Rabbits

Loosely, the breeds can be divided into two groups - the fur breeds (which then sub-divides into the normal fur, rex fur, the angoras and satin fur groups) and the fancy breeds. The fancy breeds vary from the Netherland Dwarfs (weighing about 1Kg) right up to the Flemish Giant, which can weigh 8Kg. Most pet rabbits are of mixed breed, with lyon heads becoming very popular. Rabbits are rarely aggressive and can make wonderful pets.

Most rabbits in the UK spend their lives in hutches with runs outside. However an increasing number are now kept as house bunnies. They train to litter trays very quickly and can be very clean companions. Rabbits do breed like....rabbits, so early neutering is advised. Like the herbivorous rodents, all their teeth continually grow (the incisors grow over 10cm per year) and so rabbits must have plenty of roughage to encourage chewing, appropriate wear and thus prevent overgrowth. To aid this, avoid leaving high quality pellets with them all day, so they are forced to eat larger amounts of lower quality hay, roots and greens. Lettuce is best avoided or given in very small amounts.