So I have just brought a gorgous male rabbit please tell me all I need to know

[Dickorydockwhatthe]

... I'm in love with him already. However things have changed so much since I had a rabbit as a child. I kept a rabbit and a guinea pig together and they were fine although rabbit did bother her a bit. I never had them vaccinated or neutered. And I didn't have pet insurance. The pet shop didn't advise any of this either but said I could do. I can't decide if I want to keep him as a hutch rabbit or indoor rabbit. He is a mini lol eared rabbit and so beautiful. At the minute we are letting him run free range in the garden but I would like to get a run for when we are home but not watching just in case of the cats.

[FernieB]

They like company so try and get him a female friend but only when he's been neutered (about £50). Also you can't just get any female as they may not get on - they need to be bonded. If you go to a rescue they will have females (usually already neutered and vaccinated) and will bond them for you.

Feed him pellets not muesli - it's better for them. He needs annual vaccinations. Remember to check for fly strike especially in hot weather. He should be cleaned out daily if he's a messy boy but if he just poops in one spot then put a litter tray there and you can just clean that daily. He needs lots of hay - that's the main part if his diet and fresh water daily even if he doesn't seem to drink it.

Don't put him with a guinea pig - they don't speak the same language and rabbits can pass on a respiratory disease to guineas even though it doesn't affect rabbits.

He needs as large a hutch as you can afford plus a run. Be careful where you put it as they can dig out. If indoors be aware they chew everything. You need to provide him with rabbit safe chew toys anyway.

Get him used to being picked up as generally they don't like it. You'll need to clip his claws on a regular basis so you need him used to handling as they can bite or scratch if they feel unsafe.

There are lots of great websites. Look at RWAF and the RSPCA for info.

Can I ask how you ended up with him before you had the gear?

[psychicpaper]

Everything Fernie said, and please please get him a friend!

Maybe check out this website

[Dickorydockwhatthe]

My children really wanted a pet but I was unsure so we were looking at adoption as I wanted to rehome a rabbit but when we went back to look at them they had already been rehomed thankfully. Then I spotted this little guy who seemed to be getting bullied in his pen by the Guianea pigs so I asked if could hold him and fell in love. Our neighbour knows someone who is getting rid of another hutch so we may def get another rabbit for company. At what age is it best to get them neutered?? He is only 9wks.

[FernieB]

Well done for rescuing him from the pigs - the pet shop shouldn't have had him in with them.

Definitely get him a friend and go to a rescue to get him bonded. Make sure the hutch is big enough - check out the websites I mentioned. Find a good rabbit vet and phone and ask about neutering they would also advise about vaccinations.

Any more questions just ask or pop over to the 'small furry animals' forum where there are lots of rabbit friendly people about.