is the minimum recommended by animal welfare organizations. Ideally they should have free access to a room or fenced area of the home for most of the day.
If a cage is used as a base, it must be large enough for the rabbit to make at least three horizontal hops and stand fully upright on its hind legs without touching the ceiling. Metal grid flooring is harmful to their feet; they must always have a solid surface. The cage should never be in drafts or direct sunlight: rabbits are very sensitive to heatstroke (temperatures above 25°C can be lethal).
Diet: Fiber Is the Key
A rabbit's diet should be based primarily on good-quality hay (timothy, fescue or meadow hay), which should represent 70-80% of daily intake. Hay is not a supplement — it is the cornerstone of digestive and dental health. Rabbits have continuously growing teeth that need the mechanical wear of hay to prevent malocclusion.
- Hay: available in unlimited quantities at all times.
- Fresh vegetables: 1-2 cups daily for a 2 kg rabbit. Most suitable are dark green leaves (chicory, endive, parsley, cilantro, basil). Avoid iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value), excess spinach (high in oxalates) and cabbage (gas).
- Pellets: only as a supplement, not a base. Maximum 1-2 tablespoons per day for an adult. Pellets with seeds, nuts or sweets are inappropriate.
- Fruit: occasionally and in small amounts (1-2 cm of seedless apple), due to high sugar content.
Water must always be available and fresh. Both spout drinkers and bowls are valid; bowls tend to promote greater consumption.
Health: Vet Visits and Common Diseases
Rabbits are animals that hide discomfort very well (prey instinct). By the time they show obvious symptoms, the disease is usually advanced. Annual vet check-ups are essential, and any change in behavior, appetite or droppings should be consulted without delay.
The most common diseases include:
- Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis): the intestine stops moving, usually due to lack of fiber, stress or dehydration. It is a veterinary emergency.
- Dental disease: molar and premolar malocclusion, often invisible externally. Progressive weight loss and reduced hay consumption are warning signs.
- Myxomatosis and VHD: viral diseases with high mortality. Vaccines are available and recommended even for indoor rabbits.
- Ear mite (Psoroptes cuniculi): mites that produce crusts inside the ears.
Behavior and Socialization
Rabbits are social animals that in nature live in groups. A solitary rabbit can develop chronic stress. The ideal is to adopt a neutered pair (male-female or two females). Neutering also eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, which affects 80% of intact females over 4 years old.
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits do not like being picked up: they prefer contact at ground level, where they feel safe. By respecting their way of interacting, they become very affectionate and expressive animals.
