---
title: "Rabbit Care in the UK"
description: "UK rabbit care guide: hay-first diet, hutch and run space, companionship, myxomatosis and RVHD vaccines, and when to call your vet."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-care-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-care-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Rabbit Care in the UK

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](https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/) and local exotics referrals can help.

## Related guides

- [Why is my rabbit not eating?](/health/why-is-my-rabbit-not-eating)
- [Rabbit gut stasis (UK)](/health/rabbit-gut-stasis-uk)
- [When to see an emergency vet](/health/when-to-see-emergency-vet-uk)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [RWAF — A hutch is not enough](https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk)
- [RSPCA — Rabbit care](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits)
- [PDSA — Rabbit advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25