Spring has sprung into bloom and you might have noticed some of our smaller furry friends have an extra spring in their step! To keep our bunnies bouncing – here are a few tips for optimal care throughtout spring and into summer.
Feeding happy bunnies
Rabbits should be fed predominently hay (80-90%).
We recommend feeding the amount of hay which matches their body size as a guide! As well as hay they can be fed green vegetables and pellets as the remaining 10%.
If you are unsure what veg your bunny can eat have a look at the ‘Burgess guide to feeding happy bunnies’ online!
Keeping life fun and stress-free
As we spend more time in the garden with pets and kids during spring and summer holidays, it is important to ensure your bunnies have a stress-free place to hide should it get too busy in their space!
Tunnels and hides are perfect for bunnies to chill out in – after all their natural environment is underground burrows!
On top of this it’s important to ensure they are stimulated and happy. Providing enrichment like treat-balls, wooden block chews or a digging box if your bunny likes to dig!
Bedding
It is imperative that rabbits’ enclosures are kept clean and dry, replacing substrate regularly and poo-picking (especially in warm weather) is extremely important to avoid things like flystrike!
What is flystrike?
Flystrike (also known as myasis) is a condition that can affect any animal but unfortunately we see it mostly in rabbits and other small furries. Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs, maggots hatch from the eggs and feed on the rabbits skin and unfortunately this is often fatal within 24 hours.
How to avoid flystrike
- ensure rabbits and their environment are kept clean, flies are attracted to all things smelly!
- checking them thoroughly EVERY DAY. Because flystrike is so quick to cause devistation is incredibly important to check your bunnies bottoms and houses each day
- feed the correct diet – the diet will affect the consistency of your bunny’s poo. Softer poo is more likely to stick to rabbits fur and attract flies.
- ensure regular vet checks: dental disease and arthritis may impact grooming and therefore increase the risk of flystrike. It is important to discuss the treatment and management of these conditions if your bunny is affected.
Dealing with flystrike
Flystrike is an emergency!! it is imperative that you bring your rabbit to the vet if you think they are showing signs of flystrike or if you find eggs/maggots on their body or in their enclosure.
Signs to look for include inappetance, quiet behaviour, physical eggs or maggots.
Get in touch
As always, we are here if you need us. Please call us on 01825 864268 at any time of the day if you are worried.
