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.

Rabbit Health

Rabbit Care in the UK

By Kaiser Khan, EditorPublished 1 June 2026Last updated 9 September 20264 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.

Key takeaways

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.
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.
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.

A wider perspective: animal rescue guidance and practical ways to help from the non-profit World Animal Rescue Network.

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.

A daily rabbit-care check you can actually use

An overflowing bowl does not tell you whether a rabbit is eating normally. Watch each rabbit, including bonded companions, and notice whether it is eating hay, moving comfortably and passing its usual droppings. Record a change rather than assuming the other rabbit ate the missing food.

The RSPCA advises that hay or grass forms the main part of the diet and remains available continuously, alongside clean water. Offer appropriate greens and measured pellets; introduce dietary changes gradually. A rabbit that stops choosing hay may have a health problem, so ask a vet rather than compensating with extra treats.

Check	Look for	Useful action
Eating	Each rabbit eating its usual foods	Contact a rabbit-experienced vet if intake changes
Water	Clean, accessible water and a working bottle if used	Check the outlet and refresh the container
Droppings	The rabbit’s usual amount and appearance	Describe changes and the time they started to your vet
Movement	Normal interest in surroundings and comfortable posture	Seek advice about pain, reluctance to move or unusual stillness
Environment	Dry resting space, shade and secure exercise access	Correct hazards and keep the area comfortable

This checklist helps you notice changes; it cannot establish that your rabbit is healthy. A rabbit that stops eating needs urgent veterinary advice. Do not wait until the next day, try human medicines or begin syringe-feeding without veterinary direction. Read rabbit gut stasis and keep your practice’s out-of-hours instructions where everyone can find them.

Sources & further reading

This guide draws on the publicly available UK advice listed below. Follow the links for the relevant guidance or the organisation's broader care resources.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Editorial sources and further reading (last updated 2026-09-09).

Continue exploring

Follow the connections between guides to explore related care and conditions.

Related guides

Guides that mention this topic

Also see symptoms, symptom checker, and poison guide.

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.