Keeping Rabbits & Vaccinations
Your rabbit will need a roomy hutch and an exercise run that will allow it to stand up fully on its hind legs, plus allow plenty of room to hop around.
Place the hutch facing the morning sun. Make sure the rabbit has access to shade during the summer and is protected from the rain and wind during the winter.
Rabbits need lots of exercise and companionship. A hutch and exercise run is not enough – they also need time outside their pen every day as well as social time with you.
The RNZSPCA recommend the below Hutch requirements:
- An ideal hutch size of 3m (length) x 1.5m (width) x 0.75m (height).
- The hutch should connect to a run (as large as possible) to allow your rabbit to hop, run, jump and stand fully upright on their back legs.
- The sleeping area should be slightly raised off the ground and must be weatherproof and draught-proof.
- Strong mesh sides will allow air and light to enter.
- Your hutch must be predator proof, as dogs and cats can kill your rabbit.
- There should be areas to hide and play.
- There should be raised areas for your rabbit to sit on, sunbathe and look out.
- Digging is normal rabbit behaviour.
Some good Rabbit Websites:
These websites hold all sorts of information on caring for your rabbit.
The more you know, the more you can enrich your rabbit’s life. Some sites may have slightly differing information so use your discretion.
Calicivirus and Vaccinations
There is a vaccine available – FILAVAC.
The current vaccine Cylap covers the RHDV1-K5 strain (which is the strain that was already here, and the strain that was recently introduced), but does not protect against the strain that has just been found, RHDV2.
Rabbit owners who would like to vaccinate their rabbits will need to book an appointment with their veterinarian.
There are a number of practical steps people can take to minimise the risk to their pets. If you own rabbits, you should:
- Keep them separate from wild rabbits.
- Wash hands between handling rabbits.
- Control insects around pet rabbits as they can spread the virus between rabbits.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website has the most up to date information: MPI website for rabbits.
If you have any questions on the Calicivirus RHDV2 telephone MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz