by Sonia Mcnichol

Created on: July 30, 2007   Last Updated: October 16, 2011

Rabbits are often considered to be an ideal first pet for children, because they are inexpensive and relatively easy to care for. The basic needs of rabbits are generally the same; they require somewhere to live, food, water and company.

Rabbits can either live outside in a hutch, or indoors in a cage. If outside, the hutch needs to be raised off the ground to protect it from damp, and will ideally have a separate sleeping area. Wood shavings (bought from pet stores) can be used to line the hutch or cage, and hay should be provided for bedding and eating. (Hay is better than straw as straw can irritate the rabbits' eyes.) In my experience, it is a good idea to line the floor of the hutch with newspaper first, so that everything can simply be lifted out when the hutch is cleaned.

Rabbits also like to have space to run around. It is possible to buy special outdoor runs, or you can simply let them have free reign on your garden. If doing the latter, make sure there are no places where the rabbit can escape and that any plants you don't want eaten are blocked off. Remember that rabbits dig too, so they may try to make a bid for freedom under a fence. Young rabbits will sample plants in the garden and if something makes them ill, they will avoid it. However, you need to be wary with older rabbits (from rescue centres etc). If they have never had the freedom to run around a garden, they may eat large amounts of the wrong plants and poison themselves.

It is also possible to raise house rabbits. They can be trained to use a litter tray in the same way as a cat and will quite happily hop around the house. However, young ones will try to chew everything and you need to watch them around electric cables.

Pet shops sell many different types of dry rabbit food. Rabbits like consistency, so if you've found a brand that yours likes, then stick with it. It is best to provide your rabbit with fresh dry food each morning and night, but be careful not to overfeed it. If your rabbit does not have access to a garden, it is also an idea to give them some fresh fruit or vegetables. Carrots and apples generally go down well, but you can experiment to see what they like. However, NEVER give them lettuce because they can't digest it and it will make them ill.

Water bottles can also be bought that fit to the side of the hutch or cage. These need to be refilled with clean water each morning and night.

Rabbits vary greatly in personality and size, so it is important to decide what you

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