Rabbits & guinea pigs

Handy hints on caring for rabbits and guinea pigs

Rabbits and guinea pigs make great first time pets. Once you have the proper set-up they are reasonably easy to keep by establishing a routine. They are docile, small creatures that you can train to be handled.

Both rabbits and guinea pigs are social animals so are much happier living with one or more companions.

Understanding your rabbit & guinea pig

Rabbits and guinea pigs live well in a hutch, setup in your backyard. They need a secure structure to protect them from neighbourhood cats, foxes and from the changes in weather. It is essential your hutch be separated into two compartments; an enclosed section for night time and a larger space for daytime activity. Daytime areas are generally made of mesh and timber so the grass can come through the bottom for your pets to nibble on. Lay down a thick layer of straw to create bedding in the night time compartment, this needs to be changed frequently.

It is important to keep your pet’s hutch in a clean condition for hygiene reasons; a thorough weekly clean is a good way to keep on top of this.

How to groom your rabbit & guinea pig

Grooming your rabbit and guinea pig should be something you do on a regular basis. As you brush you can remove vegetation that has been caught in their fur, any loose fur and knots. Gently handling them each day will get them used to human contact.

Feeding your rabbit & guinea pig

Being herbivores, a diet consisting of vegetables, fruits and food pellets is essential to maintain a balanced diet. Some vegetables are better for your pet than others so choose from a range of carrots, celery, broccoli, zucchini, spinach and sprouts to name a few. Fruits such as apples, melon, banana, grapes and pears are always a favourite meal. To keep your pets interested in their food, variety is essential. Always make sure the food you provide is fresh.

Food pellets, grass and hay also make for an integral part of a balanced diet and can be kept in a bowl in the hutch.

Drinking water needs to be on hand at all times and can be supplied through a drip feed bottle to keep it safe from spillage and contamination.

Training your rabbit & guinea pig

You can train your pet to come when it’s called by its name by following a few simple steps.

Get down on the same level, close to your pet.
Give them a treat, which is generally a piece of their favourite food.
Call out your pet’s name then "come".

If you repeat this process in short training stages regularly, your rabbit or guinea pig will start to connect receiving a treat with you saying their name and the word "come".

You'll love Coles Rabbit & Guinea Pig Mix

All your pet products and groceries delivered to your door

Rabbit & guinea pig products available at Coles

Peters RSPCA Rabbit & Guinea Pig Lucerne Pellets 2kg

Peters RSPCA Rabbit & Guinea Pig Crunchie Block 100gm

You'll love Coles Rabbit & Guinea Pig Mix 2kg