Rabbit Health
Rabbit Care in the UK — Diet, Housing, Vaccinations & Welfare
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
UK pet rabbits need a hay-first diet (85%+ hay), companionship, daily exercise, and annual vaccination against myxomatosis and RVHD. Housing must allow hopping and standing fully upright — a hutch alone is not enough. Register with a rabbit-savvy vet and check appetite and droppings twice daily.
Diet — hay first
Hay should be available at all times. Timothy or meadow hay suits most adult rabbits; alfalfa is generally for young rabbits under 6 months only.
| Food | Role |
|---|---|
| Hay | 85%+ of diet — dental wear and gut motility |
| Pellets | Small measured daily portion (avoid muesli) |
| Leafy greens | Introduce gradually — kale, parsley, coriander |
| Treats | Carrot and fruit sparingly — high sugar |
Sudden diet changes are a common trigger for gut stasis — one of the most frequent UK rabbit emergencies.
Housing and exercise
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) states that a hutch is not enough. Minimum welfare standards include:
- Hutch at least 6 ft (1.8 m) long with attached secure run
- Ability to stand on hind legs without ears touching the roof
- Daily supervised exercise in a safe area
- Shelter from rain, wind and direct sun
- Clean bedding changed regularly
Outdoor rabbits need predator-proof fencing and secure locks. Indoor rabbits still need a large pen and daily free-roam time.
Companionship
Neutered rabbits benefit from a bonded companion of compatible temperament. Introduce rabbits gradually on neutral territory. Solitary rabbits are more prone to stress, boredom and reduced eating.
UK vaccinations
Vaccinate against:
- Myxomatosis — spread by biting insects; often fatal
- RVHD-1 and RVHD-2 — highly contagious viral diseases
Kits can start vaccination from around 5 weeks depending on product and vet advice. Annual boosters are standard. Even indoor rabbits need vaccination — viruses can enter on shoes, hay or insects.
Daily health checks
Check every day:
- Eating hay and producing normal droppings
- Bright eyes and clean nose
- No maggots around the rear (flystrike — summer emergency)
- Teeth and weight at routine vet checks
Contact your vet the same day if your rabbit stops eating or produces no droppings for 12 hours.
Finding a rabbit-savvy vet
Not all practices see many rabbits. Ask whether your vet is comfortable with rabbit anaesthesia, dental work and gut stasis treatment. The RWAF vet list and local exotics referrals can help.
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What should UK pet rabbits eat?
- At least 85% of the diet should be good-quality hay (timothy or meadow). Add a small measured portion of pellets, fresh leafy greens, and fresh water daily. Avoid muesli mixes and sugary treats.
- Do rabbits need vaccinations in the UK?
- Yes. UK pet rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and both strains of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD-1 and RVHD-2). Boosters are typically annual — follow your vet's schedule.
- Can rabbits live alone?
- Rabbits are social animals. A neutered pair or bonded group is ideal. Solitary rabbits often show stress-related illness including reduced eating and gut stasis.
- How much space does a rabbit need?
- The RWAF recommends a hutch at least 6 ft long with attached run space allowing hopping, standing on hind legs, and running. Rabbits need daily exercise outside the hutch.