Did you know that despite being the third most popular pets in the UK, rabbits are still one of our most neglected pets.

A massive amount of pet rabbits live out their days in a rabbit hutch that is far too small for them and with no rabbit run so they have little or no exercise and no room to play. Some parents buy rabbits as presents for their children to give their children some responsibility. Unfortunately, as their children find new interests they end up being unwanted and dumped at rescue centres that are already bursting at the seams with rabbits.

Most rabbits owners who are cruel to their pet rabbit do so out of ignorance. They very often don’t realise they are doing anything wrong because they haven’t researched the needs of their rabbit before buying.

If you can rabbit proof your garden (ie enclose it securely at rabbit height) then your rabbit will really appreciate a good hop out in the freedom of the garden as often as possible. Rabbits love space, the more the better but don’t leave him on his own in the garden with nowhere to run for safety as if a cat or fox comes in he won’t be able to escape.

If this isn’t possible then look at rabbit hutches with either an under-run or ideally those with long rabbit runs attached to the front of the rabbit hutch where you rabbit can hop and skip to his hearts content. A happy rabbit is one who loves to hop around and kick his legs, a sad, depressed rabbit will hide in the corner of his rabbit hutch.

Here at ideas-4-pets, some customers have converted the outdoor cat kennels with large runs at the side into rabbit homes. This is an ideal solution if you have several rabbits and room in your garden to do it.

Whatever you choose, rabbit hutches should be of good quality timber as a thin plywood rabbit hutch will not provide enough insulation for your rabbit and he will be very cold and miserable throughout the cold winter months.

Rabbits are also very social creatures and new research has suggested that they should always be bought in pairs so that they have constant company. If you are unable to do this then always spend lots of time with your rabbit, handling him carefully and stroking him often so that he gets to love human contact. Never pick your rabbit up by his ears !! This is painful and dangerous (would you like to be picked up by your ears??)

Did you also know that rabbits are VERY clever and need to keep their minds active. They can learn their own name simple commands like “come here!” In fact rabbits usually enjoy training and are eager to learn more. It will also strengthen that special bond between you and your rabbit.

When you can’t spend time with your rabbit, then provide him with things he can roll or push along, tubes he can run through and under and things he can pull at and throw in the air or chew and nibble. When you have finished the toilet roll or kitchen roll, stuff the empty tube with hay, give him an old phone books to tear up, a flower pot, or cardboard boxes to go in and out of. Another good idea is to hand some vegetables on a string and suspend them above your rabbits head, this way not only will he have to work for his food but also stretch his legs in the process !!

But before committing to buying a rabbit remember that rabbits will dig holes on your lawn, dig in your flower beds, chew things, wee and poo, thump loudly with their back legs when they are stressed and generally destroy things. This is just rabbits being rabbits so if your garden is your perfect haven and your flower borders are neat and tidy and the weeds kept down with chemicals then reconsider having a rabbit - they may not be for you !!